Genetically manipulated organisms

Classification by End Use Chemical reactors are typically used for the synthesis of chemical intermediates for a variety of specialty (e.g., agricultural, pharmaceutical) or commodity (e.g., raw materials for polymers) applications. Polymerization reactors convert raw materials to polymers having a specific molecular weight and functionality. The difference between polymerization and chemical reactors is artificially based on the size of the molecule produced. Bioreactors utilize (often genetically manipulated) organisms to catalyze biotransformations either aerobically (in the presence of air) or anaerobically (without air present). Electrochemical reactors use electricity to drive desired reactions. Examples include synthesis of Na metal from NaCl and Al from bauxite ore. A variety of reactor types are employed for specialty materials synthesis applications (e.g., electronic, defense, and other). 

Additional safety regulations, which are not discussed here, apply to certain areas of work, notably the use of radioactive materials, genetically manipulated organisms, and pathogenic microorganisms. 

Australian Intellectual Property Office, "Australian Patents for Microorganisms Cell Lines Hybridomas Related Biological Materials and Their Use and Genetically Manipulated Organisms" (2001) (available www. ipaustralia.gov. au). 

Regulations covering the use of genetically-manipulated organisms in the UK and USA and elsewhere are described in Chapters 1-5. 

There are no claims made for the containment levels of commercially available cell disrupters. Again it is recommended that such devices should be investigated. Until such time as data are available, the authors recommend that when disrupting pathogenic or genetically manipulated organisms, this should take place in an area of secondary containment or with local exhaust ventilation. 

ACGM (1987). Guidelines for the Large Scale Use of Genetically Manipulated Organisms. ACGM/HSE/Note 6. 

Lauter, E Grohmann, L. Staesche, R. Test kit and procedure for the quantitative detection of DNA from genetically manipulated organisms in food using fluorescence-coupled PCR. Ger. Offen. DE 19906169,2000. 

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