biocontainment / containment of genetically modified or potentially hazardous organisms


 Goals & Rationale
Spread of genetically modified organisms has been discussed in two contexts:
A. Genetically modified crops
B. Genetically modified microorganisms

1973 Gordon Conference on Nucleic Acids recommended a moratorium on potentially hazardous experiments (such as some introducing antibiotic resistance) and requested NIH to form advisory committee for to evaluate hazards and develop risks/guidelines for recombinant DNA work

1974 Asilomar conference noted that containment, appropriate for the level of risk, should be a primary consideration in experimental design; for implementation, recommended:

Development of safer vectors and hosts

Laboratory procedures

Education and reassessment


Containment of genetically modified or potentially hazardous organisms is important to ensure public safety and health & avoid releasing potentially harmful agents into the environment.

Design & Requirements
Following recommendations of Asilomar conference:

A. Development of safer vectors and hosts; and evaluation of whether experiments involving potentially harmful agents are worthwhile, or if they can be conducted in a safer matter

B. Laboratory procedures: Train all workers on containment and emergency response

C. Education and reassessment

1. Continual reassessment of emerging topics and concerns in recombinant DNA or genetic engineering through conferences such as the Asilomar conference

Workshops on topics such as techniques for containment of engineered bacteria to the desired host/environment

On a lab level: Transparency among lab members when working with potentially harmful organisms; required lab training
On a larger scale: National/international conferences, outcomes of which should include suggested principles or guidelines for safer work.

Assumptions & Risks of Success
Holding conferences which discuss harmful organisms that have been used experimentally could also have the effect of spreading information about techniques for engineering these organisms which might not have been known before and can be used detrimentally.