AeroDeliver System
Precision aerosol delivery system with collision nebulizer for controlled inhalation studies in freely-moving rodents, featuring dual airflow control and CageCenter™ software integration.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
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The AeroDeliver System is a precision aerosol delivery platform designed for controlled inhalation studies in rodent models. The system employs a collision nebulizer to generate aerosols with defined particle size distributions, enabling researchers to deliver therapeutic compounds, environmental contaminants, or test substances via the respiratory route. The sealed exposure chamber (19.7 cm inner diameter, 25.4 cm length) provides a home-cage environment where rodents can move freely during extended exposure sessions.
Integration with CageCenter™ software provides two operational modes: timer-controlled exposure schedules and self-administered protocols with sequential phases (food only, food plus aerosol, aerosol only). Dual airflow meters with valves and an integrated pressure gauge enable precise control of aerosol flow rate, particle size distribution, and concentration. Nose-poke mechanisms allow simultaneous food and drug administration, supporting operant conditioning paradigms in addiction research and behavioral pharmacology studies.
How It Works
The AeroDeliver System operates through collision nebulization, where pressurized laboratory air forces liquid formulations through a nebulizer chamber to generate aerosol droplets. The collision nebulizer design creates particles through liquid jet impaction, producing droplets with controlled size distributions suitable for respiratory deposition studies. Air pressure regulation directly controls particle generation rate, size distribution profile, and aerosol concentration within the exposure chamber.
The sealed cylindrical exposure chamber maintains aerosol concentration while allowing normal rodent behavior patterns. Pressurized air flow creates a controlled atmosphere where aerosol particles are suspended and available for inhalation throughout the exposure period. Dual airflow meters with integrated valves provide independent control of nebulizer pressure and chamber ventilation, ensuring stable aerosol delivery conditions.
CageCenter™ software coordinates aerosol generation with behavioral monitoring, tracking elapsed time, aerosol delivery events, and food administration responses. The nose-poke mechanism integration enables operant conditioning protocols where aerosol delivery serves as either reinforcement or as a self-administered exposure model, supporting addiction research paradigms and behavioral pharmacology studies.
Features & Benefits
chamber_inner_diameter
- 19.7 cm
nebulizer_type
- collision nebulizer
airflow_meters
- two with valves
air_pressure_gauge
- included
nose_poke_mechanisms
- food and drug administration
software
- CageCenter™
delivery_modes
- Timer mode and Self-administered mode
self_administered_phases
- Food only, Food and aerosol, Aerosol only
air_source
- pressurized laboratory air
chamber_type
- sealed exposure chamber
monitored_parameters
- elapsed time, aerosol events, food administration events
recommended_exposure_schedule
- 24 times every 12-hour dark phase for 10 days
chamber_environment
- home-cage simulation for free movement
Behavioral Construct
- Self-administration
- Operant conditioning
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Reinforcement schedules
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Material
- Plastic
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Dimensions
- 25.4 cm
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Neurodegeneration
- Toxicology
Weight
- 21.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 43.2 mm
- W: 38.0 mm
- H: 27.9 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exposure Chamber Design | Sealed cylindrical chamber (19.7 cm diameter) allowing free rodent movement | Many systems use restraint tubes or nose-only exposure limiting natural behavior | Reduces stress-related confounds while maintaining controlled aerosol delivery conditions |
| Software Integration | CageCenter™ with timer and self-administered modes plus behavioral tracking | Basic exposure systems often lack integrated behavioral monitoring capabilities | Enables simultaneous aerosol delivery and operant conditioning for addiction research protocols |
| Airflow Control System | Dual airflow meters with valves plus integrated pressure gauge | Single flow control or manual pressure regulation in entry-level models | Independent control of nebulizer pressure and chamber ventilation ensures stable aerosol conditions |
| Nebulizer Technology | Collision nebulizer with controlled particle size distribution | Ultrasonic or jet nebulizers with limited size control vary by model | Consistent particle generation suitable for precise respiratory deposition studies |
| Operant Conditioning Integration | Nose-poke mechanisms for food and drug administration with behavioral tracking | Most inhalation systems lack integrated operant conditioning capabilities | Supports self-administration paradigms essential for addiction research and behavioral pharmacology |
The AeroDeliver System integrates precision aerosol delivery with behavioral monitoring capabilities through collision nebulizer technology and CageCenter™ software. The home-cage exposure environment and operant conditioning features specifically support addiction research and behavioral pharmacology applications requiring extended exposure protocols.
Practical Tips
Verify particle size distribution using cascade impaction or laser diffraction before beginning experimental exposures.
Why: Particle size directly affects respiratory deposition patterns and experimental outcomes.
Clean the nebulizer chamber and air pathways with appropriate solvents between different formulations to prevent cross-contamination.
Why: Residual compounds can alter aerosol properties and interfere with subsequent experiments.
Acclimate animals to the exposure chamber for several sessions before beginning aerosol exposures.
Why: Habituation reduces stress-related behavioral changes that could confound experimental results.
Monitor air pressure and flow rate continuously throughout exposures to identify system fluctuations.
Why: Pressure variations can affect aerosol concentration and particle size consistency.
Check nebulizer output visually or with particle counters if aerosol generation appears inconsistent.
Why: Blocked orifices or pressure irregularities can significantly reduce aerosol delivery efficiency.
Ensure adequate laboratory ventilation and use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling volatile or toxic formulations.
Why: Aerosol systems can create airborne exposures requiring proper containment and safety measures.
Document environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) during exposures as they can affect aerosol stability and animal behavior.
Why: Environmental factors influence both aerosol properties and behavioral response patterns.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- AeroDeliver main unit with collision nebulizer
- Cylindrical exposure chamber (19.7 cm diameter, 25.4 cm length)
- Dual airflow meters with control valves
- Air pressure gauge
- Nose-poke mechanism assembly
- Rodent platform for exposure chamber
- CageCenter™ software license
- Air supply connection fittings (typical)
- User manual and setup guide (typical)
- Calibration documentation (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for system setup, calibration, and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
What particle size range can the collision nebulizer generate?
The collision nebulizer produces aerosols with controlled size distributions, though specific particle size ranges should be confirmed through the product datasheet as they depend on formulation properties and pressure settings.
How does the system ensure consistent aerosol concentrations during extended exposures?
Dual airflow meters with valves and an integrated pressure gauge provide continuous monitoring and control of nebulizer pressure and chamber ventilation, maintaining stable aerosol generation conditions throughout the exposure period.
Can the system accommodate different rodent species simultaneously?
The 19.7 cm diameter chamber is designed for individual rodent housing during exposures, supporting rats and mice with adequate space for natural movement patterns in a home-cage environment.
What data outputs does CageCenter™ software provide?
The software tracks elapsed time, aerosol delivery events, and food administration responses, with options for timer-controlled schedules or self-administered protocols with sequential exposure phases.
How frequently should the nebulizer be cleaned and maintained?
Maintenance schedules depend on usage frequency and formulation characteristics; consult the user manual for cleaning protocols specific to the compounds being nebulized and exposure frequency.
Is the system compatible with volatile organic compounds or corrosive substances?
Material compatibility should be verified for specific compounds; the plastic chamber construction may have limitations with certain solvents or corrosive formulations requiring compatibility assessment.
What air supply pressure is required for optimal nebulizer performance?
The system operates with standard laboratory compressed air; specific pressure requirements for optimal particle generation should be confirmed in the technical specifications.
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