A dynamic bionic environment feeding system for depression research

Abstract

The application relates to a dynamic bionic environment feeding system for depression research, which comprises a basic cage provided with three layers, a through channel is arranged between the three layers of the basic cage, and the three layers of the basic cage are sequentially a safe shelter layer, an exploration and cognition layer and a dynamic adaptation layer from bottom to top; the safe shelter layer is used to solve the instinct demand of the mouse to find hidden objects; the exploration and cognition layer is used to increase the interactive experience of the mouse with the outside world; and the dynamic adaptation layer is used to improve the adaptation ability of the mouse to the environment; the lower end of the basic cage is arranged in a gap with the ground; the lower surface of the safe shelter layer is arranged in a grid; and a feces collecting disc is inserted into the lower end of the basic cage. The application effectively supports in-depth molecular and neural circuit mechanism research.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal behavior research technology, and in particular to a dynamic biomimetic environment feeding system for depression research. Background Technology

[0002] Depression is a severe mental illness with a high incidence and disability rate, placing a heavy burden on society and individuals. Utilizing mouse models of depression for behavioral and mechanistic studies is a crucial approach to exploring the pathology of the disease and developing intervention methods. Current mainstream methods for constructing depression models (such as chronic unpredictable mild stress and social frustration) can effectively induce depression-like phenotypes in mice (such as anhedonia, behavioral hopelessness, and social avoidance), but subsequent "intervention studies" are mostly limited to pharmacological or physical stimuli (such as optogenetics and chemogenetics).

[0003] In studies using mouse models of depression to explore the mechanisms of alleviating depressive symptoms through environmental intervention, current techniques primarily rely on traditional "enriched environment" cages. However, these standard setups suffer from the following key technical limitations, severely restricting the depth and validity of the research: 1. Lack of behavioral guidance in environmental design: Existing rich cages simply stack various stimuli in a single plane space, resulting in a mixed and disordered functional environment. This "passive supply" model fails to effectively activate and guide behavior in response to the core deficiencies of depressed mice, such as low motivation and avoidance of exploration, leading to random and poor intervention effects.

[0004] 2. Insufficient environmental dynamism: Existing programs rely on periodic, complete artificial replacement of the environment, which is an intermittent, high-intensity "drastic change." This model easily leads to initial stress or rapid habituation in animals, and cannot provide continuous, gentle, novel stimulation, making it difficult to simulate the real natural environment and maintain long-term therapeutic effects.

[0005] 3. Neglecting key healing dimensions: Existing designs generally neglect to provide dedicated spaces for the expression of species-specific instinctive behaviors closely related to emotion regulation (such as deep digging and safe hiding), resulting in a fundamental lack of environmental interventions based on biological behavior.

[0006] 4. Low standardization and precision of research tools: The existing equipment layout is random and difficult to standardize, resulting in poor reproducibility between different experiments. It is also impossible to measure and analyze the behavior of animals in specific types of environmental interactions in a refined and quantitative manner, which hinders in-depth research from behavioral phenotypes to internal neural mechanisms. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing cage systems during use, this invention proposes a dynamic biomimetic environment feeding system for depression research.

[0008] The technical solution adopted in this invention is a dynamic biomimetic environment breeding system for depression research, including a base cage with three layers and a passageway between the three layers. The three layers of the base cage, from bottom to top, are a safety shelter layer, an exploration and cognition layer, and a dynamic adaptation layer. The safety shelter layer is designed to address the mouse's instinctive need to find hiding places, the exploration and cognition layer is designed to increase the mouse's interaction with the outside world, and the dynamic adaptation layer is designed to enhance the mouse's adaptability to the environment. The base cage is positioned with a gap between its lower end and the ground. The lower surface of the safety shelter layer is designed with a grid pattern. A feces collection tray is inserted into the lower end of the base cage.

[0009] Preferably, the safety shelter layer includes a biomimetic cave module, an excavable matrix module, and an activity area. The biomimetic cave module is fixed to the inner wall of one side of the safety shelter layer. The biomimetic cave module is L-shaped, with the entrance at one end and several exits at the top. The interior of the biomimetic cave is divided into several spaces by partitions, allowing mice to move between them. A feeding device is provided in the activity area.

