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General

We are working with two new (to iGEM) bacteria strains to pick our chassis from, Pseudomonas putida & Pseudomonas fluorescens. These bacteria are not able to produce any substance that might be harmful to humans.

Our modifications will enable the bacteria to break down and digest lactose. Again, this is not harmful to bacteria. The bacteria is usually found in oil sand tailings ponds, an environment where the ability to digest lactose is not of advantage due to the lack of lactose.

Any mutation to the biobricks we are using would just render them inoperative. It is highly unlikely that the bacteria would start producing harmful substances as a result of random mutation.

Overall it can be said that the bacteria don’t pose a risk to humans. The only risk they pose to the environment is the remote chance that they might outgrow un-modified bacteria. However, this can only happen in a lactose rich environment, which the oil sands tailings ponds are not. The media which the bacteria are in, the TPW, is more harmful than the bacteria due to the toxic substances like heavy metals and NAs.

Research Safety

All of the work is being done in level 2 Bio-safety labs. All researchers have received appropriate training and are aware of all applicable safety procedure and guidelines.

Public Safety

The idea is to design a kit which is extremely user friendly. One way to design it would be that the kit includes a test tube with the bacteria to which the TPW sample is added. If the user follows the instruction he won’t come into contact with the bacteria or the TPW.

Environmental Safety

We will determine the most suitable way to treat the samples in order to destroy the bacteria. The three options we are considering are autoclaving, addition of bleach (or other similar chemical) to the sample, and suicide genes in the bacteria.

Safety of Parts Submitted

A Statement from the Biosafety Officer

We have contacted our local Biosafety officer, who supports our project, and are currently waiting for an official statement of endorsement.