A small model animal automatic loading fixing detection system

Abstract

This invention provides an automated loading and fixation detection system for small model animals. Utilizing the siphon principle, the system constructs a siphon pathway using both soft and rigid capillaries, achieving pump-free loading and fixation of animals. Combined with an imaging analysis unit, it performs imaging analysis of the animals. By controlling the siphon flow rate, it enables rapid and automated fixation of animals without gel embedding or prolonged anesthesia, effectively improving fixation efficiency and shortening fixation time. Furthermore, the detection system of this invention is simple in structure, easy to operate, economical, and readily applicable. It achieves high-throughput, automated, pump-free fixation, and non-microfluidic chip-based automated loading and fixation detection for small model animals, providing highly promising technical support for the further development and screening of drugs for treating complex diseases, as well as other related research on small model animals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of model animal research technology, specifically relating to an automatic loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals. Background Technology

[0002] High-throughput detection of drugs, environmental toxins, gene mutations, and other drug-induced phenotypes is crucial for modern biological and medical research and environmental risk assessment. While cell-based high-throughput detection technologies exist, their results are often uncorrelated with animal models or clinical outcomes. Therefore, a growing number of researchers are using small model animals for screening and detection.

[0003] For example, zebrafish are widely used as small model organisms for in vivo chemical and genetic testing. Zebrafish larvae have advantages such as small size, optical transparency, and rapid growth in aquatic media. Zebrafish models of many human diseases have been developed, and zebrafish have many usable mutants, which has facilitated the study of gene function and the identification of cellular targets for new compounds. Manipulation and imaging of small model animals such as zebrafish are important techniques for achieving various research goals.

[0004] Existing methods for manipulating small model animals either rely on manual, low-throughput, and small-scale research, which are prone to human error; or involve screening and testing in microplates, which fails to fully utilize the in vivo complexity of small model animal models. Therefore, how to achieve automatic loading and fixation of small model animals is a key challenge in related research.

[0005] Currently, automated loading and fixation of small model animals typically requires the construction of highly complex systems using devices such as pneumatic microvalves, programmable injection pumps, or microfluidic chips. These systems are inconvenient to operate, extremely costly, and prone to causing damage to the small model animals. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an effective automated loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals for related research. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides an automatic loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals. By setting up two containers with a difference in liquid level and connecting the two containers with a soft capillary and a transparent hard capillary, the automatic loading of the animal is achieved using the siphon principle and gravity as the driving force. Imaging analysis is then performed in conjunction with an imaging analysis unit. Furthermore, the automatic fixation of the animal is achieved by controlling the siphon flow rate, thus providing the conditions for imaging analysis.

[0007] An automated loading and fixation detection system for small model animals includes a loading container, an imaging analysis unit, a receiving container, and a detection unit for detecting the animal's position.

[0008] The liquid level in the loading container is higher than the liquid level in the receiving container;

[0009] The imaging area of ​​the imaging analysis unit is equipped with a rigid capillary tube, and the two ends of the rigid capillary tube are connected to the bottom of the loading container and the top of the receiving container respectively through a soft capillary tube.

[0010] At least one soft capillary is provided with a flow control element, which is signal-connected to the detection unit;

[0011] When the detection unit detects that an animal has entered the hard capillary, the flow control element controls the fluid to stop flowing, so that the animal can remain in place for the imaging analysis unit to perform imaging analysis.

[0012] In the above detection system, the loading container is used to store small model animals and culture medium, and the receiving container is used to receive culture medium and animals.

[0013] The automatic loading and fixation detection system of the present invention uses soft capillary tubes and hard capillary tubes to connect two containers with a liquid level difference. A siphon pipe composed of soft capillary tubes-hard capillary tubes-soft capillary tubes connects the loading container and the receiving container, serving as a pathway for automatic loading, fixation and unloading of small model animals. Gravity is used as the driving force to realize the automatic loading of small model animals.

[0014] The siphon principle is as follows:

[0015] Considering both local resistance head loss and friction head loss, the average velocity formula for siphon flow is as follows:

[0016]

[0017] Where v is the average velocity of the siphon flow; H is the height difference between the water surface at the inlet and outlet of the siphon tube; g is the acceleration due to gravity; λ is the friction coefficient of the siphon tube; L is the length of the siphon tube; D is the inner diameter of the siphon tube; ζ i This represents the local resistance coefficient of the siphon.

