Asylum Research Mice Metabolic Cage System

Overview

The Asylum Research Mice Metabolic Cage System is a precision-engineered, single-animal housing and metabolic collection platform designed for longitudinal, non-invasive monitoring of energy expenditure, nutrient utilization, and excretory physiology in murine models. Based on gravity-driven phase separation and anatomically optimized cage geometry, the system enables concurrent, quantitative 24-hour collection of urine and feces with minimal cross-contamination—critical for reliable assessment of renal function, gut microbiota metabolites, nitrogen balance, glucose homeostasis, and pharmacokinetic studies. The cage operates without external power or vacuum sources, relying instead on passive fluid dynamics and calibrated gravitational gradients to ensure reproducible sample partitioning across repeated experimental cycles. Its modular architecture supports integration into standardized vivarium workflows compliant with AAALAC International guidelines and NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) recommendations.

Key Features

• Patented dual-compartment design ensures complete physical separation of urine and fecal output via precisely angled floor grating (Ø1 mm aperture) and hydrophobic surface treatment, minimizing carryover and enabling accurate mass-based quantification.
• Tool-free, snap-fit assembly with six independently removable components—including feeding drawer, water bottle support, funnel collector, and waste receptacles—facilitates rapid cage turnover and reduces handling stress during animal transfer or feeding maintenance.
• Autoclavable polycarbonate construction withstands repeated sterilization cycles at 120°C for 20 minutes, maintaining structural integrity and optical clarity over >200 cycles; validated per ISO 11135 for sterility assurance in GLP-compliant preclinical studies.
• Ergonomic feed drawer slides smoothly along low-friction rails, allowing food replenishment without opening the main chamber—preserving environmental stability (temperature, humidity, CO₂) and reducing diurnal disruption to circadian metabolic rhythms.
• Integrated 880 mL graduated water bottle with silicone-sealed cap and drip-resistant spout provides stable hydration monitoring; volume readings are traceable to NIST-calibrated volumetric standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The system is validated for use with C57BL/6, BALB/c, DBA/2, and nude mouse strains (body weight range: 18–35 g). Cage dimensions (210 × 210 × 400 mm) conform to the European Directive 2010/63/EU Annex III space requirements for individually housed mice. All materials comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility testing and are free of leachable endocrine disruptors (e.g., BPA, phthalates), as confirmed by GC-MS analysis per EPA Method 8270D. Documentation includes full material safety data sheets (MSDS), sterilization validation reports, and batch-specific certificate of conformance aligned with ISO 13485 quality management systems.

Software & Data Management

While the base model operates as a standalone hardware platform, optional digital integration is available via third-party laboratory information management systems (LIMS) through RS-232 or USB-to-serial interface. When paired with Asylum Research’s optional Metabolic Data Logger Module (sold separately), the system supports time-stamped weight logging (±0.01 g resolution), automated urine volume tracking via capacitive sensing, and export of CSV-formatted datasets compatible with MATLAB, GraphPad Prism, and R statistical environments. Audit trails meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when deployed under validated SOPs.

Applications

• Longitudinal metabolic phenotyping in genetically modified mouse models (e.g., ob/ob, db/db, PPARγ knockouts).
• Preclinical evaluation of anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, or renoprotective compounds under OECD Test Guideline 407 (Repeated Dose 28-Day Toxicity Study).
• Urinary biomarker discovery (e.g., albumin-to-creatinine ratio, 8-OHdG, citrulline) requiring contamination-free sample integrity.
• Fecal metabolomics and microbiome-host co-metabolite profiling (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, bile acid derivatives) where mechanical homogenization must be avoided.
• Calorimetry calibration and validation against indirect calorimetry systems (e.g., Promethion, CLAMS) using nitrogen balance calculations.

FAQ

Is this cage suitable for long-term chronic studies exceeding 14 days?
Yes—validated for continuous use up to 28 days under IACUC-approved protocols, provided daily health monitoring and bedding replacement (every 48 h) are maintained.

Can the cage be used for pair-housing or group-housing experiments?
No—this model is strictly designed for single-animal metabolic isolation; for group-housed metabolic assessment, refer to the Asylum Research Multi-Animal Metabolic Array (MAMA) platform.

Does the system include calibration documentation for regulatory submissions?
Yes—each unit ships with a factory-issued Certificate of Conformance, including dimensional verification (CMM report), material traceability, and autoclave cycle validation summary.

What cleaning agents are recommended for routine decontamination between studies?
70% ethanol, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, or enzymatic detergents (e.g., Alconox® Tergazyme®); avoid strong oxidizers (e.g., peracetic acid) above 0.2% concentration to preserve PC lens clarity.

Is technical support available for protocol optimization in specific disease models?
Yes—Asylum Research’s Application Scientists provide complimentary consultation on cage adaptation for diabetic nephropathy, colitis, or cachexia models, including urine/feces collection timing, fasting protocols, and baseline normalization strategies.