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The Mobile HomeCage®
The Mobile HomeCage® integrates stable head fixation with an air-lifted, flat-floored 2D locomotion platform: indispensable for precise imaging and electrophysiological brain recordings in awake, naturally behaving mice.
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Unlike traditional head-fixation solutions that restrict movement, the Mobile HomeCage® allows natural, two-dimensional locomotion. Moreover, mice can control their movement, choosing when and where to go—or when to stay still. Researchers can track these movements to gain deeper insights into behavioral patterns.
Available options
NTR000251-06
NTR000251-06 and NTR000289-03
- Mobile HomeCage (NRT000251-06): Stable head fixation during active locomotion
- Mobile HomeCage with tracking (NTR000251-06 and NTR000293-02): Includes locomotion tracking hardware and software for behavioral monitoring during imaging and recording in awake mice
Key benefits
- Stable head fixation during active locomotion
- No need for general anesthesia at any time during experiments or training
- Natural design: flat floor and walls mimic a familiar homecage habitat and provide natural tactile stimulation, lowering stress and encouraging faster habituation
- Two-dimensional locomotion: mice can choose where to go or map their trajectory in response to stimulation
- Magnets embedded in the cage bottom enable locomotion tracking and reduce rotational inertia
- Seamless integration of brain recordings and behavioral observation via a unique magnetic locomotion-tracking solution (optional), which also facilitates closed-loop experiments
- Compatible with virtual reality (VR) systems
- Compact design: compatible with most commercial microscopes
- 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 (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 monitoring integrated with the above techniques
Compatibility
The standard-size Mobile HomeCage® is compact and fits with most commercial two-photon microscopes. For specific compatibility information, including air sources and stages, check out our compatibility guide.
Technical specifications
- Dimensions: 420 X 300 X 159 mm
- Unpackaged weight: 5,5 kg / 5,7 kg (with tracking)
- Materials: aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (cages)
Mobile HomeCage® kit composition
The standard-size Mobile HomeCage® kit includes everything you need to start using the system right away:
| Kit parts | Options that do not affect the price | Mobile HomeCage | Mobile HomeCage with tracking capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air dispenser, 430 X 300 X 159 mm | 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) | standard and short neck are included | X | X |
| Ten head plates for cranial surgery implantation | same model or an assortment (choose from 14 models) | X | X |
| Two carbon fiber-reinforced plastic cages (ø 180 mm) with two embedded bottom magnets | wall height: 20 mm, 40 mm, or 60 mm | X | X |
| Hose for connecting to air source (ø 19 mm; length 3 m) | X | X | |
| Electronic control unit (ECU) - 6 TTL ports | 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 | ||
| Software (available for download from the customer portal) | X |
Note: The transparent cage is not included in the standard kit—let us know if you need one. Alternatively, consider using the low-wall (20 mm) cage for applications like visual stimulation, behavioral observation, or gait research. To learn more about our cages, please check out our cage guide.
Locomotion tracking
Our magnetic locomotion-tracking system is designed to seamlessly integrate imaging and electrophysiology with behavioral observation. The tracking is fast (200 fps) and precise (spatial resolution < 0.5 mm), and it works equally well in light and dark conditions. Choose an integrated system (NTR000251-06, NTR000293-02) for optimal cost-efficiency or add tracking later with our convenient upgrade kits.
Airflow
The Mobile HomeCage® kit does not include an air source. Required airflow: 120 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.
Parts and accessories
From head plates to cages and locomotion tracking upgrades, our online shop offers everything you need to tailor the Mobile HomeCage to your research. Check out accessories for spinal cord imaging, behavioral research, and operant conditioning. Need to adjust the mouse’s orientation? Look for our twisted neck kit.
Maintenance
With minimal upkeep, the Mobile HomeCage® stays in optimal working condition. Clean the floating cages with a 70% ethanol solution, and reuse head plates—our head plate guide shows you how. Keep the air dispenser clear of dust and moisture.
Support and community
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.