[0018] In the above formula, g, λ, L, D, ζ i In a specific siphon channel, H is constant, so H and v have a quadratic relationship. That is, the required siphon velocity v can be obtained by adjusting the height difference H between the water surface at the inlet end of the siphon tube (the horizontal height of the liquid surface in the loading container) and the water surface at the outlet end (the horizontal height of the liquid surface in the receiving container). This allows for the increase, decrease, and reverse flow of the siphon velocity.

[0019] Alternatively, the resistance coefficient of the siphon tube can be changed by adjusting its inner diameter, thus allowing the siphon flow velocity v to be adjusted within a limited range.

[0020] Therefore, a flow control element is provided on at least one soft capillary. When an animal is loaded into a hard capillary, the flow control element causes the corresponding soft capillary to close, reducing the siphon velocity to 0, thereby fixing the animal in the hard capillary so that the imaging analysis unit can perform imaging analysis.

[0021] Preferably, the inner diameter of the rigid capillary is matched with the body width of the animal. The inner diameter of the rigid capillary is such that the animal can be loaded and unloaded normally, and the animal can be well fixed in the rigid capillary when the liquid flow rate is 0.

[0022] Preferably, a liquid level difference of 200–300 mm between the loading container and the receiving container is sufficient to obtain a suitable siphon rate.

[0023] Preferably, the inner diameter of the soft capillary is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hard capillary, but smaller than the outer diameter of the hard capillary. Setting the inner diameter of the soft capillary to be slightly larger than that of the hard capillary allows the animal to load and unload more smoothly.

[0024] Preferably, the connection ports between the hard capillary and the soft capillary are rounded to ensure that the animal is not scratched during loading.

[0025] Preferably, the loading container includes a liquid container arranged vertically and an animal container with a dropper-like structure;

[0026] The liquid container has an opening at the top and is connected to the top of the animal container at the bottom via a soft capillary tube;

[0027] The lower part of the animal container is funnel-shaped, and its bottom opening is connected to a hard capillary via a soft capillary.

[0028] In this technical solution, the liquid container contains only the culture medium and is located above the animal container; its top opening is open to the atmosphere to provide liquid for the loading process. The animal container holds the culture medium and the animal, and its structure is similar to a Murphy dropper, with a funnel-shaped bottom to prevent animal accumulation at the bottom opening, which could hinder loading. Setting the loading container in two parts improves the system's loading efficiency and effectively avoids system failures caused by containers drying out. Furthermore, placing the animal loading inlet at the bottom of the animal container reduces the difficulty of siphoning.

[0029] Preferably, the rigid capillary tube is equipped with a limiting component to prevent the animal from moving forward. This limiting component assists the animal detection unit and flow control element in controlling and fixing the animal's position, resulting in more accurate information. This limiting component only prevents the animal from moving forward and does not restrict the flow of fluid.

[0030] However, due to the small feature size and material limitations of the limiting components, it is difficult to process them using traditional additive / subtractive manufacturing methods. Therefore, as a further preferred option, a method of designing and manufacturing using metal wire wound around a metal tube is adopted, and assembly is achieved through the metal wire and soft and hard capillary tubes. The specific operation is as follows:

[0031] The metal wire is wound around the side wall of the stainless steel tube by repeatedly inserting it inside and outside between the two ends of the tube, forming a limiting component composed of the tube and the wire. The main body of the limiting component is inserted into the set position of the hard capillary tube, and the limiting component is fixed inside the hard capillary tube by hooking one end of the wire to the outlet end (second end) of the hard capillary tube when it is loaded, and then by the interference fit between the soft capillary tube and the hard capillary tube.

[0032] As a further preferred embodiment, the first end of the rigid capillary is connected to the bottom opening of the animal container and the receiving container respectively via a tee connector and two flexible capillary tubes;

[0033] The second end of the rigid capillary is connected to the bottom of the liquid container and the receiving container respectively via a tee connector and two flexible capillary tubes.

[0034] Each of the four soft capillary tubes connected to the rigid capillary tubes via a tee connector is equipped with a flow control element, and each flow control element is connected to the detection unit signal.

