Biological Safety Hazards
This experiment will require careful and proper handling of various biologics. The artificial blood substitute, while perhaps not as capable of transmitting disease to humans, should still be handled with the same care and precautions, with proper PPE and disposal methods as hazardous waste. The needles that are being used to supply the chip with the media from the syringe pump are sharp and should be handled carefully as to avoid injury. They should also be disposed of properly in a sharps bin. The cells that will line the collagen gel matrix should also be handled wearing proper PPE and stored in proper containers with proper labels.
Environmental and Chemical Hazards
This experiment also requires the proper use of dangerous chemicals. Liquid nitrogen will be used to freeze down the cells. Liquid nitrogen should be used in a well-ventilated area and transported/ handled carefully to avoid splashes and spills. Proper PPE should be worn at all times to protect the skin. Corrosive chemicals such as HCl and NaOH will be used to achieve a pH of 7.4 in the ECM. Proper procedure will be followed and proper PPE worn when handling, dispensing, and storing these chemicals. While the team attempted to mitigate any environmental impact of the experiment, we must still acknowledge that maintaining sterility in cell culture will require the utilization of many single use plastics (pipettes) and water (DI water, autoclaving, etc.). In addition, the cows used to make the artificial blood may contribute negatively to the buildup of gases in the atmosphere or be otherwise taxing on environmental resources. Finally, the chips will have to be housed in an incubator that requires constant power and CO2 supply.