Inverted microscopes are an indispensable instrument of work in numerous scientific and industrial laboratories in Malaysia. If you are a student, a research assistant or a technician taking the leap into the world of microscopy, learning how to use an inverted microscope is crucial. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the basics, how to use the microscope, key applications in Malaysia, and tips for getting the best results from your device.
What is an Inverted Microscope?
In contrast with the standard upright microscope, the inverted microscope has the objective on the bottom of the stage and the light source on the top. This one of a kind arrangement can be used to view plastic container such as Petri dishes, flasks or culture bottle. For this reason, inverted microscopes are often used to study live cells, botanical samples and industrial materials.
Why Inverted Microscopes Are So Popular in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the expanding biomedical research, palm oil, and pharmaceutical industries are the major markets for inverted microscopes due to their flexibility and speed. Due to growing expenditure on lab infrastructure, in particular at university research labs and biotech companies, the inverted series of microscopes are experiencing a growing demand.
Below are some of key industries and institutions that make use of inverted microscopes:
- Universiti Malaya, UKM, and USM – for cell biology and tissue culture.
- Medical diagnostics labs – applications are live-cell imaging and IVF.
- Agricultural research institutions – for plant cell culture research.
- Manufacturing and electronics sectors – for material inspection and quality control.
For this reason, it is being the preferred use in the industry, manufacturing and electronics industry for quality and inspection control.
Fundamental Parts of an Inverted Microscope
There are a few important things to know before you start using one, though, and they all have to do with what makes an inverted microscope an inverted microscope:
- Objectives Objectives (below the stage)
- Stage (holds the sample container)
- Light Source and condenser (above stage)
- Eyepiece or camera (to view or capture image digitally)
- Coarse and fine focus knobs
- Mechanical stage controls (to move the sample)
Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to get started with an inverted microscope:
- Set Up the Microscope
Set the microscope on a steady, smooth surface. Do ensure that it is plugged to a source of power. Turn on the light source and check if lenses are clean before using.
2. Prepare Your Sample
Inverted microscopes are best suited to observing living cells or organisms in a liquid or aqueous medium. Position your culture or sample in a dish or flask with a clear bottom, taking care to face a clean base without bubbles or dirt.
3. Adjust the Stage and Focus
Place the sample in focus near the center of the objective lens. Center the region of interest using the mechanical stage controls. Start at the lowest power objective lens to locate your sample and then to move to higher magnifications.
4. Fine-Tune the Image
Focus the sample with the coarse focus knob, then sharpen the image with the fine focus knob. Dim the light and focus the condenser as necessary to highlight contrast and improve clarity.
5. Capture or Document the Image
If your microscope features a digital camera, as well as image or video content, and for documentation or analysis you are able to capture high-resolution images or videos.
Tips for Beginners in Malaysia
Here are some practical tips which go well for Malaysian users:
- Handle humidity with care: In the humid conditions of Malaysia, mushrooms can grow on your lenses. Store your microscope in a dry cabinet, or use silica gel packs.
- Calibration Regularly: Make sure your microscope is regularly calibrated, especially if it is used for measurements or counts.
- Don’t forget the maintenance: Clean the optics with lens paper and cleaning agents where needed. Never touch lenses with your fingers.
- Training and support: You can encourage upskilling in microscopy by looking at what short training courses or workshops are offered by local suppliers or universities.
Where to Purchase an Inverted Microscope in Malaysia
There are a number of excellent suppliers and distributors of inverted microscopes in Malaysia whether you wish to buy one, or just learn more about them:
For those willing to take things online, popular online marketplaces also have entry-level options, although you get what you pay for in terms of quality and after-sales support.
It’s critical to pick a microscope that suits your kind of work, whether live cells, IVF, microbiology or materials testing.
Conclusion
The versatility of an inverted microscope can be particularly useful in those that involve the observation of live or submerged specimens. So for amateurs in Malaysia, basics of how these microscopes work and how to use them properly is an important initial learning for a successful exploration and experimentation.
Whether you’re studying biological samples in a university lab in Kuala Lumpur or analyzing industrial parts in Penang, learning how to use an inverted microscope will be a significant tool that further your journey in science.