[0035] In this technical solution, the flow control element on the soft capillary connected to the bottom opening of the animal container at the first end of the rigid capillary is the first element, and the flow control element on the soft capillary connected to the receiving container is the fourth element; the flow control element on the soft capillary connected to the bottom of the liquid container at the second end of the rigid capillary is the second element, and the flow control element on the soft capillary connected to the receiving container is the third element. When the first and third elements are open, and the second and fourth elements are closed, the animal and liquid flow from the first end of the rigid capillary to the second end (forward flow). When the animal is loaded to the limiting member, it stops moving. The first and third elements are then closed, and the imaging analysis unit performs imaging analysis. After the analysis is completed, the second and fourth elements are opened, and the liquid and animal flow in the opposite direction and enter the receiving container for recovery, completing the animal unloading.

[0036] As a further preferred option, the flow control element is a pinch valve.

[0037] As a further preferred embodiment, the receiving container includes a liquid receiver and an animal collector, which are connected by a hose;

[0038] The first end of the rigid capillary is connected to the animal collector, and the second end is connected to the liquid receiver.

[0039] Setting up the receiving container as both a liquid receiver and an animal receiver makes it easier to quickly collect animals after the experiment.

[0040] Preferably, the detection system further includes a hollow shaft stepper motor, with the outlet end (second end) of the hard capillary being coaxially fixed inside the hollow shaft of the stepper motor when the capillary is loaded.

[0041] The imaging analysis unit is connected to the stepper motor and controls the stepper motor to drive the hard capillary to rotate around the axis.

[0042] In this technical solution, by setting a hollow shaft stepper motor and coaxially fixing the outlet end of the hard capillary during loading within the hollow shaft, the stepper motor can control the hard capillary to rotate around the shaft, thereby adjusting the posture of the animal inside the hard capillary. The imaging analysis unit performs imaging analysis on the animal inside the hard capillary and, as needed, controls the stepper motor to drive the hard capillary to rotate around the shaft, adjusting the animal's posture.

[0043] To better secure the rigid capillary within the hollow shaft, as a further preferred embodiment, a flexible capillary is connected between the second end of the rigid capillary and the tee connector. This flexible capillary, acting as a transition hose, is interference-fitted onto the outside of the second end of the rigid capillary. The transition hose and the second end of the rigid capillary are then integrally fixed inside the hollow shaft. The interference fit of the transition hose onto the second end of the rigid capillary also serves to secure the limiting component.

[0044] Preferably, the rigid capillary is a borosilicate thin-walled capillary.

[0045] Preferably, the imaging analysis unit includes a microscopic imaging system and a computer connected by signal connections.

[0046] Preferably, the detection unit includes a microscopic imaging system and a computer connected by signal links.

[0047] Furthermore, to save on equipment costs, the imaging analysis unit and the detection unit can share a single microscopic imaging system and computer.

[0048] As a further preferred embodiment, the microscopic imaging system is an inverted microscope and a microscopic camera.

[0049] Preferably, the detection system also includes a peristaltic pump with its inlet and outlet connected to the liquid receiver and liquid container, respectively, to realize the recycling of the nutrient solution.

[0050] As a further preferred embodiment, the loading container is equipped with a liquid level sensor, which is connected to the peristaltic pump via a signal. The liquid level sensor is used to monitor the liquid level in the loading container and control the peristaltic pump as needed to keep the liquid level in the loading container at a set level.

[0051] Preferably, the detection system further includes a fixing component, which includes an upper mounting plate and a lower mounting plate. The upper mounting plate is fixed to the stage of the imaging area of ​​the imaging analysis unit, and the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate are connected by screws and bolts. The two ends of the hollow shaft of the stepper motor are rotatably mounted between the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate through second bearings, respectively. Motor clearance openings are provided at corresponding positions on the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate to accommodate the motor body.

[0052] As a further preferred embodiment, the upper and lower mounting plates are respectively provided with detection ports at corresponding positions. The bottom of the detection port on the lower mounting plate is sealed to a glass plate, and the glass plate has a structural component with a cross-sectional shape matching the detection port. When the upper and lower mounting plates are fixed together, the glass plate, the structural component, and the detection port on the upper mounting plate together define a water tank with an open top and a transparent bottom. The two ends of the rigid capillary tube are respectively rotatably mounted between the detection port on the upper mounting plate and the structural component through a first bearing, and all connections of the water tank are sealed. When the water tank is full of water, the rigid capillary tube is immersed in the water, which can improve the imaging quality.

