Safe handling, fixing and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats

Abstract

This invention relates to a safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for facilitating the fixing of a mouse / rat used as a laboratory animal in experiments and enabling precise measurements to be made during laboratory experiments, characterized in that it comprises: body (7) made of transparent material to allow easy observation of laboratory animal movements from the outside, ventilation holes (7.1) formed to facilitate blood collection at the desired area, an outer cover (1) which can be opened and closed upwards to prevent the mouse / rat from escaping, an inner cover (2) that provides the clamping action necessary to fix the laboratory animal, a fixing mechanism (4) that prevents movement of the head of the laboratory animal, a rail (6) that allows the inner cover (2) and the fixing mechanism (4) to move up and down in a vertical direction, a sensor system (5) that enables accurate measurement of physiological parameters and wireless transmission of data.

Description

[0001] SAFE HANDLING, FIXING AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR LABORATORY ANIMALS MICE / RATS

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] This invention relates to a safe handling, fixing, blood collection, and physiological measurement device that facilitates the fixing of mice / rats used as test subjects in experiments and enables precise measurements to be made during laboratory experiments.

[0004] The invention relates to a laboratory animal fixing and physiological measurement device developed for use in laboratory animal laboratories, as well as in biomedical engineering and healthcare fields.

[0005] State of the Art:

[0006] Mice / rats are used in experiments because they possess a DNA sequence highly similar to the DNA of humans. When drugs are tested on mice, the same effects as those observed in humans are achieved.

[0007] In the literature, various devices have been developed for fixing mice and rats and for measuring their physiological parameters. Most of these devices are employed for observing and measuring physical conditions, however, existing designs often exhibit deficiencies in terms of animal comfort, precision, and data transmission. These shortcomings can adversely affect the accuracy of research results and the welfare of the animals.

[0008] For example, the utility model application no. CN215535260U describes a "Multifunctional rat fixing device". While this invention fulfills the basic function of fixing mice, its ability to measure their physiological parameters simultaneously is limited. The parameters that can be measured with this device are generally limited, and even basic measurements such as the body temperature of animals cannot be monitored with sufficient accuracy. Furthermore, existing devices often rely on tighter fixingmethods to inhibit the natural movement of mice, which can negatively affect blood parameters by exposing them to unnecessary stress.

[0009] The utility model application no. CN216908238U describes a "Rat fixing device". This invention describes a rat fixing device comprising a bottom plate and a fixing structure for fixing a rat to a fixing area of the bottom plate. The invention no. CN217162351 U is similarly designed for fixing mice, but it also has significant shortcomings. These devices use mechanical systems to fix mice, but have the potential to increase stress levels while limiting the animals' mobility. In addition, these devices lack the integration of sensors for measuring physiological parameters, and the data obtained cannot be collected accurately and comprehensively. By focusing only on a single parameter, these devices prevent the researcher from collecting more data during the experiment.

[0010] Definition of the Invention:

[0011] The present invention is a safe handling, fixing, blood collection, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and is characterized by prioritizing animal welfare, increasing the accuracy of experiments, and making laboratory processes more efficient.

[0012] The invention is a movement-limiting and observation-oriented system. The innovative sensor-based experiment system, which includes animal welfare-oriented research methods, uses flexible circuit. The flexible circuit can be bent to conform to the rounded structure of the invention, allowing for precise measurements to be taken in a position suitable for the animal's body. The use of flexible circuit offers significant advantages compared to conventional rigid PCBs. Flexible circuits are made of flexible materials such as polyimide (PI), PET or PEN and do not deform during bending, ensuring durability. These circuits allow the mounting of LEDs and photodetectors and can be designed to fit the round shape of the device.

[0013] This invention is designed to address these shortcomings in the prior art. The aim is to both fix mice and rats comfortably and measure multiple physiological parameters simultaneously, in addition, it makes it possible to take blood samples, which is a challenging process during the experimental phases. The double door system used inthe device ensures that the animals are fixed, while at the same time providing a comfortable environment by eliminating stress-inducing constraints. Furthermore, important physiological parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation and body temperature are precisely measured by sensors integrated in the device. This data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth module to a computer or remote monitoring devices, increasing the accuracy of research and taking animal welfare into account. This invention offers a significant innovation in the monitoring / fixing of mice and rats, and addresses shortcomings in existing technologies.

