For our experiment we intentionally chose to use Escherichia coli (E. coli) (DH10B), because it is a non-pathogenic strain commonly used in synthetic biology. All the genetic parts we utilised, including PETase and Cutinase enzymes, derive from naturally occurring organisms and are used under control conditions. Therefore they don’t pose a danger to humans, animals or plants. Lastly, we went over the experimental process multiple times and ensured that all chemicals used were relatively safe, while we took it upon ourselves to get familiar with their disposal protocols.
When in the lab, we made sure to follow all standard measures to protect both ourselves and our working space. To begin with, we wore gloves and lab coats, at all times, to protect ourselves from potential exposure to biological and chemical materials. Moreover, we used sterile tools and worked in a biosafety cabinet when handling bacterial cultures, in order to avoid contamination. On top of that, all biological and chemical waste was disposed of according to institutional guidelines.
As we mentioned before, our team values bioethics and biosafety. As a result, before designing and conducting our experiment, we read through relevant issues and papers. These included the following:
- Sateesh, M. Kumar's Bioethics and Biosafety (2013) provides an in-depth examination of ethical concerns and safety protocols related to biotechnology, highlighting the importance of regulation in scientific research and innovation.
- The Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Escherichia coli strain from Sigma-Aldrich and Zoetis which provide safety and handling information for E. coli. They outline the potential hazards, including any risks associated with exposure, recommended safety measures, first aid procedures, and proper disposal methods. The SDS also provides details about storage requirements, physical and chemical properties, and regulatory information to ensure safe use in laboratory environments.
1. Wollman, Penina P. "Biotechnology-A Bioethical and Legal Dilemma." NYL Sch. J. Hum. Rts. 6 (1988): 157. Sateesh, M. Kumar. Bioethics and biosafety. IK International Pvt Ltd, 2013.
2. Sigma-Aldrich. Safety Data Sheet: Escherichia coli K12 Strain (EC11303). Sigma-Aldrich, https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/GR/en/sds/sigma/ec11303. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.
3. Zoetis. Safety Data Sheet: Escherichia coli Bacterial Extract. Zoetis, https://www.zoetisus.com/content/_assets/docs/vmips/safety-data-sheets/escherichia_coli_bacterial_extract.pdf. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.