[0053] It should be noted that all soft capillaries (including transition soft tubes) in this invention are the same type of soft capillaries with the same inner diameter.

[0054] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0055] This invention relates to an automated loading and fixation detection system for small model animals. Utilizing the siphon principle, a siphon pathway is constructed using both soft and hard capillaries, enabling pump-free loading and fixation of animals. Combined with an imaging analysis unit, the system performs imaging analysis of the animals. By controlling the siphon flow rate, animals can be rapidly and automatically fixed without gel embedding or prolonged anesthesia, effectively shortening fixation time by an average of 100 times compared to traditional manual methods. Furthermore, the detection system of this invention is simple in structure, easy to operate, economical, and readily applicable. It achieves high-throughput, automated, pump-free loading, and non-microfluidic chip-based automated loading and fixation detection for small model animals, providing highly promising technical support for the further development and screening of drugs for complex diseases, as well as other related research on small model animals. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 Exploded view of the fixed assembly, rigid capillary tube, and stepper motor;

[0058] Figure 3Images of animals in different poses acquired using the detection system of this invention; wherein A is a back view of a zebrafish larva; B is a ventral view of a zebrafish larva; and C is a lateral view of a zebrafish larva.

[0059] In the diagram: 1—Soft capillary tube, 11—Transition hose, 2—Fixing component, 21—Hard capillary tube, 22—T-connector, 23—First bearing, 24—Upper mounting plate, 241—Second mounting slot, 242—Motor clearance port, 243—Image acquisition port, 244—First mounting slot, 25—Second bearing, 26—Stepper motor, 27—Lower mounting plate, 28—Glass plate, 29—Blocking component, 31—Nutrient solution container, 32—Animal container, 4—Liquid level sensor, 5—Peristaltic pump, 61—Animal collector, 62—Culture medium collector, 71—First clamp valve, 72—Second clamp valve, 73—Third clamp valve, 74—Fourth clamp valve, 8—Microscope imaging system. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described in this specification are merely for explaining the technical solutions of this invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, an automated loading and fixation detection system for small model animals includes a loading container, an imaging analysis unit, a receiving container, and a peristaltic pump 5.

[0062] The loading container includes a liquid container 31 arranged vertically and an animal container 32 with a dropper-like structure. The top of the liquid container 31 is open, and the bottom is connected to the top of the animal container 32 through a soft capillary tube 1. The lower part of the animal container 32 is funnel-shaped.

[0063] The receiving container includes a liquid receiver 62 and an animal collector 61, which are connected by a pipe. The liquid level in the liquid container 31 is higher than the liquid level in the liquid receiver 62, and the height difference between the two provides a suitable flow rate for siphoning.

[0064] The imaging analysis unit includes a microscopic imaging system 8 with signal connection and a computer (not shown in the figure). The stage of the microscopic imaging system 8 (including an inverted microscope and a micro camera) is equipped with a transparent rigid capillary 21 with an inner diameter matching the width of the animal body.

[0065] The first end of the rigid capillary 21 is connected to the bottom opening of the animal container 32 and the animal collector 61 via a tee connector 22 and two flexible capillary tubes 1, respectively. The second end of the rigid capillary 21 is connected to the bottom of the liquid container 31 and the liquid receiver 62 via a transition flexible tube 11 (flexible capillary), a tee connector 22, and two flexible capillary tubes 1, respectively. The inner diameter of the flexible capillary tube 1 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the rigid capillary 21 and slightly smaller than its outer diameter.

[0066] A first pinch valve 71 is installed on the soft capillary 1, which connects the first end of the rigid capillary 21 to the bottom opening of the animal container 32; a fourth pinch valve 74 is installed on the soft capillary 1, which connects to the animal collector 61; a second pinch valve 72 is installed on the soft capillary 1, which connects the transition hose 11 to the bottom of the liquid container 31; and a third pinch valve 73 is installed on the soft capillary 1, which connects to the liquid receiver 62. Each pinch valve is connected to a computer signal, and the computer controls the opening and closing of the pinch valve.

