Safety

Safety

01

Biosafety of the probiotic
Lactococcus lactis MG1363

Although we will control the population size of the engineered bacteria, the selection of chassis organisms still requires a certain level of safety. The skin microbiome is a delicate balance between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, and current research on it remains limited, meaning that randomly selecting a bacterium may not be entirely safe. Furthermore, some studies have indicated that when this balance is disrupted, it can lead to certain skin diseases or slow down wound healing. Therefore, we have decided to use the probiotic Lactococcus lactis MG1363 as the chassis organism for genetic engineering, and this strain is on the iGEM whitelist.

Regarding safety, probiotics for topical skin use have already been applied in commercial cosmetics and in the clinical treatment of certain skin diseases, so we believe it will not pose any harm to humans. This strain has undergone a series of safety tests, has been applied clinically, and has passed certain stages of evaluation. Additionally, some research suggests that probiotics may have the potential to stabilize or restore the balance of the human skin microbiome, as well as enhance the host immune system. This can strengthen the immune barrier and promote natural wound healing, so we hope can take the suggestions concerning the stabilization of skin microbiome into our future work.

02

Training

Before entering the laboratories, we have followed the related rules outlined in the “Regulations Governing Management of Infectious Biological Materials” in Taiwan. Personnels in bio-laboratories should attend at least 8 hours of basic education and training courses on bio-safety and bio-security in the first year, and they should pass the tests for these basic education and training courses.

All iGEM NTHU-Taiwan wet lab members have participated in the following Laboratory Education and Training Courses provided by the Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety and Health Center at National Tsing Hua University:

  1. General Safety and Health training (3hr)

  2. Education and Training for Dangerous and Hazardous Chemicals (3hr)

  3. General Education Training for Toxic Chemicals (3hr)

  4. Biosafety Education and Training (4hr)

  5. Biosecurity Education and Training (4hr)

03

Prof. Chih-Cheng Huang's Lab

04

Prof. Jian-Ming Huang's Lab