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Time Constraint
The most significant constraint for this project is the time constraint. Big cloning projects like the one we are doing usually takes longer than expected due to the unpredictability of biologics. While we did our best to plan ahead of time and even started the project very early, we unfortunately had to cut the project short due to a coronavirus outbreak and instructions to pause all ongoing research.
Safety
The second constraint is safety issues. Handling virus and recombinant DNA poses a substantial health hazard to researchers. Furthermore, any escape of pathogens and engineered viruses from the lab can undermine public health and safety. We take our and other people's safety very seriously, so a series of engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use of personal protective equipment were implemented throughout the duration of the project.
Biocompatibility
The last constraint on the success of this project is biocompatibility. Viral vectors could trigger immune response in host cells. It is difficult to make a viral vector that has no immunogenicity at all, but we want to limit that immune response and make sure that the vector is not toxic to the host cells. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to test the vector’s biocompatibility until we successfully engineer the viral genome then test the vector on other cell lines or animal subjects.
Editor: Rebecca Tsai
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