Week 1 HW: Principles and Practices
Project Interest
I am interested in the application of synthetic biology to help address waste problems, particularly plastic and organic waste. I envision the use of microorganisms that can help decompose waste in a more environmentally friendly way. This topic interests me because waste is a real issue that we often encounter, yet it remains difficult to address effectively. Using a biological approach, I hope this technology can provide a more sustainable solution than conventional methods.
Governance Goals
Main governance goal: Ensuring the use of microorganisms for waste treatment is carried out safely and without negative impacts. Sub-goals:
- Preventing the uncontrolled spread of microorganisms into the environment.
- Ensuring safety for humans and ecosystems.
- Ensuring this technology is used for the public good, not for misuse.
Governance Options
Option 1: Regulatory Control on Engineered Microorganisms Purpose : Currently, the use of genetically engineered microorganisms still poses risks if released into the environment without controls. This option aims to ensure that microorganisms used for waste treatment do not cause harmful impacts. Design : Government regulators and academic institutions need to establish licensing regulations, conduct risk assessments, and oversee the use of microorganisms in open environments. Assumptions : It is assumed that all parties will comply with regulations and that regulators have the capacity to conduct oversight. Risks of Failure & Success : If regulations are too strict, research can be hampered. However, if successful, the use of microorganisms becomes safer and more controlled.
Option 2: Mandatory Biosafety Training for Researchers Purpose : To reduce the risk of human error in the use of engineered microorganisms. Design : Educational institutions and laboratories should require biosafety training for students and researchers before engaging in synthetic biology projects. Assumptions : It is assumed that training can increase awareness and compliance with safety procedures. Risks of Failure & “Success” : Training can become a mere formality if not supervised. However, if effective, the risk of laboratory accidents can be reduced.
Option 3: Technical Safeguards (Biological Kill-Switch) Purpose : Untuk mencegah mikroorganisme bertahan hidup di luar lingkungan yang dirancang. Design : Peneliti mengembangkan sistem biologis seperti kill-switch yang membuat mikroorganisme mati jika berada di kondisi tertentu di luar laboratorium atau sistem pengolahan limbah. Assumptions : Diasumsikan bahwa sistem kill-switch bekerja sesuai desain dan tidak mudah gagal. Risks of Failure & “Success” : Jika sistem gagal, mikroorganisme bisa menyebar. Namun jika berhasil, teknologi ini memberikan lapisan keamanan tambahan.
Scoring
| Does the option: | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhance Biosecurity | |||
| • By preventing incidents | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| • By helping respond | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Foster Lab Safety | |||
| • By preventing incident | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| • By helping respond | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Protect the environment | |||
| • By preventing incidents | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| • By helping respond | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Other considerations | |||
| • Minimizing costs and burdens to stakeholders | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| • Feasibility? | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| • Not impede research | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| • Promote constructive applications | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Prioritization of Governance Options
Based on the scoring above, I would prioritize Option 2 (mandatory biosafety training), supported by Option 1 (regulatory control). Option 2 is prioritized because it is relatively feasible, low-cost, and can be implemented early, especially for students and early-career researchers. One trade-off of this approach is that training alone may not fully prevent misuse or unintended consequences without clear regulatory oversight. Therefore, regulation remains important as a complementary measure. This prioritization assumes that participants will actively apply biosafety knowledge in practice. However, there is uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness of training without continuous evaluation and enforcement.
Ethical Reflection
Reflecting on my understanding of synthetic biology and its application in waste management, I realized that biological technologies can offer powerful solutions while also posing risks if not properly governed. One ethical concern that stood out to me is the potential environmental impact if engineered microorganisms are released unintentionally. There is also the issue of responsibility and accountability if such technologies cause harm. To address these concerns, governance actions such as mandatory biosafety training, regulatory oversight, and technical safeguards should be considered to ensure responsible and ethical use of synthetic biology.