Mouse live imaging fixation device based on inverted microscope
The device design, which uses magnetic fixation and temperature and humidity control, solves the problem of existing devices being incompatible with different imaging schemes. It enables flexible adaptation to various experimental needs, reduces mouse injury and operational complexity, and improves imaging quality and stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG HEHU TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing fixation devices are often designed for a single in vivo imaging scheme, making them incompatible with different imaging schemes and lacking the function of maintaining the physiological state of mice, which increases the complexity of operation and the risk of tissue damage.
A mouse in vivo imaging fixation device based on an inverted microscope was designed. It adopts a magnetic fixation method, combined with a PI heating film and temperature and humidity control. It is compatible with both surgical exposure and observation window imaging schemes, has the function of maintaining physiological state, and is compatible with a variety of experimental equipment.
It enables flexible fixation to adapt to different imaging schemes, reduces harm to mice, improves imaging quality and stability, simplifies operation steps, reduces costs, and is applicable to a variety of laboratory animals and microscope models.
Smart Images
Figure CN224307447U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of observation device technology, and belongs to a mouse live imaging fixation device based on an inverted microscope. Background Technology
[0002] Imaging techniques are crucial for visualizing and understanding tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. The involvement of numerous signals and tissue components within organisms provides a natural environment to reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes that are difficult to reconstruct in vitro or ex vivo. In vivo microscopy enables the visualization of changes in cell dynamics, morphology, and signals by providing spatial and temporal resolution.
[0003] Two main in vivo imaging protocols include: surgically exposing mouse tissues (such as liver, spleen, bone marrow, pancreas, etc.) and surgically installing observation windows (such as windows for abdominal organs) for observation. Surgical tissue exposure is simpler than window installation and is suitable for single, short-term in vivo imaging. However, some traditional fixation methods, such as using a circular suction cup to fix exposed tissue, can easily damage the tissue itself, affecting experimental accuracy. Using surgical windows can reduce damage to the observed tissue. Furthermore, long-term tracking of disease progression often requires surgical windows to avoid the infection risks associated with multiple surgeries.
[0004] Inverted microscopes are suitable for observation of mouse abdomens, limbs, and other areas (excluding the brain) using two imaging schemes, offering high versatility. However, existing fixation devices are often designed for one of the in vivo imaging schemes or for a single tissue being observed. The need for different fixation devices for different imaging schemes complicates in vivo imaging operations. Furthermore, in vivo imaging requires the observed mouse to remain stable and alive; traditional fixation devices lack the ability to maintain the mouse's physiological state and are not well-compatible with other equipment required for various experiments, further increasing the complexity of in vivo imaging experiments. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a fixation device based on inverted microscopes that is suitable for both imaging schemes, facilitating the flexible selection of the more suitable in vivo imaging observation scheme. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a mouse in vivo imaging fixation device based on an inverted microscope.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] This application provides a mouse in vivo imaging fixation device based on an inverted microscope, including a fixation device box base and a base fixed on a microscope platform. The bottom of the fixation device box base is fixedly connected to the base, and the upper part of the fixation device box base is provided with a detachable sealing cover. An observation window is opened on the base, and experimental fixation holes are also opened around the fixation device box base.
[0008] Preferably, the base has an observation window fitting in the middle, and both the observation window fitting and the base have magnetic layers. The magnetic layers are connected to arc-shaped magnetic accessories for fixing the living body by magnetic attraction.
[0009] Preferably, the inner wall of the base is provided with mounting grooves on both sides of the magnetic layer. A PI heating film is provided in the mounting groove, and a waterproof partition is provided on the mounting groove. A water channel for maintaining ambient humidity is provided on the waterproof partition.
[0010] Preferably, a second PI heating film is installed on the edge of the removable sealing cover, and a transparent plate and a thermometer and hygrometer for detecting the internal temperature and humidity are connected to the removable sealing cover. The transparent plate is located in the middle of the removable sealing cover, and the thermometer and hygrometer are located between the second PI heating film and the transparent plate.
[0011] Preferably, the experimental fixing hole includes a through hole on the side of the substrate and a threaded fixing hole. A rubber sealing plug is fitted into the through hole on the side of the substrate, and a gas tube connector is connected to the threaded fixing hole.
[0012] Preferably, a petal-shaped sealing ring is fitted into the through hole on the side of the substrate.
[0013] Preferably, a transparent glass slide is mounted on the observation window, and the transparent glass slide is connected to the observation window by a C-shaped retaining ring, and a magnet is embedded in the retaining ring.
[0014] Preferably, the observation window is equipped with a medical titanium alloy abdominal cavity viewing window, and a sheet magnet is connected to the medical titanium alloy abdominal cavity viewing window.
