Development and characteristics of IVC experimental animal cage system

Development and characteristics of IVC experimental animal cage system

Author: Zhang Chunhong. Feng Hua

Abstract: The development and advantages of IVC experimental animal cage system are described. The characteristics of the equipment are introduced and the understanding of this equipment is deepened.

Key words: IVC system; characteristics Experimental animals are the basis and conditions of life science research.

The goal of animal experiments is to pursue reliable data that accurately reflects the experimental process. To maintain its reliability, efforts should be made to eliminate changes in the physiological and biochemical activities of animals unless constant environmental factors are present. Otherwise, when analyzing and synthesizing experimental data, it is extremely difficult to make an exact evaluation of the numerical fluctuations and problems that occur. In order to realize the scientific nature of the animal experiment results, the international attention to the microbiological quality of experimental animals is very important, and there are clear requirements. In general, at least to reach the clean level, or even to the SPF level, can meet the scientific research requirements. Therefore, the use of barrier systems and isolation system facilities to breed laboratory animals above the clean level and to do their quality control is the general trend of the development of experimental animal science in the world today [1]. The IVC system is now widely used internationally as a rodent small animal feeding facility.

1. The development of the IVC system has been used for over 30 years in foreign IVC (Individually distinct weilate cagesdul independent ventilation cages). In 1958, in order to prevent the spread of the virus, Dr. Lisbeth Kraft made a metal cylinder, which was sealed with metal sheets. The wire was wound into a side wall and wrapped with a layer of glass fiber as a filter medium. Rats, this is the prototype of the IVC system; in the 1960s, this filtration system was further developed into a shoe box shape, but still using glass fiber as a filter medium [2]; in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the development of perfect cages began. Environmental conditions. The current IVC system design is based on the invention of Robert Sedlacek in 1980. In China, the IVC system was introduced into the experimental animal community in 1999. At that time, most of the experimental environments used barrier systems. The management requirements for barrier facilities are very strict. Damage to facilities, power outages, failure of air filtration devices, and inadequate sanitation of items entering the barrier system are often important causes of contamination of test animals, but the largest source of pollution is still from workers. It is also obvious that its input cost is high and its use efficiency is low, and it is not possible to protect the staff. Since the outbreak of atypical pneumonia in 2003, the IVC system has also been adopted in China. Some domestic manufacturers have begun to imitate foreign IVC products, but there are serious technical problems. Some mature and immature foreign IVC systems are also imported. There is no unified national standard for IVC systems in China.

2. Advantages of the IVC system The IVC system consists of a cage system, a cage system, and a host system. Each IVC cage has a terminal filter and the host system is fitted with HEPA (primary, high efficiency filter).

2.1 has a truly sustainable SPF barrier environment, providing SPF environment for rodent small animals, preventing cross-infection and effectively protecting experimental animals; 2.2 airflow at the inlet and outlet vents on the cage must be at the same level with a deviation of less than 0.5% . 2.3 Provide uniform standard ventilation; 2.4 Different strains of experimental animals can be raised in the same cage, but can be managed in the same work area; 2.5 Provide high standards of low NH3, CO2 microenvironment for animals, provide optimum humidity 2.6 Reduce the number of litter replacement and sterilization of animal cages; 2.7 Prevent the spread and spread of harmful substances or contaminated gases in animal cages; 2.8 Free labor, save resources, and ensure the health and safety of workers; 2.9 The equipment is designed reasonably, saves floor space, is light and dexterous, and has flexible wheels that can be easily moved. Make cages an advanced IVC barrier system that can be used in general environments, barrier environments, bio-quarantine facilities, biosafety facilities, and environmental monitoring facilities.

3. Characteristics of the IVC system: The IVC system is used as an animal feeding device, which can also meet the strict environmental requirements of experimental animals. 3.1 cages with optional high-quality Polysulfone (PSU) material, up to 134 degrees Celsius high temperature, corrosion resistance, deformation resistance; Polyeterimide (PEI) material (chemical analysis: immersed in 25% Ethylacetate in ethanol 90 solution for 1 minute), Resistant to higher temperatures, corrosion and deformation resistance. long lasting. There is a terminal filter in the cage that allows further control of the microorganisms. The connecting seal of the cage and the cage has no connection port and is airtight. Do not leak gas under a certain pressure. There is isolation device for drinking water and food. 3.2 The three indicators of airflow, wind speed, ventilation airflow, wind speed and air exchange mainly ensure that the air inside the box is fresh, and the concentrations of temperature, humidity, CO2 and NH3 are suitable. The EHCET IVC system in Germany has a cage air flow rate <0.13 m/s, even below 0.1 m/s at the animal level. This low air flow rate keeps the body temperature constant. The air exchange rate can be adjusted by 10-100%. 3.3 The dust ion host has adjustable positive and negative pressure, and the inlet and exhaust air have initial and high efficiency filter devices. The high efficiency filter uses H14 grade HEPA (high efficiency filter) inlet or discharge filter (99.997% efficiency for >0.3μ particles). It protects experimental animals, operators and the environment. 3.4 Noise Animals can hear much wider audio than humans. Animals are exposed to noise for a long time, their hearing organs are damaged, and the nervous system and physiological reproductive system are also affected. Damage, so the impact of noise on experimental animals can not be ignored. China's standard is below 60dB, and the operating noise of the IVC system is <49dB, which is much higher than the ordinary standard in China, which can provide a completely quiet experimental observation environment for animals.

Summary IVC products have obvious scientific and economic benefits. Compared with the traditional barrier system, it is not only low in cost but also more convenient and clean to maintain. It is an energy-saving and environment-friendly experimental new equipment. With the popularization of IVC system in the field of experimental animal reproduction, experiment and scientific research in China, experimental animals in China will march to a new milestone. As an important member of the International IVC System Quality (TIZBIFO) Technical Committee, EHRET has been designing, manufacturing and purifying, sterilizing, cleaning technology and other related experimental equipment and animal feeding equipment since 1928. It is an internationally renowned animal cage system and experiment. Manufacturers of animal feeding systems account for the largest market share in the field of experimental animal cages worldwide. With excellent technology and rich experience, it overcomes the difficulties in the measurement, calculation and verification of IVC system ventilation rate. The solution is the only one certified by the international authoritative LTG company and considered to be the most effective and feasible in Europe and America. method.

References 1, Miao Mingsan, "Experimental Animal and Animal Experimental Technology", China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press, 1997, China Academy of Building Research, "Biosafety Laboratory Architectural Design and Construction Management" compilation, 2004.7 3. Gu Wei Wang, the first edition of "Construction and Management of Laboratory Animal Barrier Facilities", Shaanxi Science and Technology Press.