[0014] The invention is designed to facilitate the fixing and holding process for mice and rats used as laboratory animals in experiments and to enable safe and precise measurements to be made during laboratory experiments to determine the rhythm disorders (tachycardia, bradycardia, fibrillation, etc.) that may develop due to stress of the experimental animal, regardless of the physiological changes caused by the substance administered during the experiment. The transparent plexiglass body allows the movements of the laboratory animals to be observed from the outside, while the ventilation holes support the natural breathing of mice and rats.

[0015] The double cover system makes the experimentation process more practical. The outer cover prevents the subject from escaping, while the inner cover moves with a rail system to gently restrain the animal and prevent it from moving during the measurement.

[0016] The invention is equipped with flexible circuit technology for measuring physiological parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. This technology makes it possible to adapt the sensors to the mouse and rat body and ensure accurate measurements. Furthermore, the holes in the body of the invention allow blood to be drawn from the mouse for physiological measurement.

[0017] Powered by a lithium-ion battery and Bluetooth module, the invention offers portability and ease of use by transferring measurement data wirelessly. By prioritizing animal welfare, this innovative design increases the accuracy of experiments and makes laboratory processes more efficient.This invention is a laboratory animal fixing and physiological measurement device developed for use in laboratory animal laboratories, as well as in biomedical engineering and healthcare fields. Its innovative design prioritizes the comfort of the animal during the experiment and allows for administration without subjecting them to excessive pressure by using a dual-cover, rail-based mechanism to securely fix mice and rats.

[0018] The invention makes it possible to measure physiological parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature of the mice and rats used in the experiment with high precision. In this way, it aims to increase the accuracy and reliability of scientific research, while taking animal welfare into account. Furthermore, this design is directly related to technical fields such as biomedical device design, animal welfare-oriented research methods, and laboratory equipment manufacturing.

[0019] The invention has a design that prioritizes laboratory animal welfare. Thanks to the double cover rail system, the subjects are securely fixed while maintaining their natural range of motion and comfort. This allows to reduce stress levels and minimize adverse non-experimental conditions, especially in long-term experiments. The transparent plexiglass structure and ventilation holes of the invention facilitate the observation of animals while ensuring they breathe healthily during the procedure.

[0020] The invention comprises advanced sensors that measure physiological parameters -heart rate, oxygen saturation and body temperature - of laboratory animals mice and rats with high accuracy. Heart rate is used to understand factors such as the general health status of mice, stress levels, pain, or response to the procedure, while oxygen saturation measures the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues, revealing the adequacy of respiratory function. These measurements play a critical role in assessing the rapid effects of the procedures on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It also allows to understand the physiological repercussions of stress, anxiety or disease states, as well as to obtain experimental results at a level that protects animal welfare.

[0021] The double cover mechanism used in the invention allows animals to be securely fixed. The outer cover protects the subject from the outside during the experiment, while the inner cover fixes the subject and prevents its movements. This mechanism ensures safe placement and fixing of mice and rats, which increases the precision ofmeasurements during the experiment. This feature reduces errors caused by the physical movements of laboratory animals and maximizes measurement accuracy.

[0022] The invention has a flexible design that can adapt to laboratory animals including mice and rats of different sizes. The cover system being adjustable makes it usable for mice and rats of different sizes. Furthermore, the flexibility of this design makes the use of the device more efficient and practical.

[0023] A Bluetooth module is provided integrated into the invention. This allows the physiological data of the laboratory animals to be transmitted wirelessly to a computer or other monitoring devices. This allows researchers to monitor and analyze data remotely. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology enables long-term data transmission with low energy consumption.

[0024] The transparent plexiglass material of the invention facilitates external observation of the subject's condition during the administration in the experiment. This allows researchers to have better information about the health status of laboratory animals. Furthermore, the transparent structure allows careful observation of the animal inside the device, allowing quick recognition of any physical discomfort of the animal during administration (intramuscular or intravenous administration), such as blood loss due to any damage, incorrect injection, etc.

