Biosafety Assessment

In the design phase of our project, we carried out a thorough safety assessment, covering the following aspects:

1. Risk Identification: We carefully evaluated potential risks associated with our project, including biological, chemical, and environmental hazards. This step allowed us to understand the possible threats and vulnerabilities our project might pose to researchers, the environment, and the public.
2. Risk Management: Upon identifying the risks, we developed and implemented targeted risk management strategies. These include adopting measures to mitigate potential risks, such as using containment protocols, ensuring proper handling and disposal of materials, and utilizing safe laboratory practices. Furthermore, we established comprehensive contingency plans to respond swiftly to any unforeseen incidents or accidents, ensuring both the safety of our team and the wider community.
By integrating these steps into our project workflow, we ensure that safety is prioritized at every stage of development and execution.


Laboratory Safety and Training

Our laboratories are well-equipped and maintain the highest standards of safety. The success of our experiments is largely attributed to our strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols. Before beginning our experiments in Beijing, we underwent comprehensive safety training from April to July. This training covered laboratory safety procedures and the proper use of equipment, ensuring that every team member was fully prepared. In addition, we had on-site instructors in the laboratory who guided us in safely operating various instruments and provided hands-on instruction. We strictly follow all safety regulations in the lab. This includes abiding by essential rules, such as prohibiting food and drinks in the laboratory, wearing lab coats and gloves at all times, and adhering to our instructors’ guidelines. Beyond this, we maintain rigorous cleanliness standards, ensuring that all equipment is properly cleaned and stored after each experiment, and the workspace is kept orderly. By following these stringent safety protocols, we have ensured that our experiments were conducted safely and efficiently, minimizing risks while achieving our project goals.


Material Safety
Acrylamide

Acrylamide is an organic compound that poses a risk to the human nervous system.

Utilization and risks: Acrylamide is a white crystalline chemical substance serving as the precursor for the synthesis of polyacrylamide. It is considered a moderately toxic compound capable of being absorbed via the skin or inhaled into the body through the respiratory system. The toxicity of acrylamide is predominantely neurotoxic, yet it also exhibits reproductive and developmental toxicity. Neurotoxic effects are evidenced by degenerative alterations in peripheral nerves and certain brain regions integral to learning, memory, and other cognitive processes. Additionally, studies have indicated that acrylamide possesses potential carcinogenic properties with cumulative toxicity that is not readily eliminated by the body's detoxification mechanisms.

Acrylamide has the chemical formula C3H5NO and exists as a white crystalline solid. It is soluble in water, ethanol, ether, and acetone, but insoluble in benzene and hexane. the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) released a list of carcinogens, which included Acrylamide.

ammonium persulfate

Hazard Category: Class 5.1 Oxidizing Substances Health Risk: These materials are irritating and corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes, potentially leading to rhinitis, laryngitis, difficulty in breathing, and coughing upon inhalation. Contact with the eyes or skin may result in severe irritation, pain, and in extreme cases, burns. Oral ingestion may induce abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Continuous exposure to the skin may provoke allergic dermatitis. Fire and Explosion Hazard: The substance is acidic and irritating, posing a risk of causing burns upon contact with the body.


ddH2O

Sterile, enzyme-free water, also known as DNase/RNase-free double-distilled water (ddH2O), is prepared from ultrapure deionized water that has been treated with diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) and subsequently subjected to autoclaving. no safety risk.


TEMED

This substance is a colorless, transparent liquid that is miscible with water, soluble in ethanol, and highly compatible with the majority of organic solvents. It predominantly serves as biological reagents, a crosslinking agent for epoxy resins, and an intermediate in the synthesis of quaternary ammonium compounds. Storing Method The product should be stored in a well-ventilated, cool storage facility, maintaining a temperature not exceeding 37℃. Ensure that the container is securely sealed at all times. It is imperative to store this substance separately from oxidizing agents and acids to prevent any chemical reactions; under no circumstances should they be mixed. Additionally, appropriate explosion-proof lighting measures should be implemented in the storage area. Highly flammable. Highly flammable. Highly flammable.

methyl alcohol

This substance is classed as a liquid with high flammability. Its vapors have the capacity to blend with atmospheric air, thereby creating explosive blends. Ingestion can result in toxicity, as can contact with the skin, and inhalation poses similar health risks. Prolonged short-term exposure to this substance may lead to severe health damage. Acute toxicity and irritation

As part of its commitment to delivering our sense of biosafety, Squirrel-Beijing-II has developed comprehensive resources in terms of safety training within the project. For further details, please refer to the following documents.