[0010] Preferably, the excavable matrix module is fixedly connected to the other side of the safety shelter layer, the excavable matrix module abuts against the biomimetic cave module, the excavable matrix module is a box-shaped enclosure, the lower surface of the excavable matrix module has fine mesh openings, the inside of the excavable matrix module is filled with a padding layer, and the upper surface of the excavable matrix module has an inlet and outlet.

[0011] Preferably, the exploration and cognition layer includes an exploration area and a rest area. The rest area is equipped with a feeding device, and the exploration area is equipped with, in sequence, a vertical staircase, a cross-shaped rotary switch, a Y-shaped maze, a climbing net, a cylindrical maze, a cylindrical forest, a triangular ramp, and a push switch.

[0012] Preferably, infrared sensors are installed at the entrances and exits of the cross rotary switch, Y-shaped maze, cylindrical maze, and push switch in the exploration area to detect the number of times the mouse passes through.

[0013] Preferably, the dynamic adaptation layer is provided with several modular environmental components, and the environmental components are detachably connected to the dynamic adaptation layer, so that the tester can adjust the placement of the environmental components in real time as needed.

[0014] Preferably, the safety protection layer in the base cage is opaque on all sides, while the exploration and cognition layer and the dynamic adaptation layer in the base cage are transparent on all sides.

[0015] Preferably, a plurality of insertion holes are evenly spaced on the lower surface of the inner wall of the dynamic adaptation layer, and a corresponding insertion rod is provided on the lower surface of the environmental component, with the insertion rod on the environmental component being inserted into the insertion hole.

[0016] Preferably, the lower surface of the inner wall of the dynamic adaptation layer is magnetic, the lower surface of the environmental component is magnetic, and the environmental component is fixed to the lower surface of the inner wall of the dynamic adaptation layer by magnetic attraction.

[0017] Preferably, a passageway is provided on the outer wall of the base cage, which is connected to the safety shelter layer, the exploration and cognition layer and the dynamic adaptation layer respectively, and an on / off valve is provided on the passageway.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Upon entering the system, the experimental mice will instinctively seek to hide. The dim light and digging bedding encourage them to dig and build their own burrows, while the fixed bionic caves provide a "turnkey" ultimate refuge. This layer aims to quickly reduce initial stress levels by satisfying their most basic needs for territorial control and safety, thus establishing the necessary psychological foundation for subsequent active exploration. 2. After entering the exploration and cognitive layer from the safe shelter layer via a ramp, the experimental mice are faced with an environment that requires interaction to navigate. Various mechanisms within the exploration area ensure that even low-motivation mice can experience success. As proficiency increases, more complex paths and mechanisms provide continuous cognitive challenges. This design directly addresses the core deficiencies of the depression model—lack of motivation and decreased executive function—providing a "forced" yet rewarding training experience. 3. Every day, the experimental mice faced a slightly different “new” environment when they entered the dynamic adaptation layer. This forced them to continuously evaluate and readapt to the environment, thereby effectively combating habituation, maintaining their exploratory motivation, and training their ability to regulate their emotions in the face of unpredictability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the safety protection layer in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cognitive layer in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dynamic adaptation layer in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Attached reference numerals: 1. Basic cage; 2. Safety shelter layer; 3. Exploration and cognition layer; 4. Dynamic adaptation layer; 5. Feces collection tray; 6. Bionic cave module; 7. Excavable substrate module; 8. Activity area; 9. Feeding device; 10. Exploration area; 11. Resting area; 12. Environmental components; 13. Crossing passage; 14. Switch valve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, this invention discloses a dynamic biomimetic environment breeding system for depression research, including a base cage 1. The base cage 1 is divided into three layers, from bottom to top: a safety shelter layer 2, an exploration and cognition layer 3, and a dynamic adaptation layer 4. The safety shelter layer 2, the exploration and cognition layer 3, and the dynamic adaptation layer 4 are connected by a passageway. A passageway 13 is provided on the outer wall of the base cage 1, through which one can move between the safety shelter layer 2, the exploration and cognition layer 3, and the dynamic adaptation layer 4. A switch valve 14 is provided on the passageway 13. The base cage 1 is gapped off from the ground, and a feces collection tray 5 is slidably connected to the bottom of the base cage 1. The safety shelter layer 2 in the base cage 1 is opaque on all sides, while the exploration and cognition layer 3 and the dynamic adaptation layer 4 in the base cage 1 are transparent on all sides. Three doors are provided at the front end of the base cage 1, and the three doors are respectively connected to the safety shelter layer 2, the exploration and cognition layer 3, and the dynamic adaptation layer 4.

