Brightfield

Microscopy
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Brightfield Microscopy
 It is the most elementary form of microscope
illumination techniques and generally used with
compound microscopes.
”Brightfield”
o Derived from the fact that the specimen is dark and
contrasted by the surrounding bright viewing field.

Simple light microscopes

o Sometimes referred to as brightfield microscopes
ADVANTAGES on using Brightfield
Microscope
 Very simple to use with fewer adjustments.
 Some specimens can be viewed without staining the optics
used in the brightfield technique.
 Adaptable with new technology and optional pieces of
equipment can be implemented with bright field
illumination.
DISADVANTAGES on using Brightfield
Microscope
 Cannot be used to observe living specimens of bacteria.
 Has very low contrast and most cells absolutely have to be
stained to be seen.
 The researcher/ student will need to be knowledgeable in
proper staining techniques.
 Requires a strong light source for high magnification
applications.
Brightfield microscopy is used in most disciplines
requiring microscopic investigation. Because it is a
simple method, this is the first type of microscopy
students learn in schools.

This technique can be used to view fixed specimens

or live cells. Since many organic specimens are
transparent or opaque, staining is required to cause
the contrast that allows them to be visible under
the microscope.
For example:
 Fuchsin is used to stain smooth muscle cells.
 Methylene blue is used to stain cell nuclei
 Gram stain is used on bacteria and gives rise to the name gram-
negative (-) or gram-positive (+) bacteria based on the reaction of
the bacteria to the stain.
In fact, many scientific journals will not accept
microbiological research for publication that is not
supported by gram staining and brightfield
illumination methodology. Most routine medical
microscopic examination of blood and tissue is
performed using this illumination technique.
Reference:
(n.d.). Brightfield Microscopy - Uses &
Advancements; Microscope Reviews; Pros and
Cons. Retrieved from h
ttps://www.microscopemaster.com/brightfie ld-
microscopy.html
Thankyou! 