Microscopy is an essential laboratory technique for examining and analyzing materials at the microscopic level. In addition to the usual light microscopes, special instruments and techniques are also available that offer specific applications and improved functionalities. Here are some examples of special instruments for microscopy:
- Fluorescence microscope: This microscope uses fluorescence to visualize specific structures or molecules in a sample. It uses fluorophores that glow under the influence of specific wavelengths of light. Fluorescence microscopy makes it possible to study cellular processes, protein localization and interactions, and specific markers.
- Confocal microscope: Confocal microscopy uses point-by-point illumination and detection of fluorescent signals in a sample. It allows researchers to create optical cross-sections of the sample, enabling three-dimensional images and depth-selective analyses. Confocal microscopy is often used to study three-dimensional structures, living cells and obtain high-resolution images.
- Electron microscope (EM): An electron microscope uses a beam of electrons instead of light to produce images of the sample to be obtained. There are two main types of electron microscopy: transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TEM provides detailed images of the internal structure of cells, tissues and materials. SEM provides detailed surface images and allows to study the topography, morphology and composition of samples.
- Confocal laser scanning microscope: This advanced microscope combines confocal microscopy with a laser scanning system to obtain three-dimensional images with high resolution and contrast . It uses a series of laser beams to stimulate different fluorophores and detect the fluorescent signals. Confocal laser scanning microscopy is commonly used in cell biology, neurobiology, and medical diagnostics research.
- Time-lapse microscope: This microscope makes it possible to capture sequential images of the same sample over time. It is useful for studying dynamic processes such as cell growth, cell division, movement of subcellular structures and developmental biology.
- Super-resolution microscope: Super-resolution microscopy uses special techniques to achieve image resolutions beyond the limitations of traditional light microscopy. Examples of super-resolution microscopy are STED microscopy (stimulated emission depletion) and PALM/STORM (photoactivated localization microscopy/stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy). These techniques make it possible to visualize details at the nanometer scale and investigate molecular interactions in living cells.
These special instruments for microscopy provide researchers with advanced capabilities to study materials at the micro level, analyze cell processes and obtain detailed images of structures and molecules. The choice of instrument depends on the specific application and research needs of the laboratory.