[0023] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the safety shelter layer 2 is designed to address the instinctive need of mice to seek hiding places. The lower surface of the safety shelter layer 2 is gridded. The safety shelter layer 2 contains a biomimetic cave module 6, a digging matrix module 7, and an activity area 8. The bionic cave module 6 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of one side of the safety shelter layer 2. The bionic cave module 6 is L-shaped and hollow inside. The bionic cave module is made of opaque plastic or ceramic. The interior of the bionic cave module 6 is divided into several spaces by partitions. The experimental mice can shuttle through the various spaces inside the bionic cave module 6. An entrance is opened at one end of the bionic cave module 6, and several exits are opened on the upper surface of the bionic cave module 6. The excavable matrix module 7 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the safety shelter layer 2 on the side away from the bionic cave module 6. The excavable matrix module 7 abuts against the safety shelter layer 2. The excavable matrix module 7 is set as a box with closed sides and fine mesh holes are evenly spaced on the lower surface of the excavable matrix module 7. The inner wall of the excavable matrix module 7 is filled with a padding layer. The material of the padding layer can be corn cob or paper scraps. The entrance and exit of the excavable matrix module 7 are opened on the upper surface. The activity area 8 is equipped with a feeding device 9 for feeding the experimental mice.

[0024] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the exploration and cognition layer 3 includes an exploration area 10 and a rest area 11, which are arranged one in front of the other. The rest area 11 is located behind the exploration area 10. A feeding device 9 for feeding the experimental mice is provided in the rest area 11. The exploration area 10 is divided into several zones by partitions, and these zones are connected by passageways. The exploration area 10 is also connected to the rest area 11 by a passageway. Within the exploration area 10, the zones are arranged in sequence along the route of passing through them, including vertical stairs, a cross-shaped rotary switch, a Y-shaped maze, a climbing net, a cylindrical maze, a cylindrical forest, a triangular ramp, and a push switch. The experimental mice need to pass through the vertical stairs, cross-shaped rotary switch, Y-shaped maze, climbing net, cylindrical maze, cylindrical forest, triangular ramp, and push switch zones in sequence to pass the exploration cognitive layer 3. To facilitate the recording of experimental mice by the experimenters, infrared sensors were installed at the entrances and exits of the cross rotary switch, Y-shaped maze, cylindrical maze, and push switch in exploration area 10. The number of times the mice passed through the maze was detected by the infrared sensors.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the dynamic adaptation layer 4 is equipped with several modular environmental components 12. The environmental components 12 can be set as building blocks, seesaws, mazes, running wheels, etc. The environmental components 12 are detachably connected to the bottom surface of the inner wall of the dynamic adaptation layer 4. The connection between the environmental components 12 and the dynamic adaptation layer 4 can be magnetically fixed or a plug can be fixed on the environmental components 12. Plug holes are evenly spaced on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the dynamic adaptation layer 4. The environmental components 12 are fixed in the plug holes by plugging in the plugs. The operator can change the position of the environmental components 12 in the dynamic adaptation layer 4 from time to time.

