1. Would any of your project ideas raise safety issues in terms of researcher safety, public safety or environmental safety?
For our project, the only live organism we are using is the K12 MG1655 strain of E. coli, and all of our parts are also derived from this organism. This organism falls under Biosafety Level 1. Neither our strain of E. Coli nor the genes (aldB, frmr, xylr) are dangerous to humans, publics, or the environment. Only a very few strains of E. coli are dangerous, such as the O157: H7, but our particular strain, K12 MG1655, is not dangerous. Our strain is only capable of causing a mild stomach ache if ingested. E. Coli is also very common in the environment since it is found in the fecal matter of animals. However, soil, sand, and sediments in the environment can naturalize the E. coli. In our lab, we have an autoclave, incubators, Bunsen burners, and a thermocycler which can reach very high temperatures and is handled with extreme care. Only members of the faculty are permitted to use an autoclave, and although our lab is fitted to be a Level II lab, the students only use Level I materials and handle Level I organisms. Ethanol and bleach may damage the skin, so latex gloves should be used when handling these substances. In addition, ethanol is very combustible. We address these problems by always wearing proper safety equipment (lab coat, goggles, gloves, etc.) while being very careful around all laboratory equipment. Horseplay is not tolerated. Mark Adame, our faculty sponsor, requires all team members to read the CDC requirements and regulations for a Level I lab while showing them how to use Level I lab equipment. No harm to humans, publics, or the environment would occur if containment of the E. coli was lost. The risks from malicious misuse are very small; the only harm (a mild stomach ache) from E. coli would occur only if it is ingested.
2. Do any of the new BioBrick parts (or devices) that you made this year raise safety issues?
Unfortunately, due to the lack of funding, our team was unable to submit any standard biological parts, we but are close to finalizing biobricks that we will submit to the registry in the near future. We currently have three theoretical constructs of devices that pertain to three genes in E. coli that detect respective volatile organic compounds.
3. Is there a local biosafety group, committee, or review board at your institution?
There is no official Biosafety Committee or equivalent at our school. However, the team has followed all of the national regulations written by the CDC for a Level 1 lab.
4. Do you have any other ideas how to deal with safety issues that could be useful for future iGEM competitions? How could parts, devices and systems be made even safer through biosafety engineering?
In the future, we plan to create a biosafety review board at St. Mark’s to deal with any potential safety issues. This board will consist of the most knowledgeable and responsible faculty members who will know how to deal with any biosafety hazards and make decisions regarding the safety of procedures for the environment, the community, and the researchers.