"

From 2011.igem.org

The objective of this project is to develop a rubber degrading bacteria, and as part of it a biosensor for this product detection, using genes from bacterias that degrade rubber as part of their natural metabolism and assamble them into an E. coli chassis. We want to obtain a characterized biosensor and a synthetic enginereed bacteria that will help us reduce rubber and its derivates such as latex gloves, preservatives and tires.

Biological sciences are a great tool for innovation and improvement of human society; nevertheless when the biosafety parameters are ignored, this area of research can become quite dangerous. We always have that idea present while working at the laboratory. We follow the rules stated at the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and according to the safety guidelines established by the Instituto de Fisiología Celular (IFC), part of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Furthermore, we work under the guidance of Dr. Soledad Funes, who is always ready to solve any doubts we have regarding the disposal of biological and non-biological wastes.

In our project is of outmost importance to consider the management and destination of the dangerous and toxic reagents, genetically modified organisms and other substances that may pose a threat to the environment and/or living beings. In the experiments we are performing, the presence of dangerous reagents is limited and therefore buffers can be easily disposed. As common practice, strong acids and bases are neutralized before disposal, and other reagents are disposed according to the manufacturer recommendations and to local laws and regulations. Regarding genetically modified organisms, we will be working with Escherichia coli DH5a that is not potentially pathogenic nor presents a health hazard neither to the researchers nor to the environment. According to GLP it is possible to handle this strain with the biosafety protocols of a basic laboratory (Level 1). Nevertheless, all the leftover media as well as the laboratory consumables used are autoclaved in order to prevent any uncontrolled propagation result of our work.

During the course of this project we always take safety measures in order to prevent any risk in the lab that may potentially lead to a hazardous accident. We believe that order and precaution are two basic principles for a good work in the laboratory: If one is able to foresee and prevent bad outcomes with good practices, a more efficient and safe environment can be achieved. This basic prevention measures can be, for example, the correct utilization of a fume hood when working with strong acids, bases and volatile substances; to handle cultures and media in a sterile atmosphere; the setup of an adequate space when working with a Bunsen burner; and the use of gloves, safety glasses and a lab coat in order to prevent exposure to chemicals.

iGEM Safety Key Questions

• Would any of your project ideas raise safety issues in terms of:
  • researcher safety,
  • public safety, or
  • environmental safety?
• Do any of the new BioBrick parts (or devices) that you made this year raise any safety issues? If yes,
  • did you document these issues in the Registry?
  • how did you manage to handle the safety issue?
  • How could other teams learn from your experience?
• Is there a local biosafety group, committee, or review board at your institution?
  • If yes, what does your local biosafety group think about your project?
  • If no, which specific biosafety rules or guidelines do you have to consider in your country?
  • Do you have any other ideas how to deal with safety issues that could be useful for future iGEM competitions? How *could parts, devices and systems be made even safer through biosafety engineering?

You can write a background of your team here. Give us a background of your team, the members, etc. Or tell us more about something of your choosing.	File:UNAM-ITESM Mexico City logo.png 200px
Tell us more about your project. Give us background. Use this as the abstract of your project. Be descriptive but concise (1-2 paragraphs)	File:UNAM-ITESM Mexico City team.png Your team picture
	Team Example

Home	Team	Official Team Profile	Project	Parts Submitted to the Registry	Modeling	Notebook	Safety	Attributions