[0026] The working principle of this embodiment: The basic cage 1 is set with three layers. After the experimental mice are placed in the safety shelter layer 2, most of the experimental mice stay in the safety shelter layer 2 at first. Since the safety shelter layer 2 is opaque on all sides, the inside of the safety shelter layer 2 is relatively dark. The experimental mice feel safer in a relatively dark environment. The experimental mice shuttle in the biomimetic cave module 6, the digging matrix module 7 and the activity area 8 in the safety shelter layer 2. After a period of time, once the experimental mice feel safe, they will enter the exploration and cognitive layer 3 through the passage. Upon entering the exploration and cognitive layer 3, they will feel quite novel and need a period of adaptation. The area connecting the exploration and cognitive layer 3 and the safe shelter layer 2 is the rest area 11 in the exploration and cognitive layer 3. After resting and adapting, the experimental mice will enter the exploration area 10. The experimental mice will interact with various mechanisms in the exploration area 10, such as the vertical stairs, the cross rotary switch, the Y-shaped maze, the climbing net, the cylindrical maze, the cylindrical forest, the triangular ramp, and the push switch. Through these mechanisms, the interaction between the experimental mice and the external environment can be enhanced. After the experimental mice become familiar with the various mechanisms in the exploration area 10, they enter the dynamic adaptation layer 4, which contains various environmental components 12. The experimental mice can play in the dynamic adaptation layer 4. The experimenters can adjust the positions of the various environmental components 12 in the dynamic adaptation layer 4 from time to time. Every day when the mice enter the top layer, they will face a slightly different "new" environment than the day before. This forces them to continuously evaluate and readapt to the environment, thereby effectively resisting habituation, maintaining exploration motivation, and training their ability to regulate emotions in the face of unpredictability.

[0027] This application creates a clear "behavioral rehabilitation ladder" through a three-layered structure of physical isolation. Animals must first establish a safe foundation (safety shelter layer 2) before they can easily access food and water (usually through the exploration and cognition layer 3), and finally come into contact with the most novel and dynamic adaptation layer 4. This sequential and guided exposure ensures that each animal systematically receives full-dimensional behavioral activation from low to high levels. The intervention process is standardized, the results are highly reproducible, and the reliability and relevance of the research are greatly improved.

[0028] This application designs an environmental component 12 that can be adjusted at irregular intervals in the dynamic adaptation layer 4. This allows for daily minor reconfiguration of the environmental component 12. This high-frequency, low-amplitude, and unpredictable micro-change closely resembles the natural environment, continuously stimulating the animal's exploratory interest without easily developing tolerance, thus providing an ideal model for studying the neuroplasticity mechanisms of long-term environmental intervention.

[0029] This application explores the mechanisms (such as rotary switches, Y-shaped mazes, and cylindrical mazes) within exploration area 10 of cognitive layer 3, which are essential challenges for animals to obtain resources or access novel environments. This design transforms behavioral activation from "optional" to "required," gently compelling animals to make decisions and perform actions. It can more effectively reverse the core symptoms of "behavioral despair" and lack of motivation, and can accurately quantify the degree of effort and cognitive improvement.

[0030] The specially designed excavable matrix module 7 and biomimetic cave module 6 in the safety shelter layer 2 of this application directly meet the rigid needs of rodents for digging, nesting, and absolute darkness shelter. This is not merely "enrichment," but a restoration of natural behaviors long deprived of due to laboratory environments. This design provides a unique and controllable research window for studying how instinctive behavioral expressions regulate stress systems (such as the HPA axis) and alleviate depressive moods.

[0031] This application provides a highly structured, modular experimental platform. The three-layered partitioning is clearly defined, and stimulus types, locations, and change patterns are all standardized and describable. Combined with optional integrated sensors, it enables quantitative, in-situ, and continuous measurements of animals across different behavioral dimensions such as safety, cognition, and adaptation. This significantly improves data quality, clarifies the causal chain between "environment-behavior-brain mechanisms," and strongly supports in-depth research into molecular and neural circuit mechanisms.

[0032] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "Embodiment 1," "this embodiment," or "in one embodiment" indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example; moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any appropriate manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0033] In the description of this specification, the terms "connection," "installation," "fixing," "setting," and "having" are interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In the description of this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0035] The above description of the embodiments is intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and apply the technology of this invention. Those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications to these examples and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative effort. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Modifications in the following situations should be within the scope of protection of this invention: ① New technical solutions implemented based on the technical solution of this invention and combined with existing common knowledge, where the technical effects of the new technical solution do not exceed the technical effects of this invention; ② Equivalent substitutions of some features of the technical solution of this invention using known technology, resulting in the same technical effects as those of this invention; ③ Extendable technical solutions based on the technical solution of this invention, where the substantive content of the extended technical solution does not exceed the technical solution of this invention; ④ Equivalent transformations made using the content of this specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields.

