The genetically modified organisms(GMOs) are used widely in synthetic biology, however, the uncontrolled application of GMOs could lead to genetic contamination by horizontal gene transfer and would result in some unforeseeable risks. In order to avoid these possible challenges, our team developed meticulous laboratory regulations. All the rules mentioned below were followed strictly by team members, and all the experiments were carried out under the instruction of experts.

1.Dress properly. Wear lab coat and rubber gloves during the experiment. Do not short pants, dresses, or sandals in the laboratory.

2.Drinking or eating is prohibited in the laboratory.

3.No shouting and fighting during the experiment.

1.poplar DNA extraction & agrobacterium transformation

Liquid nitrogen is used in these processes to decrease the temperature and protect the DNA and agrobacterium. The extremely low temperature could cause injuries, so extra cotton gloves were needed outside the rubber gloves.

2.amplified linear gene validation&recovery

GoldenView is used in this process(for DNA staining). The solution is toxic, hence members needed wear plastic gloves to protect their skin from attaching the GoldenView solution.

3.E. coli transformation, plating, and picking bacteria

Escherichia coli is a bacteria, so there is a risk that it would cause contamination if it directly goes into humans’ exposed eyes or wounds. Thus, the behaviour of rubbing eyes or scratching itchy places with rubber gloves is inhibited during this process, and these actions could only happen when the gloves are taken off.

4.Target gene amplification-run PCR

The temperature inside the PCR machine is high. To avoid burns, do not touch the lid after running PCR.

Synthetic biology is still in its early stages though it has undergone a rapid development. The design of experiments involving gene editing and synthesis are not perfect owing to the limitations in technology, knowledge, and cognition.

Thus, the best way to reduce the risks in genetic engineering probably is keeping the genetically modified organisms in the laboratory until its safety is proven. And every problem with respect to biosafety, biosecurity, or ethics need to be discussed thoroughly before the organisms are applied to production and life.