Our team is working on exosome-mediated cell-to-cell communication in mammalian cells. All of our team worked in a BL2 lab with E. coli, and a about half the team also team worked in an adjoining BL2 tissue culture facility with Human Embryonic Kidney cells and Jurkat T Cels. These cell lines are uncontaminated, and we follow standard BL2 protocols to ensure our safety. Potentially hazardous chemicals, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), are handled according to recommendations listed on materials safety data sheets (MSDS). The team participated in 4 hours of classroom training administered by MIT Environmental Health and Safety and was closely monitored by a MIT EHS representative during all lab work. We were in compliance with local and national safety and lab-specific equipment regulations to avoid potential cross-contamination. All researchers donned personal protective equipment including gloves, laboratory coats, and eyewear when necessary. The number of team members working with mammalian cells was small in size and each individual was specifically trained by MIT EHS and adhered to the national and local safety protocols for mammalian interaction. Extreme care was taken so that there was no cross contamination between labs through the use of equipment and protective gear specified for mammalian work only.

We mainly used the mammoblock standard to create our parts, which allowed for safe storage of these parts. Since the mammoblocks use bacterial entry vectors, the mammalian parts can be stored in a BL1 setting, facilitating safer shipping and submission of parts. We hope that when future iGEM teams work with mammalian cells, they use the mammoblock standard to allow for coordinated and safer contribution of parts. Additionally, we rely on safe methods of nucleic acid delivery -- ensuring other teams will easily be able to transition to mammalian work in a safe manner.