[0025] The portable nature of the invention facilitates its use in different laboratory environments. Flexible circuits and durable materials ensure a long service life. Furthermore, thanks to the use of a lithium-ion battery, the device can be used for longterm experiments and can be easily recharged to provide energy repeatedly.

[0026] The precise measurements and secure fixing mechanism offered by the invention improve the physical conditions of experiments and ensure the reliability of the data obtained in scientific research. In particular, it contributes to easy substance application and obtaining of important accurate data for pharmaceutical research, drug testing, and other biomedical studies in the dermatological field.Blood collection is a common and often time-consuming and precise step in experimental processes, and this challenging step can be performed more easily, quickly and reliably, increasing experimental efficiency.

[0027] Description of the Drawings:

[0028] The present invention is hereinafter described in more detail by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 Perspective view of the safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device.

[0030] Fig. 2 Rear view of the safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device.

[0031] Fig. 3 Bottom view of the safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device.

[0032] The figures which will help understand this invention are numbered as indicated in the accompanying drawing and are given below with their names.

[0033] Description of the References:

[0034] 1. Outer cover

[0035] 1.1. Outer cover tail hole

[0036] 2. Inner cover

[0037] 2.1. Inner cover tail hole

[0038] 3. Inner cover fixing and advancing handle

[0039] 4. Fixing mechanism

[0040] 5. Sensor system

[0041] 6. Rail

[0042] 7. Body

[0043] 7.1. Ventilation hole

[0044] Description of the Invention:The invention is designed to facilitate the fixing and handling of mice and rats used as laboratory animals in experiments, thereby enabling safe and precise measurements during laboratory experiments. In accordance with this purpose, it comprises a body (7) made of transparent material to allow easy observation of laboratory animal movements from the outside, an outer cover (1) allowing external intervention when placing the laboratory animal inside the body (7), which can be opened and closed upwards to prevent the mouse / rat from escaping, an inner cover (2) that prevents movement by providing the clamping action necessary to fix the laboratory animal, a fixing mechanism (4) that ensures accurate physiological measurements by preventing movement of the head of the laboratory animal, a rail (6) formed on the body (7) to allow the inner cover (2) and the fixing mechanism (4) to move up and down in a vertical direction, a sensor system (5) that enables accurate measurement of physiological parameters and wireless transmission of data (Fig.-1)

[0045] The body (7) of the device is made of transparent plexiglass (plexi). The body (7) comprises strategically placed ventilation holes (7.1). The transparent plexiglass body (7) allows the movements of the laboratory animals to be observed from the outside while the ventilation holes (7.1) support the natural breathing of mice and rats. The double cover system makes the experimentation process more practical. The outer cover (1) prevents the subject from escaping, while the inner cover (2) moves on a rail (6) system to gently restrain the animal and prevent it from moving during the measurement. The outer cover (1) comprises an outer cover tail hole (1.1), through which the tail of the subject animal can pass.

[0046] The invention is equipped with flexible circuit technology for measuring physiological parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. This technology makes it possible to adapt the sensors to the mouse and rat body and ensure accurate measurements. Furthermore, the holes (7.1) on the invention allow blood to be drawn from mice and rats used as laboratory animals in experiments for physiological measurement. Furthermore, the sensor system (5) powered by a lithium-ion battery and Bluetooth module offers portability and ease of use by transferring measurement data wirelessly (Fig .-2).

[0047] In the invention, a cover system consisting of an outer cover (1) and an inner cover (2) is used to securely fix the laboratory animals used in the experiment (Fig.-1, Figure-2).The first cover (1) is designed as a hinged cover that can be opened and closed upwards, preventing the mouse or rat from escaping. At the same time, it allows for external intervention when inserting the laboratory animal. An inner cover fixing and advancing handle (3) is provided on the inner cover (2). The inner cover fixing and advancing handle (3) provides the clamping action necessary to fix the laboratory animal by moving the inner cover (2) on the rail (6). The inner cover (2) moves on the rail (6) by manual intervention. The inner cover (2) provides the necessary clamping action and fixes the subject in place by clamping, thus preventing movement and enabling accurate measurements to be taken. This double cover structure is optimized for use both as a stabilizer and for secure placement.

