Our laboratory in the Kolbe group at the CSSB is classified for biosafety level 2 (BSL2) although we only conducted experiments at BSL-1 level. In order to guarantee a safe work environment, all guidelines and requirements of the German legislature were followed (GenTG [1]). Before starting experiments in our wet lab we had safety training teaching us everything important to keep ourselves and our environment safe. We learned about the proper handling of GM-organisms, chemical safety, correct waste disposal, and personal protective equipment. Furthermore we learned how to act in the case of an emergency and where to find the emergency exits, the eyewash stations, emergency safety showers, fire extinguisher and first aid kits. Our work will fully comply with the iGEM safety and security rules, as well as The German Genetic Engineering Act (Deutsches Gentechnikgesetz, Article 1 G 2121-60-1 of 20 June 1990 I 1080 (GenTG)).
But safety is not just about how we conducted our practical work in the lab, but also about what that work actually consisted of. With this in mind we focused on designing a safe project that could not be misused. Designing a detection tool for pathogenic bacteria through phage induced split ribozymes, challenged us on different levels. Especially due to the planned application outside a laboratory. So we tried to find the safest solution for our project design. We decided to work with well known low risk level E.Coli bacteria.
For the possible work with phages, although they are harmless to humans, we had to consider different options to reduce the risks as far as possible. For this, we also consulted with experts in this field to design a hardware which may be used in clinics or doctors offices. As our phages go through the lysogenic phase, they do not immediately kill their host. Therefore it is important to sterilize the material used for detection thoroughly to ensure no phages and no pathogens get accidentally released into the environment. For this an autoclave can be used. During all design phases of our project we talked to our secondary PI Dr. Mirko Himmel, an expert for biosecurity, and made sure that we minimized the potential risk that our project could be misused. Overall, our idea poses very little risk and has very little potential for abuse, despite the fact that we provide a novel gene-regulation technique that can be applied to a variety of projects that may not be as concerned with biosafety and security as we are.
We took correct waste disposal very seriously to protect our already polluted environment. When you work with GMOs an appropriate waste disposal is essential. Biological agent contaminated waste had to be disposed of in extra trash cans, which were then autoclaved. Same with genetically modified materials, they were collected in a closed designated bin and autoclaved before final disposal. Solid waste was separated into carcinogenic, toxic and other waste.