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Lambert-GA

Safety

Laboratory

Safety is a fundamental aspect of our experimentation, spanning from the wet lab to hardware applications. This page serves as a comprehensive guide outlining the safety measures implemented by Lambert iGEM to establish a secure laboratory environment.

Team Safety

  • Wash hands coming in and out of the laboratory.
  • Protect eyes, mucous membranes, open cuts, and wounds from contact with biohazard material.
  • Do not eat or drink when in the lab area.
  • Always use gloves and splash-proof goggles.
  • Tie back loose or long hair.
  • Disinfect all surfaces with 70% ethanol before working.
  • Disinfect all disposable tips, glassware, and tubes by soaking in 10% bleach solution for 20 minutes and then disposing in normal waste.
  • Dispose of growth plates by disposing them into a biohazard container which gets autoclaved.
  • Check all equipment for good working order: no chips, torn chords, or cracks. Report any issues to an instructor immediately.
  • When pipetting, do not touch the tip to the side of the container.
  • Do not lay caps of tubes upside down. Use masking tape to hold the bottom of the cabinet.
  • Clean work area with 70% ethanol after working.
  • Clean up all glassware and labware before leaving the lab.
  • Place all backpacks and stools to the side of the lab to keep walkways clear.
  • Always know the correct procedure for the disposal of lab materials.

Project Safety

Overview

Current detection methods for coronary artery disease (CAD) are costly and invasive. To address these issues, 2022 Lambert iGEM created CADlock: a more accessible, point-of-care screening tool that detects microRNA upregulated in patients with CAD. In 2023, we plan to further improve CADlock’s affordability, accuracy, and accessibility, ultimately increasing its inclusivity by targeting multiple microRNAs that can be measured conjointly with current diagnostic tools.

Wetlab

Nonpathogenic E.coli Chassis

E.coli StrainPurposePathogenicityHealth/Environmental hazards
BL21TransformationNonpathogenic-for lab cloningExtremely limited-Biosafety Level 1 Lab
DH5-alphaTransformationNonpathogenic-for lab cloningExtremely limited-Biosafety Level 1 Lab

Discarding Cells in the Field

A solution of 1% sodium hypochlorite and 70% ethanol will kill biosensor cells. Results show that a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution sprayed on the surface and let sit for 10 minutes will effectively remove all DNA, saliva, blood, semen, and skin cells from any smooth or pitted surface when wiped down with 70% ethanol afterward. However, sodium hypochlorite solution followed by ethanol can produce amounts of gaseous chlorine above recommended exposure levels. As a result, 1% sodium hypochlorite followed by distilled water was tested and proven to be effective as well (Kaye et al., 2015).

Software

We developed CADmir, a heart disease-related miRNA database that uses large language models (LLMs) to curate the current research on heart disease-related miRNAs. CADmir only uses open-access papers that allow for text mining from PubMed. To ensure proper usage of LLMs and AI, we used OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 to process all of our data and power CADmir. OpenAI uses safety measures like reviewing use cases and fine-tuning models to ensure GPT-3.5 is used properly (OpenAI, 2022). We also analyzed the outputed results to ensure that all information is true and comes from reliable sources.

Electronic Devices

Micro-Q and LabPilot were built and prototyped following proper safety precautions while working with the electronic devices. Whenever working with electronics such as the Arduino or an ESP-32 microcontroller, the devices are placed on antistatic materials. When using power supplies or AC adapters, we take precautions such as checking the devices for damage before use and making sure all liquids, food items, and potentially flammable materials are kept away. While soldering electronics, team members wear safety glasses, use electrically and thermally insulated gloves, and work in a well-ventilated and isolated environment. We utilized proper eye protection and thermal management procedures whilst working with LEDs to ensure our safety. After working with any electronic device, we make sure it is powered off, and disconnected from the power source; including removing batteries in certain devices.

Drills

To assemble the separate parts of LabPilot, Lambert iGEM used a drill. The drill has the potential to get tangled in personal belongings and to cause serious harm. Precautions

  • Wore PPE, including gloves and protective eyewear
  • Turned it off when not using
  • Tucked in all loose belongings

Glass Capillary Tubes

During the development of our capillary-tube based RCA assay, we used glass capillary tubes. These tubes pose a safety risk due to their potential to shatter and produce glass shards, which have the potential to pierce the skin and cause lacerations.

Precautions:

  • Handling tubes gently using tweezers to avoid direct contact
  • Wearing PPE, including eye protection and gloves, to cover skin and prevent injury

3D Printer

We prototyped Micro-Q and our frugal incubator using 3D printers, which pose potential safety risks because certain parts, like the plastic-melting nozzle, can heat up to 220°C. Furthermore, leaving the 3D printer unattended would be dangerous because its high temperatures could cause a fire.

Precautions:

  • Crash detection and heat overload software built into the printers
  • Team member or PI is present during printing to intervene in case of an accident

Human Practices and Education

Participants in all surveys provided signed consent for the release of their responses from themselves or a legal guardian. Additionally, participants in all events hosted by Lambert iGEM provided consent for photo and video release. Proper safety instructions and procedures were given during the in-person and virtual camp activities.

References

Ballantyne, K. N., Salemi, R., Guarino, F., Pearson, J. R., Garlepp, D., Fowler, S., & van Oorschot, R. A. (2015). DNA contamination minimisation–finding an effective cleaning method. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(4), 428-439. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/00450618.2015.1004195

National Institute of Health. (2014). Biosafety and biosecurity in the United States. Federal Select Agent Program. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/sites/default/files/research-training/usg-safety-factsheet-2014.pdf

OpenAI. (2022). Lessons learned on language model safety and misuse. Openai.com. https://openai.com/research/language-model-safety-and-misuse

Rochester Institute of Technology. (2019). 3-D Printer Safety. Retrieved from https://www.rit.edu/fa/grms/ehs/content/3-d-printer-safety.