Difference between revisions of "Team:Tokyo-NoKoGen/Safety"

     　<m2>------What is the risk of our project?-------<br></m2>

<m3>　　In our project, we expect the termites to eat the trehalase inhibitor, 3,3’-dkT, synthesized by our engineered <i>E. coli</i> on a solid medium. However, one of our possible problem is that <1>E. coli</i> on the surface of the termite’s body or legs may be carried outside of the trap and diffused. And termites have a habit to groom each other, so engineered <i>E. coli</i> can diffuse from a termite to termites.<br>  

At the end, the E. coli may potentially spread in the environment and affect the ecosystem by acting on other insects!<br>

　　To help prevent the unwanted spread of our engineered <i>E. coli</i>, we expect the future addition of a light-inducible lysis device. This lysis system would allow the E coli to grow well and produce the insecticide only under the condition at colony in the dark. However, <i>E. coli</i> that exits at the termite’s surface would die once it’s exposed to light. A possible arrangement may involve placing a colicin-E1 under the control of a light inducible CcaS/CcaR two-component regulation system.<br></m3>

<m2>Our training<br></m2>

All members are given a detailed training about basic lab safety, for example, how to handle reagents and equipment (autoclave, burners, etc.) safely. Every week, we have a short meeting to discuss any safety issues that come up. We also learn how to handle genetically modified organisms during experiments and how to treat before disposing them.<br>

 

<m3>Laboratory safety training requirements of our institution (Japanese only)<br></m3>

 

<m3>Dr. Akinori Koukitu is responsible for the biological safety at our institution.<br>

>Biosafety guidelines of our institution(Japanese only)<br>

http://www.tuat.ac.jp/‾idenshi/Japanese%20Files/Kitei_Folder/kitei.html<br>

>The regulations that govern biosafety in research laboratories. (Japanese only)<br></m3>

 

<m2>Risks of our project<br></m2>

 

<m3>The safety and health of team members or other people working in the lab will not be affected by our project.<br>

The only species we use is Escherichia coli, all of which are classified as risk group1 and they do not harm human health. <br>

But termites give the damage to buildings if they escaped from out cages. We used termites carefully in the experiment so as not to escape to the outside. And we took care of the condition of the termite, especially temperature. Our using termites have a potential to get wings. So we had to keep them under 25 ℃ at all times.<br>

To minimize risks to team members, we have a strict policy that anyone who enters the lab must wear goggles and lab coat, and anyone doing experiments also must wear gloves. Eating and drinking is strictly forbidden in our lab.<br>

To minimize risks to public health and environment, we ensure that all biological materials are promptly autoclaved after using and disposed of appropriately. Furthermore, we follow our University and country regulations and guidelines for collecting and disposing of any toxic waste generated; our facility have already been equipped to handle such wastes.<br>

Biological materials and reagents used in our experiments are never brought outside the laboratory.<br>

To minimize the risks of malicious misuse, the lab facilities are only unlocked when experiments are carried out, so our Biobrick parts and reagents cannot be stolen.<br></m3>

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