What is an inverted microscope?
The inverted microscope is distinguished by the reversed location of its main components compared to conventional microscopes. Here, the objective lenses are located under the stage that supports the sample , while the eyepiece is above. This particular architecture makes it possible to observe samples in open containers such as culture dishes or flasks, without having to handle or damage them.
Why choose an inverted microscope?
The inverted microscope is particularly suitable for:
- The observation of cells in living culture.
- The study of large specimens in various containers.
- Applications in cell biology, biomedicine and pharmaceutical research.
Detailed operation of the inverted microscope
In an inverted microscope , light comes from a source above the sample. It passes through the sample from above, passes through the objective lenses below, and is then redirected to the eyepiece . This allows for stable observation, even for liquid or moving samples.
The essential components
The key elements of an inverted microscope are:
- The stage: wide and sometimes motorized to facilitate movement of the sample.
- The lenses: located below to capture the image.
- The condenser: adapted to transmit light efficiently to the objectives.
- Lighting: often based on halogen lamps or high-brightness LEDs.
Advantages of the inverted microscope over conventional microscopes
The main advantage of the inverted microscope is its ability to observe living cells in their natural environment, without the need to prepare thin sections. Other benefits include:
- Rapid and non-invasive observation.
- Ease of use with large or suspended samples.
- Compatibility with various growing media.
Applications of the inverted microscope
The inverted microscope is ubiquitous in several fields:
- Cell biology: monitoring cell growth, observation of division phenomena.
- Pharmaceutical research: cytotoxicity tests, monitoring of cellular interactions.
- Industry: quality control of materials or inspection of small electronic parts.
How to choose your inverted microscope?
To choose the right inverted microscope , you need to take several criteria into account:
-
Sample type: suspended cells, tissues, technical materials.
- Desired magnification: generally between 40x and 400x for cell biology.
- Lighting type: LED or halogen depending on light intensity requirements.
- Fluorescence Presence: For advanced applications requiring a fluorescence microscope.
- Accessories: heating plate, image capture system, digital camera.
Inverted microscope: new or refurbished?
An inverted microscope can be expensive when purchased new. Opting for a refurbished model offers significant savings while still delivering similar performance. Rewake offers a careful selection of refurbished microscopes that are inspected and guaranteed for professional use.
Why adopt an inverted microscope?
The inverted microscope is the ideal tool for observing cell cultures, working with liquid or large samples, and performing high-precision studies in various scientific and industrial sectors. Its inverted design facilitates the observation of complex media while preserving the integrity of the sample.
Whether you are a researcher, an engineer or a laboratory technician, investing in an inverted microscope adapted to your needs represents a strategic choice for obtaining reliable and reproducible results.
Price of an inverted microscope: what to expect?
An inverted microscope represents a significant investment due to its complexity and numerous advanced features. Typically, the price of a new model can range from €2,000 for basic models to over €20,000 for high-end models equipped with fluorescence or digital imaging modules. However, by opting for a refurbished microscope, it is possible to obtain an excellent device for a budget of between €1,000 and €8,000, depending on the technical specifications.
Factors that influence price
- Optical quality: Achromatic, plan-achromatic or apochromatic objectives have a strong influence on the price.
- The presence of a fluorescence module: Significantly increases the cost.
- Accessories included: CCD cameras, motorized stages, image capture software.
-
The brand: Leica, Olympus, Nikon and Zeiss are among the most reputable, and therefore the most expensive, manufacturers.
Buying an inverted microscope: new or refurbished?
If you're on a budget or want to maximize your return on investment, purchasing a refurbished inverted microscope is a great option. At Rewake, every inverted microscope is inspected, serviced, cleaned, and calibrated to ensure optimal performance.
The advantages of reconditioned:
- Reduced Price: Save up to 50% off new.
- Warranty: Our microscopes come with a 6-12 month warranty.
- Ecological: By giving a second life to professional equipment, you reduce your environmental impact.
Inverted microscope: which model should you choose for the best value for money?
To find the best inverted microscope for your budget and needs, it is essential to define your priorities:
Selection criteria:
- If you are working on living cells: Prioritize a model with phase contrast and homogeneous LED lighting.
- For fluorescence applications: Choose a model combined with an excitation and wavelength filtering system.
- For versatile use: A microscope with a mechanical stage, zoom and integrated cameras will be ideal.
Some models from brands like Nikon Eclipse Ts2, Olympus IX50 or Zeiss Axiovert 40 represent excellent compromises between performance and price.
Best Inverted Microscope Brands
Several manufacturers stand out for the quality of their inverted microscopes :
- Leica Microsystems: Renowned for its robust and high-performance microscopes.
-
Olympus: A benchmark for inverted microscopes for cell culture.
- Nikon: Combines high optical quality and intuitive ergonomics.
- Zeiss: Offers high-end models with exceptional resolution.
At Rewake, we regularly offer refurbished models from these brands, offering excellent value for money for your science projects.
Specific applications of the inverted microscope in the laboratory
Cell culture and molecular biology
The inverted microscope is particularly suitable for observing adherent cells grown on Petri dishes or in flasks. Thanks to its design, it allows observation without disturbing cell growth.
Industrial applications
In industry, the inverted microscope is used to inspect metal and electronic parts, or to perform non-destructive quality control on large samples.
Fluorescence microscopy on an inverted microscope
Many modern models also allow the integration of a fluorescence module, which considerably expands the fields of application of the inverted microscope . The study of proteins, cellular organelles or molecular interactions then becomes possible in high resolution.
Maintenance and best practices with an inverted microscope
To ensure optimal lifespan for your inverted microscope, a few simple rules must be followed:
- Regular cleaning: Use a soft cloth to wipe the lenses and the plate.
- Proper storage: Protect your device from dust and moisture.
-
Periodic calibration: To maintain optimal accuracy in your observations and measurements.
The inverted microscope is an essential tool for any laboratory looking to observe cells in culture, conduct advanced cell biology studies, or perform industrial inspections. Investing in the right model, whether new or refurbished, will allow you to conduct your scientific projects with precision, comfort, and efficiency. At Rewake, we're proud to offer a rigorous selection of refurbished microscopes, including the best microscope models on the market, to combine excellence and savings.
