We have consistently prioritised safety as a fundamental aspect of our synthetic biology project. Our team has established comprehensive biosafety protocols to protect both our members and the broader community throughout our research process. This section details our safety procedures and policies, which align with iGEM's safety standards and Imperial College's institutional guidelines.
Our commitment to risk mitigation encompasses every phase of our project, from initial experimental design to day-to-day laboratory activities. We address potential biosafety issues through a multi-faceted approach that includes:
By maintaining these high standards, we have ensured a secure environment for innovation while upholding our responsibility to public safety.
To minimise risks, we made deliberate design choices, ensuring that all parts and organisms in our project comply with the iGEM White List. Our safety features include:
| Organism/Part | Risk | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|
| E. coli DH5α | Minimal risk; non-pathogenic | BSL-1 lab, PPE, proper waste disposal |
| E. coli BL21(DE3) | Non-pathogenic, recombinant protein work | BSL-1 lab, containment in biosafety cabinet |
| P. patens (wild-type) | Risk of cross-contamination via recombination | Transient expression only; strict containment |
| HRT2, DXS, IspG enzymes | Non-hazardous parts | Synthesized via DNA synthesis, proper storage |
Our project took place in two laboratory environments: the SynBio Centre and the Nixon Lab at Imperial College’s South Kensington Campus. These laboratories are equipped with professional and qualified facilities, ensuring that all experimental work was conducted in a secure and well-managed environment.
The SynBio Centre operates primarily as a Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) facility, with Room B605 designated as Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2). We worked with non-pathogenic microorganisms and follow all safety protocols set by Imperial College, including the use of PPE, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, and proper waste disposal systems.
The Nixon Lab (Room 705, Sir Ernst Chain Building) is a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) facility designed for advanced experiments involving higher biosafety risks or hazardous materials. It supports various synthetic biology applications, including the transformation of P. patens for rubber bioproduction.
All wet lab members of the team have undergone comprehensive biosafety and chemical safety training to ensure they were fully equipped to handle the experimental work safely and responsibly. This training covers essential laboratory practices such as proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), handling of biological and chemical materials, and emergency response procedures.
Team members also received specialised training for the use of equipment such as biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, and chemical fume hoods, with clear instructions on protocols to follow in case of spills or accidents. All lab activities were closely monitored by experienced researchers to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Managing biohazardous waste was a critical part of our laboratory safety protocol. All biological materials, including genetically modified organisms and any contaminated equipment, were handled and disposed of according to Imperial College's strict biosafety guidelines.
The steps involved in biohazard waste management include:
These procedures ensure that all biohazardous materials were neutralised before leaving the lab, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and maintaining a safe working environment for all team members.