[0048] The sensor system (5) comprises at least one LED light source, a photodetector (PD), a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, a temperature sensor, and a Li-Ion battery input. These components enable the device to accurately measure physiological parameters and transmit the data wirelessly.

[0049] The fixing mechanism (4) secures the head of the laboratory animal with a latch holder on the inside of the device. This mechanism ensures comfortable fixing of the animal and accurate physiological measurements. The latch holder slightly stabilizes the subject's head and thus prevents it from moving during the measurement.

[0050] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0051] The body of the invention is made of transparent plexiglass material, allowing easy observation of the animals from the outside. In addition, the ventilation holes provided on the body allow mice and rats to breathe normally.

[0052] The utilization process of the invention is carried out in the following steps.

[0053] 1. The mouse-rat is passed through the inner cover (2) of the invention and its tail is led out through the hole (2.1) in the cover,

[0054] 2. The inner cover (2) is closed and the tail of the mouse and rat is kept securely outside,

[0055] 3. The outer cover (1) is adjusted to the size of the mouse and rat using the sliding rail (6) system,4. The latch holder gently secures the head of the mouse and rat,

[0056] 5. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature sensors are placed, and measurements are initiated. The user can use the ventilation hole in the invention to draw blood from the mouse / rat.

[0057] The invention has a round tubular structure and the measurement system integrated into this structure simultaneously measures oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and body temperature. The measurement system has an arrangement where the detector is positioned in the center and is operated by means of green LED lights on either side of the detector. This flexible circuit can be bent to conform to the rounded structure of the body (7) of the invention, allowing for precise measurements to be taken in a position suitable for the animal's body.

[0058] Heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurements in laboratory animals can be frequently used to monitor the physiological status of animals, to obtain preliminary information without any intravenous or intramuscular administration prior to the experiment, and to evaluate the effects of experiments. Measurements are taken by PPG (photoplethysmography).

[0059] PPG sensors can be designed in two different modes as a measurement method. In transmission mode, the light source and photodetector are placed opposite each other, while in reflection mode the light source and photodetector are placed side by side. In the transmission mode, light is transmitted directly and is often used in areas with fine texture, such as the earlobe, toe, or fingertip. In reflection mode, a larger measurement area can be provided. However, there is a risk of motion artifacts occurring. In reflection mode, the sensors can be applied at different measurement sites, such as the wrist and chest. Once the reflection mode is chosen, the correct placement of the LED (light source) and photodetector (PD) positions is an important factor affecting the signal quality and the sensor's robustness against motion artifacts. Two green LED light sources and photodetectors are carefully positioned to fit the round shape of the invention.

[0060] The use of flexible circuit offers significant advantages compared to conventional rigid PCBs. Flexible circuits are made of flexible materials such as polyimide (PI), PET or PEN and do not deform during bending. These circuits allow the mounting of LEDs andphotodetectors and can be designed to fit the round shape of the invention. Signal transmission in flexible circuits is achieved using copper traces, these traces are created by etching, abrasion, or chemical processes and are crucial to ensure the reliability of the circuit. These features of flexible circuits make it possible for the invention to perform reliable measurements in moving systems and increase the accuracy of measurement results of physiological parameters.

[0061] The flexible circuit system to be integrated into the tubular body (7) of the invention is designed in the form of an x-ray film and is placed in the central part of the body (7) holding the mouse and the rail (6). This flexible circuit is designed to place the circuit close to the body of the mouse for more accurate measurement of oxygen saturation and heart rate. The flexibility provided by this structure ensures that the device operates in the most suitable position for the laboratory animal and that vital parameters are monitored with precision.

[0062] To support the working principle of the invention, a battery compartment is used on the circuit. This battery will be provided with a round lithium ion battery and will meet the energy needs of the invention. Lithium ion batteries are preferred fortheir high energy density and long life. The battery compartment is positioned in a manner compatible with the flexible structure integrated into the circuit, ensuring the battery is securely connected. This design is optimized to enable portability and long-term use of the invention.

