Team:Bio Without Borders/Safety
Safety
SiRNA
We will work with only non-pathogenic organisms in our lab. We are using Escherichia coli HT115 (DE3) to produce siRNAs that target several genes in the Diaphorina Citri that would interfere with its ability to propagate. When designing our siRNA we made sure that it does not have a complement strand in nature. So we made sure to run our siRNA genes through BLAST(basic alignment search tool) so that it is compared to other proteins or genes in the database. The siRNA will be targeting genes of the vector psyllids. This is important because we wouldn't want this siRNA affecting other animals not intended to be targeted.
Handling E-Coli
A key part of our project involves working with E-Coli K-12 and Escherichia coli HT115 (DE3). We ordered E-Coli K-12 strains from New England Biolabs(NEB) and we received our HT115 strains from University of Winsconsin. These cells are stored in a liquid nitrogen container. We try our best to keep these organisms from escaping the laboratory even if these strains are non-pathogenic. Each student wears gloves in the lab and they use proper glove removal techniques to prevent unwanted chemicals or bacteria getting on them. Before exiting the lab we must wash our hands using the lab sink to wash off any contaminants on our hands and contain everything in the lab.
Meeting with FBI
Biosafety training has been performed. Biosecurity training was performed by FBI Special Agent Larry Schmutz from the New York City Weapons of Mass Destruction Department. DIY labs can pose a threat to security as they can be hard to regulate sometimes. However, any red flags can be very quickly evaluated when the FBI are contacted. Normally DIY labs such as ours are not cause for concern. In fact, they encourage the work that we do, because small labs such as ours spread awareness of science and issues in the world to other communities of people.
