Jiayuan DXL-D Rodent Metabolic Cage System for Rats

Overview

The Jiayuan DXL-D Rodent Metabolic Cage System is an engineered solution for longitudinal, non-invasive collection of separated urine and fecal output from laboratory rats over extended periods (24–48 hours). Based on gravitational phase separation principles, the system employs a precision-machined conical collector and integrated funnel architecture to ensure complete physical segregation of urinary and solid excretory fractions—eliminating cross-contamination without reliance on absorbents, filters, or vacuum assistance. Its modular design supports repeatable, standardized metabolic monitoring in pharmacokinetic, toxicological, endocrinological, and nutritional intervention studies where quantitative excretion data are critical for dose-response analysis and biomarker validation.

Key Features

• 15-component modular assembly enabling rapid disassembly, sterilization, and reconfiguration—each part labeled and dimensionally consistent for traceable maintenance.
• Secondary feed trough integrated into the pull-out drawer mechanism prevents food spillage into waste zones, maintaining dietary integrity during chronic dosing protocols.
• Calibrated 250 mL water bottle with anti-evaporation cap and ±0.5 mL volume markings enables precise fluid intake quantification per animal.
• Conical separation chamber directs urine via laminar flow into a dedicated, removable 250 mL collection vessel; feces fall vertically through a 12 mm aperture into a separate, sealed container beneath.
• All contact surfaces fabricated from medical-grade polycarbonate (ISO 10993-compliant), offering high impact resistance, chemical inertness to common solvents (e.g., ethanol, 70% isopropanol), and optical clarity for visual inspection.
• Stainless steel support frame (304 grade) ensures structural stability during transport and long-term cage stacking; compatible with standard IVC rack systems (300 mm depth footprint).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DXL-D system accommodates Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, and Long-Evans rats weighing 200–500 g. It meets baseline requirements for OECD Test Guidelines 407, 408, and 422, and supports study designs aligned with FDA Guidance for Industry: Nonclinical Pharmacokinetics (2020) and EMA CHMP Guideline on Non-Clinical Safety Studies (2022). While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025, its dimensional repeatability (<±1.2 mm tolerance across 50 units), material traceability (batch-certified PC resin), and documented cleaning validation protocol (autoclave cycle: 121°C, 20 min, 15 psi) facilitate audit readiness under GLP Annex III and 21 CFR Part 58. Urine collection vessels are compatible with downstream LC-MS, ELISA, and clinical chemistry analyzers.

Software & Data Management

The DXL-D is a hardware-only platform with no embedded electronics or firmware. All quantitative outputs—urine volume, water intake, and feed consumption—are manually recorded using calibrated tools and entered into institutional LIMS or electronic lab notebooks (ELN) such as LabArchives or Benchling. To support regulatory submission, users are advised to implement dual-entry verification workflows and timestamped digital logs for each collection interval. Optional integration with third-party weight-monitoring modules (e.g., Sable Systems TR-1000) allows synchronized mass-tracking of excreta, though such configurations require external validation per ICH M10.

Applications

This metabolic cage is routinely deployed in:

• Preclinical assessment of diuretic, antidiuretic, or nephrotoxic compounds via 24-h urine volume, creatinine clearance, and electrolyte profiling.
• Nutritional metabolism studies tracking nitrogen balance, glucose excretion, or bile acid kinetics under controlled dietary regimens.
• Neuroendocrine research requiring simultaneous measurement of corticosterone metabolites (in urine) and fecal pellet counts as stress indicators.
• Toxicology screening where fecal consistency scoring and occult blood detection inform GI toxicity endpoints.
• Pharmacodynamic modeling of sustained-release formulations where urinary drug/metabolite ratios correlate with systemic exposure.

FAQ

Is the DXL-D compatible with automated urine sampling systems?

No—the DXL-D is a passive, gravity-fed mechanical system. Integration with peristaltic pumps or fraction collectors requires custom manifold adaptation and must be validated for flow-induced turbulence that may compromise separation fidelity.

Can the cage be autoclaved?

Yes. All PC components withstand standard autoclaving (121°C, 20 min, saturated steam). Avoid prolonged exposure above 130°C to prevent microcracking. Stainless steel supports are fully autoclavable without degradation.

What is the recommended cleaning protocol between animals?

Rinse with deionized water, soak in 2% Alconox® detergent (pH 9.5) for 15 min, ultrasonicate at 40 kHz for 10 min, rinse three times with purified water, and air-dry in laminar flow. Validate residual detergent removal via conductivity testing (<1.5 µS/cm).

Does the system meet AAALAC International housing standards?

It complies with AAALAC’s “Metabolic Caging” expectations (Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Ed.) when used within approved IACUC protocols specifying maximum duration (≤48 h), environmental enrichment (e.g., nesting material in feeding drawer), and daily health monitoring.

Are replacement parts available separately?

Yes. Individual components—including conical separators, urine collection bottles, feed drawers, and water bottle caps—are stocked with full part-number traceability (e.g., DXL-D-SEP-01, DXL-D-URINE-BTL-250). Lead time: 5–7 business days ex-Beijing warehouse.