Safety
Our safety measures
Individuals not directly involved in the experiment are not permitted to approach or touch the experiment benches. Additionally, the lab space is strictly off-limits to other students when no teacher or lab technician is present.
Heavy Metal Management
All stocks of heavy metal salts are securely stored out of reach of student members. Only diluted heavy metal salt solutions are handled by students during experiments. The concentrated stock solutions are managed exclusively by teachers or lab technicians in a designated area, such as a fume cupboard, to ensure safety and minimize exposure.
Microorganisms Monitoring
Our project uses non-pathogenic E. coli as host organisms. All media, including agar and broth, are closely monitored by teachers and supervisors for unwanted microorganism growth. If contamination is detected, the media will be sterilized and disposed of by a lab technician.
Surface Decontamination
All work surfaces in the laboratory must be cleaned with ethanol spray to prevent contamination of specimens and to minimize the spread of harmful chemicals to lab personnel and the environment.
Chemical Waste Disposal
All used equipment (e.g., micropipettes, tips) and bacterial waste are sterilized prior to disposal. A laboratory technician is responsible for directing and coordinating the safe handling of chemical waste.
Personal Safety and Hygiene
Eating and drinking are strictly prohibited in the laboratory area. Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and laboratory coats must be worn at all times when handling chemicals, specimens, and bacterial waste. Used gloves should be disposed of properly, and hands must be washed thoroughly after completing lab work.
Health Monitoring and Reporting System
The health of all lab members is continuously and carefully monitored by the teachers. Any abnormal conditions or sickness must be reported to the teachers and supervisors immediately. Individuals who are ill are not permitted to conduct any experiments to ensure the safety of both the individual and others working in the lab.
Safety Information
A designated "safety corner" is maintained in the laboratory, containing all necessary safety information and resources. All wet lab members are briefed on laboratory rules, potential hazards, and emergency procedures.
GMO Containment
We utilize disinfectants, such as 70% ethanol and bleach, to inactivate genetically modified organisms. Media that has come into contact with any GMO will be treated by placing it in bleach or disinfectant for at least 4 hours, in accordance with the Hong Kong Education Bureau’s guidelines on conducting biotechnology experiments, before disposal.
Future Planning for Real-World Application of Our Biosensors
To prevent unintended spreading or survival of genetically modified organisms in the environment, a kill switch will be incorporated into the biosensor design. This genetic safety mechanism will trigger the self-destruction of the GMOs under specific conditions, ensuring environmental safety.
Using a Cell-Free Expression System
To eliminate the risks associated with live organisms, we plan to transition to a cell-free expression system. This system allows for the detection of heavy metals without using living cells, reducing the potential for contamination or uncontrolled organism release.
Ensuring Good Containment in Our Hardware Device
We will design hardware that maintains strict containment of any GMOs or reagents. The device will include sealed compartments and mechanisms to prevent any leakage or release of GMOs into the external environment.
Making an Auto-Disinfecting Function in Our Hardware
To further enhance safety, we plan to incorporate an automatic disinfecting function into the hardware. This system will use chemical disinfectants or UV sterilization to regularly sanitize the internal components, ensuring that no harmful materials are released after use.