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General Safety
Our laboratory, the Synthetic Biology and Biofabrication Lab from the Department of Biochemical Science and Technology at National Taiwan University, operates under both Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) and Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions. As a research lab dealing with both non-pathogenic and low-risk pathogenic organisms, we enforce stringent safety protocols to safeguard both personnel and the environment.
Lab Equipment and Facilities
- Biosafety Cabinets (Class II): Essential for safely handling pathogenic microorganisms in a contained environment, protecting researchers and preventing contamination.
- Laminar Flow Hoods: Used for non-pathogenic microorganisms, providing a sterile environment crucial for aseptic techniques.
- Autoclaves: All materials, including biological waste, are sterilized after experiments to ensure that no microbial contaminants escape the lab.
- Cold Storage: Biological samples, chemicals, and reagents are stored in freezers (4°C to -80°C), with careful temperature monitoring to maintain the integrity of sensitive materials.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Lab members are required to wear PPE depending on the biosafety level:
- BSL-1: Lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles are mandatory to prevent direct contact with chemicals or biological materials.
- BSL-2: Additional protective equipment, such as face shields, is worn when handling potentially pathogenic strains to prevent accidental exposure.
Waste Disposal and Decontamination
- Waste segregation: All waste is categorized into biohazard, chemical, and general waste. Biological waste is autoclaved and disposed of in accordance with institutional regulations.
- Regular decontamination: Workspaces and equipment are cleaned with disinfectants, and all surfaces are sterilized before and after experiments.
- Sharps disposal: Glassware and sharp objects are disposed of in designated sharps containers to prevent injuries.
Training and Safety Protocols
All lab personnel must complete mandatory environmental safety and health courses, organized by the Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety and Health Center at NTU, including:
- General Safety Education Training: Covers workplace safety regulations, occupational health, and lab safety guidelines.
- Emergency Response Procedures: Includes fire safety, first aid, and spill containment.
- Specialized Safety Training Required for personnel working in biological, chemical, and radiation labs.
The training program ensures that all personnel are fully aware of the risks and equipped to handle emergencies, maintaining a safe and secure research environment.[1][2]
Equipment Usage
Only trained personnel are permitted to operate instruments such as PCR machines, centrifuges, incubators, and spectrophotometers. For BSL-2 equipment, specific training on pathogen handling and containment is required.
Continuous Education and Compliance
- Sustainability in research: Personnel are educated on developing sustainable research methods and are expected to comply with environmental laws and safety regulations.
- Regular audits: The lab undergoes regular safety checks to ensure compliance with both institutional and governmental biosafety standards.
Project Safety
In our iGEM project, we use E. coli strains for recombinant spider silk protein production and other synthetic biology applications. Depending on the nature of the modified organism and the associated risk, our experiments are conducted in either BSL-1 or BSL-2 conditions.
Containment Measures for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Aseptic handling: All manipulations involving GMOs are conducted in biosafety cabinets (BSL-2) or laminar flow hoods (BSL-1).
- Sterilization protocols: Both BSL-1 and BSL-2 environments enforce autoclaving of all microbial cultures, glassware, and media after experiments
- Kill-switch mechanisms: Genetically modified organisms are designed with kill-switch mechanisms to prevent their survival outside the lab environment.
Safe Disposal of GMO Waste
- BSL-1 waste: GMO waste is autoclaved before disposal.
- BSL-2 waste: In addition to autoclaving, liquid waste is treated with chemical disinfectants before disposal. Solid waste is disposed of in biohazard bins according to regulations.
Risk Mitigation
- Preventing contamination: Strict protocols are followed to avoid cross-contamination between GMOs and wild-type organisms.
- Horizontal gene transfer: Techniques are employed to minimize the exposure of recombinant DNA to the external environment.
Emergency Response in BSL-1 and BSL-2 Labs
All lab members are trained to handle emergencies, including spills of microbial cultures and accidental exposure to GMOs or pathogens.
Compliance with Regulations
The NTU-Taiwan iGEM team follows strict guidelines set by the Environmental Protection & Occupational Safety & Health Center of National Taiwan University, ensuring responsible and ethical handling of GMOs in both BSL-1 and BSL-2 environments. [3]
