Panlab Oxylet Animal Metabolic Phenotyping System

Overview

The Panlab Oxylet Animal Metabolic Phenotyping System is a modular, research-grade platform engineered for comprehensive, non-invasive, and long-term monitoring of energy metabolism and behavioral physiology in rodents. Based on the principles of indirect calorimetry, the system quantifies whole-animal energy expenditure by precisely measuring oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER = VCO₂/VO₂) under controlled airflow conditions. Coupled with high-resolution behavioral tracking—including feeding, drinking, locomotor activity, and rearing—the Oxylet system enables integrated phenotypic profiling aligned with standards for metabolic research in preclinical models. Designed for continuous operation over days or weeks, it supports both acute and chronic study paradigms in compliance with GLP-aligned data integrity requirements.

Key Features

• Modular architecture allowing independent or concurrent deployment of respirometry, ingestive behavior, and activity modules
• High-precision gravimetric feeding and drinking monitoring: ±0.02 g (food) and ±0.01 mL (water) resolution, with spill-compensated trough design to eliminate measurement artifacts from spillage
• Configurable multi-channel airflow control (2–4 channels), with digitally regulated flow rates from 0 to 20 L/min per cage—optimized for both sedentary and hyperactive states
• Standardized Allentown Caging Equipment (ACE)-compatible cages, autoclavable and fully compatible with IACUC-approved housing protocols
• Dual-species adaptability: uniquely engineered sealed lid system adjusts internal cage volume to maintain optimal gas exchange kinetics for both mice (20–30 g) and rats (200–500 g)
• Multi-axis activity sensing: infrared beam arrays (X/Y/Z planes) for locomotion event detection, plus optional ceiling-mounted IR thermal displacement sensor for total movement quantification—even in complete darkness
• Integrated rearing detection via vertically oriented IR beam pair, enabling ethologically relevant assessment of exploratory vertical behavior

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Oxylet system is validated for use with standard laboratory strains of Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus housed in individually ventilated cages (IVCs) or static caging systems. Cage dimensions conform to NIH Guide and AAALAC International recommendations for space allowance and environmental enrichment. All hardware components—including platforms, lids, and troughs—are constructed from medical-grade stainless steel and autoclavable polymers, supporting repeated sterilization without performance degradation. Data acquisition meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness through audit-trail-enabled software logging, electronic signature support, and time-stamped raw data archiving. The system facilitates compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements when paired with calibrated gas analyzers and mass flow controllers.

Software & Data Management

Oxylet Control Software provides experiment setup, real-time visualization, and automated calculation of key metabolic parameters including VO₂, VCO₂, RER, energy expenditure (EE, kcal/h), and heat production. EE is derived using the Weir equation: EE = [3.815 + (1.232 × RER)] × VO₂ × 1.44. Raw analog signals from O₂ (photo-diode-based paramagnetic sensor) and CO₂ (NDIR detector) analyzers are digitized at 10 Hz with <0.01% full-scale accuracy. METAACT software module enables advanced behavioral analytics—temporal pattern recognition, bout analysis, circadian rhythm decomposition, and cross-parameter correlation (e.g., feeding onset vs. locomotor surge). All datasets export to CSV, MATLAB (.mat), or HDF5 formats for integration into institutional data lakes or statistical pipelines (R, Python, GraphPad Prism).

Applications

• Preclinical evaluation of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome models
• Pharmacodynamic assessment of anti-obesity therapeutics and mitochondrial modulators
• Circadian metabolism studies requiring multi-day continuous recording under controlled light/dark cycles
• Nutrient preference assays (dual-diet or dual-fluid paradigms) with temporal resolution down to 1-second intervals
• Exercise metabolism integration via treadmill-synchronized respirometry modules
• Neonatal rodent energetics using low-flow, high-sensitivity configurations
• Behavioral phenotyping in neurogenetic models (e.g., anxiety-related rearing, hypoactivity in depression models)
• Toxicology and safety pharmacology studies requiring longitudinal metabolic stability assessment

FAQ

Can the Oxylet system simultaneously monitor both mice and rats in the same experiment?
Yes—the adjustable sealed lid allows dynamic volume calibration per cage, ensuring consistent gas residence time and analytical sensitivity across species.
Is the system compatible with existing vivarium infrastructure?
All cages meet ACE specifications and integrate seamlessly with standard rack systems, IVCs, and facility HVAC constraints.
How is data integrity ensured during extended recordings?
Hardware timestamps are synchronized to GPS-referenced NTP servers; all analog inputs undergo continuous self-calibration checks, and raw sensor outputs are archived alongside processed metrics.
Does the system support GLP-compliant study execution?
Yes—software includes user role management, electronic signatures, change logs, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails for regulatory submissions.
What level of technical support is provided post-installation?
Panlab-certified field application specialists deliver on-site validation, SOP development assistance, and annual performance verification services.