Betop Scientific XDY-2 Inverted Fluorescence Microscope

Overview

The Betop Scientific XDY-2 Inverted Fluorescence Microscope is engineered for routine and advanced fluorescence observation of live and fixed biological specimens cultured in standard laboratory vessels. Designed around an infinity-corrected optical architecture, the system integrates a high-stability inverted mechanical platform with a modular epi-fluorescence illumination pathway. Its inverted configuration enables direct access to the specimen from below—ideal for observing adherent cells in multi-well plates, Petri dishes, or tall culture flasks without physical interference. The microscope employs Koehler illumination principles for both transmitted brightfield and phase contrast, while the mercury-based epi-illumination system delivers discrete excitation bands across UV, violet, blue, and green spectral regions. This dual-path design supports simultaneous or sequential acquisition of structural morphology (via phase contrast or brightfield) and molecular localization (via fluorescence), making it suitable for applications in cell biology, pharmacology, and preclinical assay development where specimen viability and spatial fidelity are critical.

Key Features

• Infinity-corrected plan achromatic objectives with long working distances (≥5.1 mm at 40×), optimized for use with standard-thickness cover glasses (1.2 mm) and compatible with common tissue culture vessels.
• 45° inclined binocular observation head with interpupillary adjustment (53–75 mm) and optional rubber eyecups for ergonomic extended use.
• Rotatable swing-in/swing-out phase contrast condenser (working distance: 55 mm), enabling contamination-free imaging of elevated culture containers including cylindrical flasks and deep-well plates.
• Five-position objective turret accommodating six total objectives—three brightfield and three phase contrast—allowing rapid modality switching without realignment.
• Modular epi-fluorescence illumination unit with quick-change filter cube holders; includes four standardized filter sets (UV, V, B, G) aligned to common fluorophore excitation/emission profiles (e.g., DAPI, Hoechst, FITC, TRITC).
• Removable mechanical stage with three interchangeable culture dish adapters—supporting Φ68.5 mm, Φ87.5 mm, and rectangular formats—ensuring precise specimen centering and reproducible positioning across experiments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XDY-2 accommodates standard in vitro culture formats: 35 mm, 60 mm, and 100 mm Petri dishes; T25, T75, and T175 flasks; and multi-well plates (6–96-well). Its long-working-distance optics and elevated stage clearance (≥70 mm under objective nosepiece) permit unobstructed imaging of specimens in high-profile vessels. While not certified as a medical device under FDA 21 CFR Part 820 or ISO 13485, the instrument complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61010-1 (safety for laboratory equipment). It supports GLP-aligned documentation workflows when paired with compliant digital imaging systems (e.g., USB or analog video output interfaces).

Software & Data Management

The XDY-2 operates as a hardware platform compatible with third-party imaging software via standard interface options: USB 2.0/3.0 (for CMOS/CCD cameras up to 9 MP), composite video (NTSC/PAL), and C-mount adapters for DSLR integration. Optional camera modules include 0.5× or 1× reduction lenses and calibrated reticle eyepieces for quantitative measurement. Though the base system lacks embedded acquisition software, its analog and digital outputs are fully interoperable with open-source platforms (e.g., Fiji/ImageJ) and commercial packages (e.g., NIS-Elements, ZEN Blue) that support timestamped metadata logging, multi-channel overlay registration, and audit-trail-enabled export—essential for regulated environments requiring traceable image provenance.

Applications

• Live-cell monitoring of fluorescent protein expression (e.g., GFP, mCherry) during proliferation, migration, or drug response assays.
• Subcellular localization studies using immunofluorescence-labeled organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes) in adherent monolayers.
• Phase contrast–fluorescence correlation imaging to distinguish morphological changes from molecular events in real time.
• Quality control of primary cell cultures and stem cell differentiation protocols prior to downstream functional assays.
• Pre-screening of fluorescently tagged compounds in early-stage biopharmaceutical development, including cytotoxicity and internalization kinetics.

FAQ

Is the XDY-2 suitable for time-lapse imaging of live cells?

Yes—the inverted configuration, stable mechanical platform, and low-heat halogen transmitted illumination minimize thermal drift and phototoxicity, supporting short-to-medium duration time-lapse sessions when used with environmental enclosures.
Can the mercury lamp be replaced with an LED fluorescence source?

No—the current optical path and power supply are designed specifically for 100 W DC mercury arc lamps. LED retrofitting would require redesign of the excitation optics, heat dissipation, and driver electronics.
Does the microscope support Köhler illumination alignment for both transmitted and epi-illumination paths?

Yes—both the 6 V / 30 W halogen system and the mercury epi-illuminator include field and aperture diaphragms with centering mechanisms for proper Köhler setup.
What is the maximum specimen height accommodated by the stage?

With the phase contrast condenser fully retracted, vertical clearance between stage surface and lowest objective (40×) exceeds 70 mm—sufficient for T175 flasks and deep-well plates.
Are calibration certificates or metrological traceability documents available?

As a general-purpose research instrument, factory calibration data (e.g., focus scale linearity, stage travel accuracy) can be provided upon request, but NIST-traceable certification requires third-party service engagement.