Device for Automating Zebrafish Processing

描述（由申请人提供）：尽管常规样品处理可适用于加工斑马鱼，但适当分析工具的开发尚未跟上该动物模型用于化合物筛选的日益增加的使用。在本研究中，我们提出开发一种自动化斑马鱼加工装置。斑马鱼胚胎对小分子具有渗透性，为药物管理和活体染料染色提供了方便。小分子，包括肽，染料和药物可以简单地溶解在鱼水中。其他优点包括：它们的体积小，易于维护和繁殖，生产力高。使用斑马鱼作为药物筛选的替代动物模型可以大大加快药物筛选过程，降低成本，并提供比基于细胞的测定更准确的结果。目前有300多个核心斑马鱼水产养殖设施（2/3在美国），由于模块化养殖架的发展，卫星实验室的数量正在迅速增加。这个市场高度集中，产品可以通过小规模的销售队伍或通过分销商销售。 斑马鱼已被证明是评估化合物安全性，毒性和有效性的预测动物模型。虽然传统的样品处理可以适用于加工斑马鱼，但适当的分析工具的开发并没有跟上越来越多地使用这种动物模型进行化合物筛选的步伐。在本研究中，我们提出开发一种自动化斑马鱼加工装置。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Although conventional sample handling can be adapted for use with processing zebrafish, development of appropriate analytical tools has not kept pace with the increasing use of this animal model for compound screening. In this research, we propose to develop a device to automate zebrafish processing. Zebrafish embryos, which are permeable to small molecules, provide easy access for drug administration and vital dye staining. Small molecules, including peptides, dyes and drugs can be simply dissolved in fish water. Additional advantages include: their small size, easy maintenance and breeding, and high productivity. Use of zebrafish as an alternative animal model for drug screening can greatly accelerate the drug screening process, decrease costs, and provide more accurate results than cell-based assays. There are currently more than 300 core zebrafish aquaculture facilities (2/3 are in the US), and the number of satellite labs is increasing rapidly due to development of modular breeding racks. This market is highly concentrated and products can be sold using a small sales force or through distributors. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Zebrafish has been shown to be a predictive animal model for assessing compound safety, toxicity, and efficacy. Although conventional sample handling can be adapted for use with processing zebrafish, development of appropriate analytical tools has not kept pace with the increasing use of this animal model for compound screening. In this research, we propose to develop a device to automate zebrafish processing.