[0067] A limiting component (not shown in the figure) is fixedly installed inside the rigid capillary tube 21 to prevent the animal from moving forward. The manufacturing and installation process of the limiting component is as follows: a metal wire is wound around the side wall of the stainless steel tube by repeatedly inserting it inside and outside between the two ends of the tube, forming a limiting component composed of the tube and the wire; the main body of the limiting component is inserted into the set position of the rigid capillary tube, and one end of the wire is hooked onto the second end of the rigid capillary tube 21. The limiting component is then fixed inside the rigid capillary tube 21 by interference fit with the transition hose 11.

[0068] The detection system also includes a hollow shaft stepper motor 26, which is mounted on the stage via a fixing component 2; the second end of the hard capillary tube 21 is coaxially fixed inside the hollow shaft after being assembled with the transition hose 11; the stepper motor 26 is connected to a computer signal, and the computer can control the stepper motor 26 to drive the hard capillary tube 21 to rotate around the shaft.

[0069] The fixing assembly 2 includes an upper mounting plate 24 and a lower mounting plate 27, which are connected by screws and bolts. The two ends of the hollow shaft of the stepper motor 26 are rotatably mounted between the upper mounting plate 24 and the lower mounting plate 27 via second bearings 25. The upper mounting plate 24 and the lower mounting plate 27 are respectively provided with second mounting grooves 241 for mounting the second bearings 25 at corresponding positions. Motor clearance openings 242 are distributed on the upper mounting plate 24 and the lower mounting plate 27 at corresponding positions to accommodate the motor body.

[0070] The upper mounting plate 24 and the lower mounting plate 27 are respectively provided with detection ports 243 at corresponding positions. The bottom of the detection port 243 of the lower mounting plate 27 is sealed and connected to a glass plate 28. The glass plate 28 is provided with a structural component 29 whose cross-sectional shape matches that of the detection port 243. When the upper mounting plate 24 and the lower mounting plate 27 are fixed to each other, the glass plate 28, the structural component 29 and the detection port 243 of the upper mounting plate 24 together define a water tank with an open top and a transparent bottom. The two ends of the hard capillary tube 21 are respectively rotatably installed between the detection port 243 of the upper mounting plate 24 and the structural component 29 through the first bearing 23. The upper mounting plate 24 and the structural component 29 are respectively provided with first mounting grooves 244 for installing the first bearing 23 at corresponding positions. All connections of the water tank are sealed.

[0071] The inlet and outlet of the peristaltic pump 5 are connected to the liquid receiver 61 and the liquid container 31 respectively via hoses, enabling the recycling of the nutrient solution. The liquid container 31 is equipped with a liquid level sensor 4, which monitors the liquid level in the liquid container 31 and controls the peristaltic pump 5 to maintain the liquid level in the liquid container 31 at a set height.

[0072] The working principle of the above detection system is as follows:

[0073] After the equipment installation is completed, the stiff capillary tube 21 is immersed in a water-filled tank; initially, all four clamp valves are closed. First, the first clamp valve 71 and the third clamp valve 73 are opened. Due to the liquid level difference, the animals flow one by one from the animal container 32 to the liquid receiver 62 with the nutrient solution, and loading begins. When the first animal is loaded into the stiff capillary tube 21 and blocked by the limiting device, the microscopic imaging system captures the animal and sends a command to the computer to close the first clamp valve 71 and the third clamp valve 73, stopping the liquid flow and fixing the first animal in the detection area for imaging by the microscopic imaging system, completing the loading. The computer receives and analyzes the imaging results, and controls the stepper motor 25 to drive the stiff capillary tube 21 to rotate as needed, adjusting the animal's posture to the required state, before imaging by the microscopic imaging system. After imaging is completed, the second clamp valve 72 and the fourth clamp valve 74 are opened. Driven by gravity, the nutrient solution flows from the liquid container 31 to the animal collector 61. During this process, the first animal flows with the nutrient solution to the animal collector 61, completing unloading. After unloading is complete, close the second clamp valve 72 and the fourth clamp valve 74, open the first clamp valve 71 and the third clamp valve 73, and load the next animal.

