Scientific research, especially in molecular biology, carries certain risks and dangers associated with the materials and methods used as well as originating from the research subjects. However, regulatory frameworks are in place to address these risk factors, enforcing standards of practice which minimize the risks and enabling generally safe laboratory environments. In the pursuit of our project the iGEM team Freiburg 2017 complied with all applicable safety regulations and guidelines.

Picture 1: iGEM team Freiburg 2017 member loading a midori green stained agarose gel in a designated gel area.

All team members received general lab safety instructions from Dr. Nicole Gensch. This included usage of protective equipment, safe behavior in the laboratory and emergency procedures. For our production of stable cell lines lentivirus production and infection of cells was performed in a S2 (German biosafety level 2) approved area of Prof. Schamel's laboratory at the BIOSS, who also provided a few team members with the required safety training.

Picture 2: S2 work performed with special safety precautions by a team Freiburg student in a S2 approved area.

Our work with genetically manipulated organisms was appropriately documented to fulfill S1 (German biosafety level 1) standards and where applicable preregistered with the regulatory government agency (Regierungspräsidium) and approved for S2 in accordance with the genetic technology law (Gentechnikgesetz).

Furthermore all requirements of the iGEM competition concerning safety were fulfilled. The required safety form was completed and as our project involved parts not on the whitelist, applications were submitted for these parts.