OVERVIEW
Our team worked towards making a user-friendly diagnostic kit that would give people from all strata access to a safe method of diagnosis. Throughout the entire journey of our project, we interacted with various experts who helped us create a safe and secure lab workspace. Ground-level research also helped us learn about the discarding methodologies and associated safety measures that must be taken care of while making a kit. The team also ensured that the organised public engagements followed all the COVID-safety protocols.
THE SAFETY OF OUR DESIGN
Initially, the team started working with a yeast internalisation-based approach and planned to genetically engineer the organism to internalise the selected biomarker.
The selected design was thoroughly analysed, and we realised we might have a biosafety concern associated with the same. Later, the team modulated the plan to make an aptamer-based in vitro technique for diagnosing PCOS.
Then we met Dr Vibha Ahuja, one of India's leading experts in biosafety. After discussing our project with her, we concluded that the aptamer-based in vitro approach was one of the safest methods to be incorporated into the diagnostic kit.
She credited our design with no potential hazards, which motivated the team to move further and design a discarding mechanism.
Figure 1. Our meeting with Dr.Vibha Ahuja
THE KIT SAFETY
Making the kit safe for the user was one of the project's primary goals. Hence our team approached Dr Vijayalakshmi Subramanian, who is part of the safety committee of IISER Tirupati. The discussions gave us insights into the need for a proper discarding procedure. We also learnt that users must be provided with a biowaste cover to dispose of the kit after use and then autoclave it if required because the microfluidic chip may contain blood samples, buffers, and other reagents after use which may pose biosafety issues.
The team contacted the nearby Primary Health Centre, pathological labs, and fertility clinics to understand the waste discarding mechanisms followed currently. After a complete review, we learnt about the various procedures and protocols.
Our microfluidic kit was created using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a commonly used material in down-the-drain applications which poses no threat to the environment. Also, from the talks with Vibha Ahuja, we understood that aptamer does not pose any biohazard risks. Hence our kit is safe.
We also planned to provide the user with a manual. This brochure would contain all the instructions regarding the usage of the kit and analysis of results. It would also contain an aftercare section explaining the diet plan and exercise routines to be followed.
LAB SAFETY
Our team worked with several experts,teaching assistants and PhD students in the labs to learn about lab safety and waste management protocols. IISER Tirupati also conducted lab safety sessions, including fire drills, to ensure that everyone knew about the dos and don'ts in an emergency.
Team iGEM IISER Tirupati actively participated in the training and learnt about the prescribed safety measures.
The team designed their lab safety poster and placed it in the lab to ensure that all the labmates were aware of the same. The team also translated the safety protocol to braille, which could aid the labmates with difficulty in vision to be aware of the suggested protocol.
DURING PUBLIC OUTREACH
The team was always connected with the stakeholders and organised multiple public engagement activities. During these events, the team always adhered to the COVID safety protocols by wearing masks and carrying out continuous sanitisations to maintain a safe environment.
The team always wanted to go for a zero waste approach during the outreach events, for which the team reused the old cardboard boxes and sticks to make placards and practised zero plastic usage during the public engagement events
