Jiayuan DXL-DJMC Rat Metabolic Cage with Integrated Refrigerated Urine Collection System

Overview

The Jiayuan DXL-DJMC Rat Metabolic Cage with Integrated Refrigerated Urine Collection System is an engineered solution for longitudinal, non-invasive metabolic monitoring in preclinical rodent studies. Designed specifically for Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, and other standard laboratory rat strains (200–500 g), the system implements gravity-driven, anatomically optimized separation of urine and feces using a precision-machined conical funnel and dual-path collection architecture. Unlike passive ambient cages, the DXL-DJMC integrates a solid-state thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling module that actively maintains urine collection vessels at a stable 4 °C—critical for preserving labile analytes such as catecholamines, corticosteroids, nitric oxide metabolites, and unstable peptides during extended 24–72 h collection periods. The system complies with core principles outlined in OECD Test Guidelines 407, 408, and 422, and supports GLP-compliant study execution when paired with validated data recording protocols.

Key Features

• Active refrigeration: Semiconductor-based cooling module ensures consistent 4 °C storage within urine collection reservoirs—minimizing enzymatic degradation and bacterial proliferation without condensation or frost formation.
• Fecal–urine segregation: Patented conical separation chamber and angled drainage geometry prevent cross-contamination; validated via dye-tracing and gravimetric recovery tests (>98.7% separation efficiency).
• Modular, tool-free disassembly: 16-component design enables rapid cage breakdown for cleaning, sterilization, or component replacement—no adhesives or permanent fasteners used.
• Animal welfare–optimized feed and water delivery: Dual-tier feed tray prevents food spillage into excreta zones; removable drawer-style feeder minimizes handling stress; calibrated drip-feed water bottle includes anti-evaporation cap and ±0.5 mL volume graduation.
• Material integrity: All wetted and structural parts fabricated from USP Class VI-certified polycarbonate—resistant to autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min), gamma irradiation (25 kGy), and repeated UV-C exposure without hazing or hydrolysis.
• Low-noise operation: Thermally managed Peltier assembly and passive airflow design yield <10 dB(A) acoustic output—measured per ISO 3744 at 1 m distance—ensuring minimal auditory disturbance in barrier facilities.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DXL-DJMC accommodates single-housed rats up to 500 g with unrestricted ambulation and natural posture. Urine collection vessels (250 mL PC bottles) feature threaded, leak-tight caps with silicone gaskets meeting USP elastomer specifications. All components are free of leachable bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, and heavy metals—certified per ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity and ISO 10993-10 sensitization testing. The system supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 58 (GLP), EMA Guideline on Non-Clinical Safety Studies, and ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements when used with calibrated pipettes, balances, and refrigerated centrifuges in validated workflows.

Software & Data Management

While the DXL-DJMC operates as a standalone hardware platform, it is fully compatible with third-party laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN). Each cage unit is assigned a unique alphanumeric ID for integration into animal study databases. Optional barcode-labeled collection vials (sold separately) enable chain-of-custody tracking from collection through LC-MS/MS or ELISA analysis. The system does not include embedded firmware or proprietary software—eliminating validation overhead associated with regulated digital systems while maintaining full auditability of physical sample provenance.

Applications

• Chronic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies requiring precise 24–72 h urinary metabolite profiling.
• Nephrotoxicity assessment under OECD 422 guidelines, including creatinine clearance, proteinuria, and electrolyte excretion kinetics.
• Endocrine disruption research involving cortisol, aldosterone, or melatonin rhythm analysis.
• Dietary intervention trials evaluating nitrogen balance, urea excretion, or short-chain fatty acid metabolism.
• Validation of transgenic rat models exhibiting polyuria, glycosuria, or impaired concentrating ability.

FAQ

Is the DXL-DJMC compatible with automated urine volume measurement systems?

Yes—the 250 mL collection bottles feature standardized threading (ISO 8382) and optical clarity suitable for integration with external laser displacement sensors or weight-based gravimetric modules.

Can the refrigeration module operate continuously for >72 hours?

Yes—tested under continuous load at ambient 25 °C; thermal management includes overtemperature cutoff and voltage fluctuation tolerance (±15% of 12 V DC).

What cleaning agents are validated for use with the polycarbonate components?

Neutral pH detergents (e.g., Alconox® Liquinox®), 70% ethanol, and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite are validated; abrasive pads, steel wool, and strong oxidizers (e.g., undiluted peracetic acid) must be avoided.

Does the system meet IACUC housing requirements for rat duration studies?

Yes—cage floor area (≥ 400 cm²), ventilation rate (>60 air changes/hour via passive convection slots), and perch-free design comply with NIH Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (2011) Appendix A standards.

Is calibration documentation provided for the temperature display?

A NIST-traceable calibration certificate (±0.2 °C at 4 °C) is included with each unit; field recalibration is supported using certified RTD probes per ASTM E2877.