Safety

At our laboratory, safety is our top priority. We implement strict protocols to ensure a contamination-free environment and minimize risks during experiments. Our team receives regular training on best practices and emergency procedures. Access to sensitive areas is limited to authorized personnel, and personal protective equipment is mandatory. Routine inspections help us identify potential hazards, fostering a culture of safety awareness and allowing us to focus on delivering reliable and accurate research results.

1: Cloning

In our experiments, we utilize NEB® Stable Competent E. coli (BL21 and DH5α) as our chassis. These microorganisms are classified as Risk Group 1, indicating that they are non-pathogenic and safe for use in educational settings, including secondary school laboratories. However, to ensure safety during handling, personnel are required to wear gloves and goggles while conducting experiments involving these strains.

2: SDS-PAGE

Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is employed in our project to analyze the binding interactions between each strand and the target RNA oligos. Given that the acrylamide used in this process is a neurotoxin, appropriate safety measures are enforced. Personnel must wear gloves, goggles, and masks when handling the acrylamide solution and gels. During the gel preparation, we utilize TEMED, which poses risks of digestive and respiratory tract burns. To mitigate these risks, we opt for pre-cast gels, ensuring a safer working environment.

3: Agarose Gel

Ethidium bromide, commonly used for DNA staining, is recognized as a carcinogen. To prioritize the safety of our laboratory personnel, we utilize SYBR Safe as a safer alternative for post-staining agarose gels. This choice significantly reduces health risks while maintaining effective visualization of DNA.

Lab Safety Measures

To ensure a safe working environment in our laboratory, several critical safety measures are strictly enforced:

• Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves and goggles are mandatory when handling bacteria and using hazardous chemicals to protect personnel from exposure.
• Clear Labeling: All containers containing hazardous chemicals and biological materials are clearly labeled, facilitating easy identification and ensuring proper handling.
• Fume Hood Usage: Experiments involving hazardous chemicals are conducted under a fume hood to minimize inhalation risks and ensure adequate ventilation.
• Prohibition of Food and Drink: Eating and drinking in the laboratory are strictly prohibited to prevent any potential contamination of samples and work areas.
• Hand Sanitization: All laboratory personnel are required to sanitize their hands after completing laboratory work to promote personal safety and prevent the release of contaminants beyond controlled areas.
• Regular Sanitation: Workbenches are sanitized with alcohol on a regular basis to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of contamination.
• Waste Disposal: Laboratory waste must be disinfected with a 1:49 diluted bleach solution prior to disposal, ensuring safe waste management.
• Supervision: All experiments are conducted under the supervision of a qualified teacher to ensure adherence to safety protocols and procedures.

Our ultimate goal is to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in our experiments, and we are committed to upholding these standards rigorously.