Creation of an experimental rearing environment for microbiome animal research using an individually ventilated cage system and bioBUBBLE enclosure

• DOI: 10.1538/expanim.20-0129
• Publication Date: 2020-11-24T22:42:17Z
• Authors: Yuyo Ka; Tomoyuki Ogura; Kayo Tomiyama; Masami Ueno; Ryoko Nozu; Nobuyuki Tsuruzono; Yuya Nozawa; Mariko Hamano; Akira Takakura; Riichi Takahashi
• Keywords: Isolator; Cage; Enclosure; Biological safety; Biosafety

To avoid microbial contamination risk, vinyl film isolators are generally used in animal microbiome experiments involving germ-free (GF) mice and/or gnotobiotic (GB) mice. However, it can take several months to gain expertise operating the isolator competently. Furthermore, sterilization and sterility testing, which essential for preparation, more than 20 days. Hence, we built an experimental rearing environment that combines individual ventilation cage system a bioBUBBLE clean room enclosure easily set up facilities. In this work, three-step evaluation was conducted. First, examined whether GF be maintained without bacterial contamination. Next, GB cross-contamination one rack. Finally, tested biological safety cabinet controlled by negative pressure. our series of experiments, no occurred over 3 months. These results indicated systems not only with but also Biosafety Level 2 handle bacteria. Our mitigate various disadvantages using isolators. conclusion, established method improved working time efficiency compared those previous method.