aerosol generation and delivery

Aeroneb® Lab Nebulizer from Aerogen Inc

nebulization head

The nebulization head (Aeroneb® Lab Nebulizer from Aerogen Inc) generates a low-velocity fine-droplet aerosol.

The nebulization head is airtight and aerosol generation does not create any significant pressure fluctuations. This is why it can be used directly on top of the plethysmograph.

efficient

Produces a high-quality respirable aerosol with extremely low residual volume.

flexible

Aerosolizes virtually any drug in liquid formulation, without impairing or damaging the compound's molecular integrity or concentration. Particle size is adjustable, making the system suitable for several species.

proven

Based on field-proven OnQ™ technology.  Published studies have also demonstrated successful aerosolization of a gene therapy vector1 (rAAV) and a recombinant fusion protein2 (Epo-Fc).

The Aeroneb Lab produces a fine droplet, low-velocity aerosol without compressed air, and integrates easily into existing exposure and aerosol testing equipment.

nebulization controller

nebulization controller

As part of its integrated pulmonary setups, emka TECHNOLOGIES has developed a nebulization controller for use with Aeroneb Aerogen nebulizers.

Each controller controls up to 4 Aeroneb Aerogen nebulizers, allowing for the sequential delivery of aerosol.

Using controllers makes it possible to adjust the rate of aerosol delivery (by adjusting the delivery cycle from 0% to 100%).

The nebulization controller can be used manually in a stand-alone manner or controlled remotely from iox2 software. All settings can be saved in iox2 configuration files. You can also incorporate nebulization operations into iox2 protocols.

When a series of nebulization controllers are chained together (via their CAN connectors), iox2 can control nebulization heads independently, and simultaneous delivery becomes possible.

The inspiration trigger mode is another useful feature. When activated in setups with anesthetized ventilated subjects, it ensures that aerosol is only delivered during the inspiration phase of ventilation. This prevents accumulation of aerosol inside the tubing, especially in experiments with mice.

connections

• 4 ouput connectors for Aeroneb Aerogen nebulizers
• 4 BNC inputs to receive analog signals (flow or pressure) used to detect inspiration (for inspiration trigger mode)
• CAN bus connectors for linking together several controllers
• a connector for the 9V DC power supply (a compatible AC/DC adapter is supplied)
• a TTL input connector (for start/stop control by  iox2)

exposure box

exposure box

The exposure box is used in situations where recording may be done after exposure to the test substance.

The box is connected to your aerosol generation and delivery system.

Two sizes are available, each designed for simultaneous exposure of several animals to an aerosol:

• mice (20 x 30 x 20 cm)
• rat (60 x 35 x 30 cm

After exposure, data may be acquired from subjects using a plethysmograph (for conscious freely moving, conscious restrained or sedated animals).

exposure tower

exposure tower

The exposure tower is used to deliver aerosolized substances to several spontaneously breathing rodents at the same time. Each animal is placed inside a cylinder. Up to 10 levels may be used, and each level can accommodate from 8 to 16 cylinders.

There are two ways of using the exposure tower in your setup:

(i) exposure with simultaneous acquisition

Body-only plesthymographs are mounted around the tower for continuous measurement of ventilatory parameters during exposure. Different kinds of plethysmographs are available for mice, rats, and guinea pigs.

(ii) exposure with subsequent measurment

In this case, the exposure tower is used for exposure only. The animals are placed inside restraining cylinders, which are then mounted around the tower. The effect of the drug can then be assessed by placing the animal in a whole-body plethysmography.