Abstract
We are pleased to introduce this themed issue of Applied Biosafety that focuses on evidence-based biosafety. The articles in this issue provide evidence of risks associated with common laboratory supplies and procedures, identify where biosafety knowledge and gaps exist, and provide evidence-based recommendations for reducing risk. This includes both an original article and review articles that demonstrate exposure risk and gather and consolidate information from research and review articles to inform biosafety decisions.
A compilation of four articles published by Blacksell and a technical working group of biosafety professionals describes a Biosafety Research Roadmap (BRM) project to support laboratory biological risk management and improve laboratory sustainability by providing an evidence base for biosafety measures derived from scientific and clinical research dispersed throughout the literature. The lead article in this issue, “The Biosafety Research Road Map: The Search for Evidence to Support Practices in Human and Veterinary Laboratories,” describes the methodology and research strategy of the project, summarizes key knowledge gaps for the pathogens reviewed, and lists applied biosafety and biosafety infrastructure priorities.
The three additional articles in this issue by Blacksell et al. review biosafety evidence and identify potential gaps regarding the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, laboratory-associated infections, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies for specific pathogens. Pathogens covered include Bacillus anthracis and Brucella melitensis (BRM bioterrorism/zoonotic group), SARS-CoV-2 (BRM respiratory group), and Shigella species (BRM miscellaneous group). Future issues of Applied Biosafety will feature additional pathogens including those in the BRM viral hemorrhagical fever group.
In “Viral Replicon Systems and Their Biosafety Aspects,” van der Meulen, Smets, and Rüdelsheim provide a comprehensive review of viral replicons, their use, potential biosafety risks of replicons originating from positive- and negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses, and strategies for minimizing replicon-associated risks. They describe risks associated with genomic integration and persistence within the host cell, effects on off-target cells, and recombination events leading to replication competent viruses.
Risk mitigation strategies discussed include but are not limited to using bipartite helper RNA system, limiting sequence homology between genetic elements, and avoiding packaging of genetic elements coding for structural proteins in viral replicon particles.
Wyneken et al. conducted a study to measure the frequency of splashes produced from opening snap-cap tubes and determine whether any method of opening the tubes was superior at preventing splashes and aerosols compared with other methods. Droplets released as a result of opening tubes were demonstrated and quantified using Glo Germ™ and a black light. Each method was associated with splash, some quite high, highlighting the importance of containment, personal protective equipment, and knowledge of decontamination procedures.
The articles in this issue of Applied Biosafety provide much needed evidence-based biosafety information that can be used by individuals and institutions during the risk assessment process. These articles are available online by our publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers at (https://home.liebertpub.com/publications/applied-biosafety/661/overview).