Safety
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.
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.
Nonpathogenic E.coli Chassis
E.coli Strain | Purpose | Pathogenicity | Health/Environmental hazards |
---|---|---|---|
BL21 | Transformation | Nonpathogenic-for lab cloning | Extremely limited-Biosafety Level 1 Lab |
DH5-alpha | Transformation | Nonpathogenic-for lab cloning | Extremely limited-Biosafety Level 1 Lab |
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).
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.
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.
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
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:
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:
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.
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.