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The Mobile HomeCage® Large
The Mobile HomeCage® Large allows integrating live imaging, electrophysiological recordings, and optogenetic stimulation with complex behavioral readouts.
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The Mobile HomeCage® Large is a combination of a stable head fixation with a large airlifted arena for 2D navigation. Compared to the standard size Mobile HomeCage®, the large model is better suited for integrating imaging, electrophysiological recordings, and other high-precision tests with complex behavioral experiments. The latter include maze navigation (in real not virtual mazes) or sociability tests involving several mice. Besides that: the Mobile HomeCage® Large allows mapping place cells during imaging and recording in awake head-fixed mice.
Key benefits
- Stable head fixation during active locomotion;
- No general anesthesia during training or experiments;
- Cage has flat floor and walls: it resembles laboratory mice’ natural habitat and helps to reduce stress;
- Walls are a source of natural tactile stimulation;
- Two-dimensional locomotion: mice can choose where to go or map their trajectory in response to stimulation;
- Seamless integration of brain recordings and behavioral observation via a unique magnetic locomotion-tracking solution (optional), which also facilitates close-loop experiments;
- Visual stimulation (from within and outside the cage) is possible but not required;
- Compatible with VR;
- Maze navigation and other complex behavior;
- Free customer portal access for all lab members, an invaluable resource for video surgery tutorials, mouse handling and training tips and more.
Applications
- Acute and chronic two-photon imaging in the brain and spinal cord;
- Wide-field imaging;
- Functional ultrasound (fUS) and standard ultrasound imaging;
- Optical coherent tomography (OCT);
- Electrophysiological recordings, including patch-clamp;
- Optogenetic stimulation;
- Pupilometry and pupil tracking;
- Behavioral research, including complex behavior such as maze navigation and sociability tests.
Available options
There are two main options: the basic Mobile HomeCage Large (NTR000254-04) and the Mobile HomeCage Large with locomotion tracking capabilities (NTR000254-04 and NTR000297-03). The table below shows the product composition for each option.
| Kit parts | Options that do not affect the price | Mobile HomeCage Large - basic model | Mobile HomeCage Large, locomotion tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air dispenser | X | X | |
| Bridge and towers with adjustable horizontal and vertical positioning | standard or short towers | X | X |
| Rotating clamp (part of head fixation block) | clamp options: standard, tilted, elongated, Levelt, fUS | X | X |
| Neck (part of head fixation block) | X | X | |
| Ten head plates for cranial surgery implantation | same model or an assortment (choose from 14 models) | X | X |
| Carbon fiber cage (diameter 325 mm) | wall height: 20, 40, 70 mm | X | X |
| Hose for connecting to air source (diameter: 12 mm; length 3 m) | X | X | |
| Grounding wire | X | X | |
| Electronic control unit (ECU V5) | X | ||
| Sensor board built into the air dispenser | X | ||
| RS-232 cable | X | ||
| USB connector cable (A to C) | X | ||
| Optosync probe and holder | X | ||
| Free software (available for download from the customer portal) | X |
Locomotion tracking for optimal integration with complex behavior
Interested in integrating imaging or electrophysiological studies in head-fixed mice with complex behavioral tasks such as maze navigation or sociability studies? Neurotar’s magnetic locomotion-tracking solution is designed for this very purpose. For optimal cost-efficiency, consider a comprehensive system that includes locomotion tracking from the outset (NTR000254-04 and NTR000297-03). Should you wish to stagger your investment, we offer convenient upgrade kits for future implementation.
Cage options and mazes
The floating cage must be both light and durable. Don’t be fooled by the cage’s seemingly simple design: our cage has a sandwich carbon-fiber bottom (for optimal weight and rigidity), and magnets built into the bottom (but not visible to humans and mice). The magnets enable locomotion tracking and reduce rotational inertia.
The standard cage diameter is 325 mm, and we offer three wall options: 20 mm, 40 mm, and 70 mm. Custom cages (diameters < 325 mm) are also available, which may be necessary for compatibility with certain microscope models (more on compatibility below).
In addition to the round cage, we offer square cages and several maze designs. Specialty cages and mazes are not included with the standard Mobile HomeCage® Large kit.
Compatibility with 2-photon microscopes
Some commercial two-photon microscopes can accommodate the Mobile HomeCage® Large without modifications. However, many require careful planning, as the microscope frames cannot be easily adjusted once ordered. We recommend checking compatibility before finalizing your microscope order, as several manufacturers offer special frames or periscopic objective extensions that ensure compatibility with the Mobile HomeCage® Large—but they may not offer these options unless informed about your intention to integrate our system.
We suggest reaching out to us for recommendations and options. Fitting the Mobile HomeCage® Large into an existing system may require a custom cage with a diameter smaller than 325 mm. Additionally, most commercial microscopes can be adapted to work with our system using a periscopic extension, such as the Inverterscope from LSM Tech.
Beyond the microscope frame, it’s important to consider the table layout, stage specifications, and the imaging objective’s requirements, particularly for compatibility with different head clamps.
For more details on compatibility, please refer to our compatibility guide.
Technical specifications
- Dimensions: 720 X 570 X 155 mm (W X D X H)
- Unpackaged weight: 11,7 kg / 13 kg (with locomotion tracking components)
- Materials: aluminum, composite materials.
Airflow and acoustic noise
The Mobile HomeCage® Large kit does not include an air source. Required airflow: 125 L/min at 20 kPa. Most labs can use local air supplies, but portable air pumps are available. Avoid compressed air tanks as they deplete quickly. For a portable air pump, consider our plug-and-play solution or contact us for additional recommendations.
Most acoustic noise in the system comes from the air source. To reduce noise, increase the distance between the air source and the Mobile HomeCage® Large or build an enclosure for the air source.
Electrical noise and shielding
To reduce weight, the Mobile HomeCage is made of a composite material. For this reason, the air dispenser is not shielded. We include a grounding kit with every Mobile HomeCage® Large and recommend using it for grounding the air dispenser lid. This prevents electrical noise from leaking from the air dispenser.
Parts and accessories
Our online accessories shop has variable kit parts (such as head plates and cages), upgrades (such as locomotion tracking), and a wide range of accessories for spinal cord imaging, behavioral research, and operant conditioning.
Maintenance
The Mobile HomeCage® Large is easy to use and it requires minimal maintenance. The carbon fiber cages can be cleaned with a 70% ethanol solution. The head plates are reusable. Learn how to reuse them in our guide to head plates. The air dispenser must be protected from dust and water penetrating inside through the air holes.
References and support
You are not alone. Our support team provides both technical and experimental support. Besides that: dozens of labs worldwide are using the Mobile HomeCage. Learn from them or get help from us!
All Mobile HomeCage® patents and trademarks are the property of Neurotar. Unauthorized use and distribution are strictly prohibited.