[0015] Compared with existing technologies, this invention provides a mouse in vivo imaging fixation device based on an inverted microscope, which has the following advantages:
[0016] 1. It can flexibly match the surgically exposed mouse tissues and the surgically installed observation window for observation using an inverted microscope, reducing the development cost of multiple fixation devices. At the same time, it can maintain a certain physiological state of the mouse and is compatible with various experimental equipment, simplifying the in vivo imaging observation steps.
[0017] 2. The magnetic design offers considerable adjustability. The magnetic fixation method not only reduces the decline in imaging quality caused by mouse movement, but also allows for fixation of mice in different positions to meet various experimental needs and avoids harming the mice. The slides fixed by magnetic clips and the magnetically attached observation window increase the airtightness and stability of the observation site.
[0018] 3. This device has a wide range of applications. By changing its size, it can be adapted to larger-volume in vivo imaging experiments of model animals (such as rats, rabbits, etc.) and different types of microscopes.
[0019] The features and advantages of this utility model will be described in detail through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of the base of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the experimental fixing hole on the side of the fixing device box base of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the detachable sealing cap of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the live imaging scheme of the observation window in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the live imaging scheme of the observation window in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0027] In the diagram: 1. Fixing device box base; 2. Base of the base; 3. Removable sealing cover; 4. Experimental fixing hole; 21. Observation window; 22. Observation window fitting; 23. Magnetic layer; 24. Arc-shaped magnetic accessory; 25. Mounting groove; 26. PI heating film one; 27. Waterproof partition; 28. Water passage groove; 211. Transparent glass slide; 212. C-shaped retaining ring; 213. Retaining ring embedded magnet; 214. Medical titanium alloy abdominal cavity viewing window; 215. Sheet magnet; 31. PI heating film two; 32. Transparent plate; 33. Thermometer and hygrometer; 41. Through hole on the side of the base; 42. Threaded fixing hole; 411. Rubber sealing plug; 412. Petal-shaped sealing ring; 421. Air tube connector. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit its scope. Furthermore, in the following description, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of this utility model.
[0029] Example 1:
[0030] See Figure 1 This application provides a mouse live imaging fixation device based on an inverted microscope, including a fixation device box base 1 and a base 2 fixed on a microscope platform. The bottom of the fixation device box base 1 is fixedly connected to the base 2. The upper part of the fixation device box base 1 is provided with a detachable sealing cover 3. The base 2 is provided with an observation window 21. The fixation device box base 1 is also provided with experimental fixation holes 4 around its perimeter.
[0031] See Figure 2 , 5 Specifically, the base 2 has an observation window fitting 22 in the middle. Both the observation window fitting 22 and the base 2 have magnetic layers 23. The magnetic layers 23 are connected to the arc-shaped magnetic accessories 24 for fixing the living organism by magnetic attraction. The connection by magnetic attraction makes it easy to change the specific position of the arc-shaped magnetic accessories 24, which facilitates the adjustment of the fixed position of the experimental living organism and improves the adjustability of the device during use.
[0032] See Figure 2 , 3 Specifically, the inner wall of the base 2 has mounting grooves 25 on both sides of the magnetic layer 23. A PI heating film 26 is installed within each mounting groove 25, and a waterproof partition 27 is installed on the mounting groove 25. A water-permeable channel 28 for maintaining ambient humidity is installed on the waterproof partition 27. Clearly, the PI heating film 26 maintains the body temperature of mice under anesthesia for in vivo imaging by heating the ambient temperature, while the water-permeable channel 28 reduces water loss from exposed tissues of the experimental subjects. The combination of these two features can reduce the mortality rate of the experimental subjects.
[0033] See Figure 4 Specifically, a PI heating film 31 is installed on the edge of the removable sealing cover 3. A transparent plate 32 and a thermometer / hygrometer 33 for detecting internal temperature and humidity are connected to the removable sealing cover 3. The transparent plate 32 is located in the middle of the removable sealing cover 3, and the thermometer / hygrometer 33 is located between the PI heating film 31 and the transparent plate 32. The transparent plate 32 facilitates observation of the experimental organism's condition, and the sealed fixing device reduces the influence of the external environment on the observed experimental organism.
[0034] See Figure 3Specifically, the experimental fixation hole 4 includes a side through hole 41 and a threaded fixation hole 42. A rubber sealing plug 411 is fitted into the side through hole 41, and a tracheal connector 421 is connected to the threaded fixation hole 42. The side through hole 41 serves as a channel for various experimental devices required for in vivo imaging to enter and exit the fixation device box, including: a fixation hole for the anesthesia input tube, an anesthesia recovery tube, and an anesthesia mask for mouse gas anesthesia; a fixation hole for the tracheal intubation device when surgically exposing the internal tissues of the mouse's thoracic cavity; and an inlet for an infusion pump for continuous drug administration during mouse in vivo imaging, etc.
