During the iterative process of developing our project, we received feedback from professors in the chemical engineering department, experts in the field of cellular synthesis, and from graduate students studying synthetic biology. Many issues arise when considering using bacterial chassis for public use. In our case, students would be exposed to E. coli.
BACTERIAL EXPOSURE
Our strain of E. coli, K12, is non-harmful to humans. It is considered a "lab strain" and cannot survive in the human digestive system nor produce toxins. We also used the Ward Scientific Effects of Solar UV Radiation on Cells Lab Activity Kit to test the user experience, design analysis, and safety of an existing product on the market. From this, we have included items in our educational kit that will aid in a successful and safe experiment.
UV EXPOSURE
UV exposure can be very harmful. Our project studies the effects of UV on cells, specifically the induction of the NER mechanism. However, prolonged exposure will cause cell death. In order to design our project, we needed to test our control and engineered plasmids with UV exposure. To minimize the risk, we limited exposure to only when it was necessary, and used protective covers and face shields.
Figure 1: Set-up of UV exposure.
SAFE LAB WORK
Our lab is a certified Biological Safety Level 1 laboratory handling non-pathogenic organisms with minimal risk to lab personnel and the environment. Before beginning work in our lab in the basement of the Northwestern's Technological Institute, each member of our team underwent preliminary laboratory safety training through Northwestern’s Office of Research Safety (ORS).
Our lab followed standard microbiological practices and standard chemical safety procedure, including proper handling, storing, and disposal of acids, flammables, sharps, and biohazards, as well as the use of PPE when doing wet lab work. Laboratory safety procedures were demonstrated at the start of experimentation by our graduate student advisors.