Claims

1. A dynamic biomimetic environment rearing system for depression research, comprising a basic cage (1), characterized in that, The base cage (1) has three layers, with passageways between them. From bottom to top, the three layers of the base cage (1) are a safety shelter layer (2), an exploration and cognition layer (3), and a dynamic adaptation layer (4). The safety shelter layer (2) addresses the mouse's instinctive need to find hiding places, the exploration and cognition layer (3) increases the mouse's interaction with the outside world, and the dynamic adaptation layer (4) enhances the mouse's adaptability to the environment. The base cage (1) is positioned with a gap between its lower end and the ground. The lower surface of the safety shelter layer (2) is gridded. A feces collection tray (5) is inserted into the lower end of the base cage (1). The safety shelter layer (2) contains a biomimetic cave module (6), a digable substrate module (7), and an activity area (8). The biomimetic cave module (6) is fixed to the inner wall of one side of the safety shelter layer (2) and is L-shaped. The entrance of the bionic cave module (6) is located at one end, and several exits are located at the upper end of the bionic cave module (6). The interior of the bionic cave is divided into several spaces by partitions, and the mouse can move between the spaces. A feeding device (9) is provided in the activity area (8). The exploration and cognition layer (3) includes an exploration area (10) and a rest area (11). A feeding device (9) is provided in the rest area (11). The exploration area (10) is provided with vertical stairs, a cross rotary switch, a Y-shaped maze, a climbing net, a cylindrical maze, a cylindrical forest, a triangular ramp, and a push switch in sequence. Several modular environmental components (12) are provided in the dynamic adaptation layer (4). The environmental components (12) and the dynamic adaptation layer (4) are detachably connected. The experimenter can adjust the placement of the environmental components (12) in real time as needed.

2. The dynamic biomimetic environment feeding system for depression research according to claim 1, characterized in that, The excavable matrix module (7) is fixedly connected to the other side of the safety shelter layer (2). The excavable matrix module (7) abuts against the bionic cave module (6). The excavable matrix module (7) is a box-shaped enclosure. Fine mesh is provided on the lower surface of the excavable matrix module (7). A padding layer is filled inside the excavable matrix module (7). An inlet and outlet are provided on the upper surface of the excavable matrix module (7).

3. The dynamic biomimetic environment feeding system for depression research according to claim 2, characterized in that, Infrared sensors are installed at the entrances and exits of the cross rotary switch, Y-shaped maze, cylindrical maze, and push switch in the exploration area (10) to detect the number of times the mouse passes through.

4. A dynamic biomimetic environment feeding system for depression research according to claim 3, characterized in that, The safety protection layer (2) in the base cage (1) is opaque on all sides, while the exploration and cognition layer (3) and the dynamic adaptation layer (4) in the base cage (1) are transparent on all sides.

5. A dynamic biomimetic environment feeding system for depression research according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower surface of the inner wall of the dynamic adaptation layer (4) is provided with a number of evenly spaced insertion holes, and the lower surface of the environmental component (12) is provided with corresponding insertion rods, which are inserted into the insertion holes.

6. A dynamic biomimetic environment feeding system for depression research according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower surface of the inner wall of the dynamic adaptation layer (4) is magnetic, the lower surface of the environmental component (12) is magnetic, and the environmental component (12) and the lower surface of the inner wall of the dynamic adaptation layer (4) are fixed by magnetic attraction.

7. A dynamic biomimetic environment feeding system for depression research according to claim 1, characterized in that, A passageway (13) is provided on the outer wall of the base cage (1). The passageway (13) is connected to the safety shelter layer (2), the exploration and cognition layer (3) and the dynamic adaptation layer (4) respectively. A switch valve (14) is provided on the passageway (13).

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