[0035] See Figure 3 Specifically, a petal-shaped sealing ring 412 is fitted inside the through hole 41 on the side of the substrate. When the through hole 41 on the side of the substrate is not in use, it is sealed with a rubber sealing plug 411. When the through hole 41 on the side of the substrate is in use, the petal-shaped sealing ring 412 can accommodate the entry and exit of experimental equipment pipes of different diameters and can maintain the airtightness of the fixing device box.
[0036] See Figure 6 Specifically, a transparent glass slide 211 is mounted on the observation window 21. The transparent glass slide 211 is connected to the observation window 21 via a C-shaped retaining ring 212, and a magnet 213 is embedded in the retaining ring 212. Through the magnetic attraction between the magnet 213 embedded in the retaining ring and the magnetic layer 23, the transparent glass slide 211 can be fixed inside the observation window 21, making it easy to disassemble and replace the transparent glass slide 211.
[0037] Example 2:
[0038] See Figure 7 Specifically, a medical titanium alloy abdominal cavity viewing window 214 is installed on the observation window 21, and a sheet magnet 215 is connected to the medical titanium alloy abdominal cavity viewing window 214.
[0039] The working process of Embodiment 1 of this utility model: Before performing the surgical procedure, such as Figure 5 As shown, the experimental subject is magnetically fixed to the base 2 using the arc-shaped magnetic accessory 24. The rubber sealing plug 411 is pulled out from the experimental fixing hole 4, and the corresponding experimental operating device is connected to the rubber sealing plug 411 to perform the corresponding experimental operation. During the operation, the PI heating film 26 set on the base 2 and the PI heating film 31 set on the edge of the removable sealing cover 3 perform heating to maintain the surgical temperature inside the fixing device box base 1 and the body temperature of the experimental subject under imaging anesthesia. The water tank 28 is filled with water to maintain the environmental humidity inside the fixing device box base 1, reduce water loss from the exposed tissue of the experimental subject, and ensure the survival rate of the experimental subject. The internal temperature and humidity are monitored in real time by the thermometer and hygrometer 33.
[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A mouse in vivo imaging and fixation device based on an inverted microscope, characterized in that: It includes a fixture box base (1) and a base (2) fixed on a microscope platform. The bottom of the fixture box base (1) is fixedly connected to the base (2). The upper part of the fixture box base (1) is provided with a detachable sealing cover (3). The base (2) is provided with an observation window (21). The fixture box base (1) is also provided with experimental fixing holes (4) around its perimeter.
2. The mouse in vivo imaging and fixation device based on an inverted microscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The base (2) has an observation window fitting (22) in the middle. Both the observation window fitting (22) and the base (2) have magnetic layers (23). The magnetic layers (23) are connected to arc-shaped magnetic accessories (24) for fixing living bodies by magnetic attraction.
3. The mouse in vivo imaging and fixation device based on an inverted microscope as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The inner wall of the base (2) is provided with mounting grooves (25) on both sides of the magnetic layer (23). The mounting groove (25) is provided with a PI heating film (26). The mounting groove (25) is provided with a waterproof partition (27). The waterproof partition (27) is provided with a water channel (28) for maintaining ambient humidity.
4. The mouse in vivo imaging and fixation device based on an inverted microscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The edge of the removable sealing cover (3) is equipped with a second PI heating film (31). A transparent plate (32) and a thermometer (33) for detecting internal temperature and humidity are connected to the removable sealing cover (3). The transparent plate (32) is located in the middle of the removable sealing cover (3), and the thermometer (33) is located between the second PI heating film (31) and the transparent plate (32).
5. The mouse in vivo imaging and fixation device based on an inverted microscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The experimental fixing hole (4) includes a side through hole (41) and a threaded fixing hole (42). A rubber sealing plug (411) is fitted inside the side through hole (41), and a tracheal connector (421) is connected to the threaded fixing hole (42).
6. The mouse in vivo imaging and fixation device based on an inverted microscope as described in claim 5, characterized in that: A petal-shaped sealing ring (412) is fitted inside the through hole (41) on the side of the substrate.
7. The mouse in vivo imaging fixation device based on an inverted microscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A transparent glass slide (211) is installed on the observation window (21). The transparent glass slide (211) is connected to the observation window (21) by a C-shaped retaining ring (212). A magnet (213) is connected to the C-shaped retaining ring (212).
8. The mouse in vivo imaging fixation device based on an inverted microscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The observation window (21) is equipped with a medical titanium alloy abdominal cavity window (214), and a sheet magnet (215) is connected to the medical titanium alloy abdominal cavity window (214).