[0063] For data transmission, a Bluetooth module was used to transfer the measurement data of the invention to the computer. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, with its low energy consumption and small size, is a suitable communication solution that can be integrated into the flexible structure of the sensor system (5). The Bluetooth module enables the invention to transmit data at close range and facilitates data transfer in laboratory environment or experimental conditions. This sensor is integrated into the main circuit of the invention and ensures that the data is transmitted wirelessly to a computer or remote monitoring devices.

[0064] The sensors in the invention (e.g. PPG-based LED and photodetector module and temperature sensor) detect and convert biological data from the animal into digital signals. These signals are wirelessly transmitted to a computer via the BLE module.The data transferred to the computer is processed through a specially developed software. The software analyzes the received data in real time and provides graphical and numerical output. The interface is designed in a user-friendly way and offers the following features.

[0065] Real Time Monitoring: Instant visualization of measurements such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature,

[0066] Data Analysis and Reporting: Processing the collected data and presenting them in tables, graphs, and reports,

[0067] Past Records: Data logging function that allows the user to review historical data,

[0068] - Warning System: A mechanism that generates warnings if user-defined thresholds are exceeded.

[0069] The software processes and analyzes data received via the BLE protocol through a serial port simulation. Algorithms developed using Python, MATLAB or equivalent platforms are optimized to improve the accuracy of data and enable users to obtain reliable results in their scientific research. This method aims to increase the precision and reliability of measurements while prioritizing animal welfare and ensuring efficiency in laboratory experiments. The circuit is enclosed in a transparent case to provide protection from external factors (dust, liquid splashes) in the laboratory environment.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats, characterized in that it consists of:• a body (7) made of transparent material to allow easy observation of laboratory animal movements from the outside,• an outer cover (1) allowing external intervention when placing the laboratory animal inside the body (7), which can be opened and closed upwards to prevent the mouse / rat from escaping,• an inner cover (2) that prevents movement by providing the clamping action necessary to fix the laboratory animal,• a fixing mechanism (4) that ensures accurate physiological measurements by preventing movement of the head of the laboratory animal,• a rail (6) formed on the body (7) to allow the inner cover (2) and the fixing mechanism (4) to move up and down in a vertical direction,• a sensor system (5) that enables accurate measurement of physiological parameters and wireless transmission of data.

2. The safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has the body (7) comprising ventilation holes (7.1) formed to allow the subjects to breathe normally inside and to facilitate blood collection at the desired area.

3. The safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has the body (7) preferably made of transparent plexiglass (plexi) material.

4. The safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the sensor system (5) comprising at least one LED light source, a photodetector (PD), a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, a temperature sensor, and a Li- Ion battery input.

5. The sensor system (5) according to claim 1 or claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a flexible circuit which can bent to conform to the rounded structure of the body (7).

6. The safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a cover system constituting of the outer cover (1) and the inner cover (2) used for securely fixing the laboratory animals used in the experiment.

7. The safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats according to claim 1, characterized in that it has the inner cover (2) which is moved on the rail (6) by manual intervention.

8. The inner cover (2) according to claim 1 or claim 7, characterized in that it has an inner cover fixing and advancing handle (3) which provides the clamping action necessary to fix the laboratory animal by moving it on the rail (6).

9. The inner cover (2) according to claim 1 or claim 6, characterized in that it has an inner cover tail hole (2.1) in a structure that allows the tail of a laboratory animal such as a mouse / rat to pass through.

10. The outer cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an outer cover tail hole (1.1) in a structure that allows the tail of a laboratory animal such as a mouse / rat to pass through.

11. The safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats according to claim 1, characterized in that it has the fixing mechanism (4) comprising a latch holder that prevents the laboratory animal from moving during the measurement and fixes its head.

12. The safe handling, fixing, and physiological measurement device for laboratory animals mice / rats according to claim 1, characterized in that it has the fixing mechanism (4) comprising a latch holder that prevents the laboratory animal from moving during the measurement and fixes its head.

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