SBIR-STTR Award

This Phase 1 project will result in development of pigments, tattoo equipment and procedures for visual and instrumental identification of dar colored rodents. The B6C3F1 brown mouse will be used as a model. Various black and colored pigments will be evaluated along with light sources for visual reading of tail tattoos. In addition, optical character recognitio scanning of tattoos will be employed for instrumental identification. An in vitro mammalian cell cytotoxicity test will be conducted on selected pigments.Phase 2 will involve life-time safety and efficacy studies on the pigments in mice and other laboratory animals and development of audio-video technician training programs in the use of these new techniques.Rapid, permanent and humane visual and instrumental identification systems for laboratory animals will increase the efficiency of animal research in toxicology, cancer, ageing and other important human and animal health problems. Worldwide markets for such equipment now exist.

The Phase I project resulted in the development of several tattoo pigments that were effective in identifying B6C3Fl brown mice in a 3-month study. These pigments did not affect growth or mortality; however, one pigment was cytotoxic to in vitro mouse lymphoma cells. The Phase II project will involve formulation of stable pigments and 2-year tattoo readability studies in B6 mice using the best pigments developed in Phase I. Growth, mortality, and histopathology will be used to determine the long-term safety of the pigments. In vitro cytotoxicity tests and mutagenicity tests will be done on selected pigments. Rapid, permanent, and humane visual identification systems for laboratory animals will increase the efficiency of animal research in toxicology, cancer, aging, and other important human and animal diseases.

Anticipated Results:
Millions of laboratory animals are used in research and toxicology laboratories throughout the world. An efficient permanent and humane visual identification system will save time and money and will have worldwide sales. A preliminary survey of laboratories in the United States showed commercial interest in this project.