YANRUN BID-500 Inverted Biological Microscope

Overview

The YANRUN BID-500 Inverted Biological Microscope is engineered for routine and advanced live-cell observation in adherent culture systems. Its inverted optical architecture positions the objective lenses beneath the specimen stage and the condenser above—enabling direct, contamination-free imaging of cells growing in standard Petri dishes, multi-well plates, and tall culture flasks. The system operates on conventional brightfield and phase contrast microscopy principles, leveraging Köhler illumination and phase modulation to enhance contrast in unstained, transparent biological specimens without fixation or labeling. Designed for laboratory environments requiring reproducible morphological assessment, the BID-500 supports time-lapse documentation, basic cell confluence monitoring, and quality control in cell banking and bioproduction workflows. Its infinity-corrected optical path ensures compatibility with future upgrades—including optional fluorescence modules—and maintains parfocality across all objectives.

Key Features

• Hinged binocular head inclined at 45°, with interpupillary adjustment from 48 mm to 75 mm and eye point height fixed at 400 mm above the stage—optimized for ergonomic extended use.
• Low-position mechanical stage (224 × 208 mm) with 112 × 79 mm travel range and detachable scale plate—facilitating precise navigation across large-diameter culture vessels.
• Three interchangeable Petri dish carriers tailored to common labware dimensions: Type I accommodates Ø87.5 mm dishes; Type II fits Ø68.5 mm dishes; Type III supports rectangular formats up to 57 × 82 mm.
• Long working distance condenser (70 mm) with integrated slider-type phase contrast module—enabling rapid switching between brightfield and phase contrast modes via annulus alignment.
• Widefield WF10X eyepieces (Φ22 mm field number) paired with infinity-corrected objectives (10×, 20×, 40×) delivering 100×–400× total magnification and consistent edge-to-edge resolution.
• Coaxial coarse/fine focusing mechanism with 2 µm fine focus graduation, adjustable coarse tension, dual limit stops, and mechanical lock—ensuring stable Z-axis positioning during serial imaging.
• 9 W LED illumination source with continuous intensity control, integrated ground glass diffuser, and removable blue filter—providing uniform, flicker-free illumination with minimal thermal load on live samples.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BID-500 is validated for use with standard tissue-culture-treated plasticware including polystyrene Petri dishes (Ø35–150 mm), T-flasks (T25–T225), and 6–96-well plates. Its 70 mm condenser working distance permits unobstructed access to vessels up to 120 mm in height. All optical components comply with ISO 8578:2017 (Microscopes — Requirements for optical performance and mechanical construction) and meet CE marking requirements for laboratory instrumentation under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). While not FDA 510(k)-cleared, the microscope conforms to general GLP documentation standards for instrument qualification—supporting IQ/OQ protocols through traceable calibration tools (M4/M5 hex keys included) and repeatable mechanical adjustments.

Software & Data Management

The BID-500 functions as a standalone optical platform compatible with third-party digital imaging systems. When coupled with a C-mount adapter and USB 3.0 CMOS camera (e.g., 5 MP or higher), it integrates seamlessly with open-source image acquisition software such as Micro-Manager or commercial packages including NIS-Elements (Nikon), ZEN (Zeiss), and LAS X (Leica). Metadata tagging (objective ID, magnification, illumination intensity) is preserved in TIFF/OME-TIFF formats. Audit trail functionality depends on host software configuration; systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 may be deployed where electronic records are required for QC release or regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Routine inspection of mammalian, insect, and stem cell monolayers during expansion and passaging.
• Morphological evaluation of primary cultures, organoids, and co-cultures prior to harvesting or assay initiation.
• Phase contrast-based viability assessment in antibiotic selection or transfection efficiency studies.
• Pre-imaging verification for downstream techniques including immunocytochemistry, live-cell staining, or microinjection.
• Educational demonstration of cellular motility, mitosis, and cytoplasmic streaming in undergraduate and graduate laboratories.

FAQ

Is the BID-500 compatible with fluorescence imaging?
No—the base configuration does not include excitation filters, dichroic mirrors, or fluorescence-capable objectives. However, the infinity-corrected optical path and standard C-mount interface allow integration of aftermarket epifluorescence illuminators and filter cubes with appropriate adapter hardware.
What cover slip thickness is assumed for phase contrast alignment?
All phase contrast objectives and condenser annuli are calibrated for 1.2 mm cover slips, matching standard bottom thicknesses of commercially available tissue-culture dishes.
Can the microscope be used with thick-walled glass-bottom dishes?
Yes—provided the total dish height remains within the 70 mm condenser working distance and the bottom thickness does not exceed ±0.1 mm deviation from 1.2 mm, which could degrade phase ring alignment and contrast fidelity.
Does the LED illumination support quantitative intensity calibration?
The 9 W LED offers stable output over time but lacks factory-calibrated radiometric output data. For semi-quantitative intensity comparisons across sessions, users should document dimmer position settings and validate consistency using neutral density reference slides.
Are replacement parts and service manuals available internationally?
YANRUN provides OEM spare parts (e.g., bulbs, filters, carrier plates) and mechanical schematics upon request through authorized regional distributors; technical support is delivered via email with response SLA of 3 business days.