When working with the HEK293T and CFBE41o- cell lines, it’s important to consider the minimal risks associated with their use. While not harmful on their own, the genetic modifications in HEK293T cells require careful handling to prevent accidental release or exposure. These cells, engineered to overexpress CFTR, including the F508del mutation, necessitate strict safety measures like regular monitoring and proper waste disposal to comply with S1 laboratory standards. Similarly, CFBE41o- cells, due to their genetic modifications and disease relevance, require careful handling to avoid cross-contamination and ensure biosafety.
<strong>Human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs):</strong> Human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) were harvested using a nasal brush, a minimally invasive procedure, and cultured in air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures to model the airway epithelium. Human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) were obtained using a nasal brush, a minimally invasive technique, and then cultured in air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures to model the airway epithelium. Using these primary cultures, derived from donors with airway diseases such as cystic fibrosis, we were able to simulate the in vivo conditions of such diseases.
<br/>Due to the sensitive nature of these primary human cells, we performed all experiments with hNECs in our S2 laboratory, where increased safety precautions were taken. This included strict safety controls, safe handling of samples and proper disposal of materials after testing. In particular, the hNECs underwent HHH (Triple H: HIV, HCV and HBV) testing to ensure that no contamination occurred during sample collection or experimentation. These tests included sterility testing, viability assessments and contamination testing to ensure the safety and integrity of both the samples and the laboratory environment. After a negative HHH test, the primary cultures can be treated as S1. In addition, the nasal epithelial cells were handled with the utmost care during collection, ensuring that all procedures were performed under sterile conditions to avoid any risk of contaminationFor this purpose, the intensive examination of ethical questions was fundamental and a constant companion of our project. The numerous results from the interviews in the areas of: Ethics, storage and training in the handling of samples have been summarized in a guideline for patient consent for Germany and are intended to provide iGEM teams with the scope, critical examination and observance of iGEM rules, international and national guidelines.
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<H4text="Checkin for Delivery "></H4>
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Our finished construct is designed to be delivered into the lung via an inhaler using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). To be more spezific a selective organ-targeting (SORT)- LNPs were developed to deliver mRNA specifically to the lung, with special measures taken to increase biocompatibility and safety. Since the LNP composition is very specific and also differs from other formulas, we submitted the LNP as a checkin:
