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Team:Cornell/project/safety
From 2013.igem.org
Researcher Safety
Specific Safety Concerns
Our project involves regular use of ethidium bromide, a DNA-intercalating agent known to cause cancer, as well as the use of powerful UV light, for visualization of gel electrophoresis. We must prepare culture media with antibiotics, which could be harmful to humans in large doses. We also work with ethanol lamps to maintain a sterile environment, which do involve having an open flame on the benchtop.Chassis Organisms
The wet lab subteam regularly works with a non-pathogenic strain of E. coli; as part of our project this year, we are also working with two fungal species, Ganoderma lucidum and Cochliobolus heterostrophus, as well as Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Aspergillus niger, to a limited degree. These are all Biosafety Level 1 organisms and are therefore safe to work with within our existing lab space; however, these all require special precautions. Fungi, for instance, can release spores that can be irritating to eyes, skin and lungs, and damaging if inhaled or ingested in significant quantities.
Novel Coding Regions
None of our novel coding regions pose a threat to researcher safety; however, genes such as those for chitinase and antifungal selection markers could be harmful if released into the environment. We must therefore use care to ensure that our engineered organisms do not escape the confines of our lab space.
