Brookfield FTP Series Sterile Polypropylene Feeding Tubes for Rats and Mice
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | FTP-22-25 to FTP-13-150 |
| Sterility | Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilized |
| Material | Medical-Grade Polypropylene Shaft + Medical-Grade Silicone Bulb Tip |
| Gauges | 22G–13G |
| Lengths | 25 mm–150 mm |
| Packaging | Individually Wrapped, Sterile Unit Dose |
Overview
The Brookfield FTP Series Sterile Feeding Tubes are precision-engineered intragastric administration devices designed specifically for reliable, low-trauma oral gavage in preclinical rodent studies. These tubes operate on the principle of controlled, gravity-assisted or syringe-driven delivery of test compounds directly into the gastric lumen—bypassing the oral cavity and esophagus to ensure accurate dosing volume and timing. Constructed with a rigid yet flexible polypropylene shaft and a soft, atraumatic silicone bulb tip, each tube is optimized to minimize mucosal abrasion, reduce the risk of esophageal perforation or tracheal misplacement, and support high procedural reproducibility across repeated dosing regimens. The design adheres to widely accepted best practices outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC, 2011) and supports compliance with institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) protocols requiring minimally invasive dosing methodology.
Key Features
- Medical-grade polypropylene shaft—chemically inert, compatible with aqueous, ethanolic, and low-concentration organic solvent-based formulations; exhibits negligible leachables per USP and cytotoxicity testing.
- Smooth, rounded silicone bulb tip (Shore A 30–40)—designed to prevent accidental tracheal intubation and reduce pharyngeal trauma during insertion; validated in vivo for reduced incidence of reflux and aspiration compared to non-bulbed alternatives.
- Pre-sterilized using ethylene oxide (EO) gas—each unit is individually packaged in ISO Class 7 cleanroom conditions and certified to SAL 10⁻⁶; sterility maintained for ≥24 months when stored per manufacturer instructions.
- Consistent wall thickness and inner diameter tolerance (±0.02 mm)—ensures predictable flow resistance and bolus delivery kinetics across batch lots, critical for pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies.
- Color-coded gauge indicators (printed on hub) and laser-etched length markings—facilitate rapid size identification and depth-of-insertion verification under standard vivarium lighting.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
These feeding tubes are routinely used in GLP-compliant toxicology studies, regulatory submission–supporting PK/PD trials, and mechanistic pharmacology research involving rats (20–500 g) and mice (15–40 g). Tube selection is weight- and anatomy-dependent: e.g., FTP-22-25 for neonatal or immunocompromised mice; FTP-18-50 for adult Sprague-Dawley rats; FTP-13-150 for large rat strains (e.g., Göttingen minipigs require custom sizing—consult technical support). All models meet ISO 10993-1 biocompatibility requirements for short-term mucosal contact (≤24 h), and documentation packages include EO residual reports (<2.5 ppm), extractables profiles, and material traceability down to polymer resin lot level. Compatible with standard Luer-lock syringes (1–10 mL) and automated liquid handlers equipped with gavage modules.
Software & Data Management
While the FTP Series is a manual physical device, its integration into digital study workflows is supported via standardized annotation fields in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) such as LabArchives and Benchling. Each sterile unit carries a unique alphanumeric lot code enabling full traceability from manufacturing to animal-level dosing log entry. When used in conjunction with compliant data capture systems, tube lot numbers, operator IDs, animal IDs, dose volumes, and time stamps can be aggregated for audit readiness—fully aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements where applicable. Certificates of Analysis (CoA) and sterilization validation summaries are available upon request in PDF or CSV format.
Applications
- Single- or repeat-dose oral toxicity studies (OECD 407, 408, 422)
- Bioavailability and bioequivalence assessments in rodent PK models
- Neuropharmacology studies requiring precise CNS-targeted compound delivery without first-pass metabolism interference
- Microbiome modulation experiments involving live bacterial suspensions or prebiotic formulations
- Development and validation of novel nanocarrier systems (e.g., liposomes, polymeric micelles) where gastric stability must be assessed
FAQ
Are these feeding tubes suitable for long-term indwelling use?
No. The FTP Series is intended for acute, single-use oral gavage only. Indwelling or chronic administration requires surgically implanted cannulas meeting ISO 15223-1 labeling and ASTM F748 mechanical performance standards.
Can I autoclave these tubes to reuse them?
No. Autoclaving degrades the silicone bulb tip and compromises polypropylene dimensional stability. Reuse violates IACUC ethical guidelines and introduces cross-animal contamination risk.
What is the shelf life after opening the sterile pouch?
Once opened, the tube must be used immediately under aseptic technique. Do not store partially used or exposed units for subsequent procedures.
Do you provide custom lengths or gauges outside the listed FTP series?
Yes—custom configurations (e.g., tapered tips, radiopaque markers, or alternate polymer blends) are available under NRE-supported development agreements for qualified preclinical CROs and pharmaceutical sponsors.
