In the context of our project reSkin, we designed and engineered, through the usage of synthetic biology the two essential components that constitute our hydrogel. The objective was to express resilin and the hyaluronic synthase A, which is responsible for the production of our second component, Hyaluronic Acid, in Escherichia coli Top10. Since the products of our genetically modified organisms were used to develop our hydrogel, no GMOs will be required outside the laboratory for this project. To ensure that our project complies with the relevant regulations, including those set forth by iGEM and those pertaining to German law, we consulted Dr. Mirko Himmel, a Biosafety expert from the University of Hamburg.

In the context of Synthetic Biology, it is of great importance to guarantee the safety of the scientist engaged in the laboratory work, as well as that of the surrounding environment and the general public. Accordingly, the entire wetlab team underwent safety training for laboratories with a biosafety level 2 classification, given that our laboratory is situated within the Kolbe group at the Centre of Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) in Hamburg. All team members using laboratory equipment received an introductory briefing from a member of the Kolbe group. The training encompassed a range of equipment, including fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, thermocyclers, centrifuges, -80 °C freezers, and precision scales. Only those who had completed the required safety training were issued a transponder, which gained them access to the laboratory. Consequently, only those with the appropriate training were permitted access to the laboratory and our research project. This ensured that only individuals with adequate knowledge of risk management and risk control were able to work on our project. The entire wetlab team was provided with personal protective equipment that conforms to the specified biosafety level, thus ensuring their safety during the course of their laboratory work. The standard laboratory procedures, including the production of SDS-PAGE and agarose gels, as well as the handling of bacteria, were discussed with both the wetlab team and our advisors to ensure the implementation of safe and effective working protocols.

In order to ensure the safe working practices associated with GMOs, a comprehensive safety training program was provided by the CSSB. Ampicillin resistance genes were implemented as selection markers to identify and isolate successfully transformed colonies. The utilization of antibiotics within a laboratory setting may potentially result in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance to wildtype bacteria in the surrounding environment. In order to minimize the former risk, the guidelines for working with GMOs were adhered to. This encompasses the appropriate disposal of live GMOs and the sterilization of all potentially contaminated reusable items via autoclaving.

In order to gain insight into the potential dual- and misuse of our project, we consulted Dr. Mirko Himmel, a safety expert at the University of Hamburg. The entire team participated in a dual-use workshop led by Dr. Himmel, during which he elucidated the issues surrounding the misuse of sensitive knowledge. Dr. Himmel prompted us to consider the potential applications of our hydrogel and to reflect on the possibility of environmental or human harm should it be misused. The team engaged in extensive deliberations regarding the potential for misuse and ultimately concluded that hydrogel is a preexisting substance. Consequently, if an individual were to misuse our project, it would not be due to any inherent flaw in our methodology. Dr. Himmel posited that any intended misuse could be accomplished without utilizing our hydrogel or its constituents. Consequently, we collectively determined that the probability of misuse in our project is minimal. Several team members participated in a safety workshop held during the BFH international meetup. We found that all techniques of the project are already widely established and thus do not present an additional hazard. All activities are conducted in accordance with the provisions outlined in the German Genetic Engineering Act (GenTG), specifically Article 1 G 2121-60-1 of 20 June 1990 I 1080. The products resulting from the use of (GMOs) are already present in a range of everyday products or occur in nature. It can therefore be concluded that the risk of misuse is slim, and that the project is being conducted in accordance with all relevant guidelines. (read more about the safety workshop at BFH here)

The issue of safety was accorded a significant and prominent position in the planning of the project. The biosafety and -security were discussed thouroughly within the research team, with the project's advisors and principal investigator (PI), and even with safety expert Dr. Mirko Himmel. Despite initial consideration of Bacillus subtilis for the hasA expression, the decision was taken to utilize E. coli strains. Following a comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of B. subtilis, the decision was made to not proceed with its use. B. subtilis is classified as a Biosafety Level 1 bacteria, similar to E. coli. However, it has the tendency to produce spores, which are challenging to neutralize. Dr. Mirko Himmel posited that it is imperative to ascertain the efficacy of decontamination procedures in laboratory settings by testing their ability to eradicate B. subtilis. It is also crucial to guarantee that no bacteria can survive the cleaning routines employed. Consequently, the decision was made to forego testing the elimination of B. subtilis and instead utilize E. coli for our project, given the team's familiarity with their handling. The laboratory in which the work was conducted is also not equipped to work with bacteria that produce spores. The decision to utilize E. coli was made based on its well-established reputation and the fact that the specific strains employed (DH5α and Top10) have been extensively characterized. Moreover, the members of the wetlab team had considerably more experience with E. coli, having received training in this area as part of their academic education.

Prior to the commencement of each workday, the surfaces and equipment to be utilized were meticulously cleaned with Optisept, a disinfectant. This safeguards both the researchers and the genetically modified organisms from contamination. To ensure the safety of the research team and the laboratory environment, at least two members of the team were present at all times.

The correct disposal of waste materials was treated with the utmost seriousness during the course of our laboratory work. The waste is classified as either contaminated or non-contaminated. Waste that is contaminated or potentially contaminated is placed in designated containers and subsequently autoclaved by institute personnel. The remaining waste will be disposed of in accordance with the laboratory's established protocols.