[0074] The liquid receiver 61 and the animal collector 62 are connected by a hose. When the nutrient solution in the animal collector 62 flows into the liquid receiver 61, the liquid levels in both are kept consistent. When the liquid level sensor 4 detects that the nutrient solution in the liquid container 31 is low, the liquid level sensor 4 sends a signal to the peristaltic pump 5. The peristaltic pump 5 then operates to replenish the nutrient solution in the liquid receiver 62 into the liquid container 31, bringing the nutrient solution level in the liquid container 31 to the set level.

[0075] Application example:

[0076] The soft capillary has an inner diameter of 800 μm, and the hard capillary has an inner diameter of 750 μm. The capillary is a borosilicate thin-walled hard capillary with rounded corners. The limiting element is made by axially winding 0.13 mm copper wire two to three times on a stainless steel metal tube with an outer diameter of 0.71 mm, an inner diameter of 0.41 mm, and a total length of 19 mm. The liquid level difference between the liquid container and the liquid receiver is maintained at 220–240 mm.

[0077] Zebrafish larvae were used as a small model organism for loading and fixation testing. Figure 3 The zebrafish larvae were fixed in the stiff capillary of the aforementioned automated loading and fixation detection system for small model animals, facing backwards. Figure 3 Central A), ventral ( Figure 3 (Middle B) Lateral ( Figure 3 (C) Imaging image.

[0078] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals, characterized in that, It includes a loading container, an imaging analysis unit, a receiving container, and a detection unit for detecting the animal's location; The liquid level in the loading container is higher than the liquid level in the receiving container; The imaging area of ​​the imaging analysis unit is equipped with a rigid capillary tube, the inner diameter of which matches the width of the animal's body. The two ends of the rigid capillary tube are connected to the bottom of the loading container and the top of the receiving container respectively through soft capillary tubes. Using the siphon principle and gravity as the driving force, the automatic loading of the animal is realized. At least one soft capillary is provided with a flow control element, which is signal-connected to the detection unit; When the detection unit detects that an animal has entered the hard capillary, the flow control element controls the fluid to stop flowing, so that the animal can remain in place for the imaging analysis unit to perform imaging analysis. The rigid capillary tube is equipped with a limiting component to prevent the animal from moving forward. The limiting component is composed of a metal tube and a metal wire, which is obtained by winding the metal wire around the metal tube and is assembled with the soft and rigid capillary tubes through the metal wire. The detection system also includes a hollow shaft stepper motor. The outlet end of the hard capillary tube is connected to the corresponding soft capillary tube through a transition hose. The transition hose is interference-fitted to the outside of the outlet end of the hard capillary tube when it is loaded. The outlet end of the hard capillary tube and the transition hose are coaxially fixed inside the hollow shaft of the stepper motor. The imaging analysis unit is connected to the stepper motor and controls the stepper motor to drive the hard capillary to rotate around the axis.

2. The automatic loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the soft capillary is larger than the inner diameter of the hard capillary, but smaller than the outer diameter of the hard capillary.

3. The automatic loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading container includes a liquid container arranged vertically and an animal container with a dropper-like structure; The liquid container has an opening at the top and is connected to the top of the animal container at the bottom via a soft capillary tube; The lower part of the animal container is funnel-shaped, and its bottom opening is connected to a hard capillary via a soft capillary.

4. The automatic loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end of the rigid capillary is connected to the bottom opening of the animal container and the receiving container respectively via a tee connector and two flexible capillary tubes. The second end of the rigid capillary is connected to the bottom of the liquid container and the receiving container respectively via a tee connector and two flexible capillary tubes. Each of the four soft capillary tubes connected to the rigid capillary tubes via a tee connector is equipped with a flow control element, and each flow control element is connected to the detection unit signal.

5. The automatic loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals according to claim 4, characterized in that, The receiving container includes a liquid receiver and an animal collector, which are connected by a hose; The first end of the rigid capillary is connected to the animal collector, and the second end is connected to the liquid receiver.

6. The automatic loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging analysis unit includes a microscopic imaging system and a computer with signal connections; The detection unit includes a microscopic imaging system and a computer connected by signals.

7. The automatic loading, fixation, and detection system for small model animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes peristaltic pumps with inlets and outlets connected to the liquid receiver and liquid container, respectively, to enable the recycling of nutrient solution.

Images