During our project the only bacteria we used were several Escherichia coli strains that were on the white list. Namely, we used TG1 for the most part of the summer. At the beginning we used DH5 alpha for our cloning experiments but since TG1 strains showed faster and better results we made the switch. We used the W3110 strain for our swimming tests. Finally, we used single-gene knockout strains from the Keio collection for some HPLC and swimming tests.
As for viruses, we only used a P1 bacteriophage for our transduction experiments.
When we were researching Scale-up opportunities for our project, we realized that releasing genetically modified bacteria into an open system is reckless and unsafe. Bacteria can easily transfer resistance to antibiotics from one strain to another by horizontal gene transfer or even disturb the local flora and gravely affect the ecosystem. Therefore, our process could only be applied in extremely controlled conditions. Thus, we decided to insert our process into existing roadside vegetation and rainwater treatment systems.
Before the beginning of the competition, all of the team members followed a well-being and safety formation with Chantal Socia, a dedicated member of the Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires [http://lism.cnrs-mrs.fr/ (LISM)]. Every day, each member used a waterless hand cleaner before and after experiments. Benches were disinfected with bleach and one bench was dedicated for BET visualization procedures. Lab coat was used every time, gloves were used for molecular biology (e.g., Plasmid DNA Purification, PCR) and biochemestry (e.g., Electrophoresis), glasses and mask were used for procedure such as prelimary HPLC protocol (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) or gel extraction. Biowastes and chemical wastes were sorted in the respect of the lab rules. Laboratory hood were only used for HPLC derivatization reaction step.
No safety problems have been encoutered in sending DNA parts to the Registry.