In the Arun Bhunia laboratory on the Purdue University campus, professors and several graduate students observe bacteria through the lens of a high-power microscope as part of an effort to prevent pathogens from infecting food. These machines use precision-made lenses, mirrors and computers to make some of the smallest life forms on the planet visible.

Across the hall, in Bunia’s office, there is another place that reminds us of how far scientists have traveled in the past century and a half—a microscope that dates back to the mid-1800s.

As the recipient of the 2017 Morris Weber Laboratory Award, Bunia received an antique microscope, a plaque, and a $2,000 honorarium sponsored by Weber Scientific. The award is awarded annually by the International Food Protection Association to members who have made outstanding contributions to the laboratory and are committed to the development or application of "innovative and practical analytical methods to support food safety".

"200 years ago, people used it as a powerful tool," Bunia said of the microscope. "Being able to visit this just reminds me of how early science has progressed. I feel very lucky, very lucky to receive this award."

Maurice Weber, a nationally renowned dairy scientist who won the award, served as the president of New Jersey Dairy Laboratories, an independent laboratory that provides microbiological testing for multiple industries . He died in 2003. His son, Fred Weber, president of Weber Scientific Corporation, made microscopes as part of the award.

The instructions accompanying the microscope indicate that it may have been made by R. Field & Son in Birmingham, England, between 1830 and 1880, when "the company's records have ceased." Bhunia's acceptance of the microscope marks the second time it has become a gift. The above plaque read:

By officials, children and gentlemen (sic)

Sir Josiah Mason Orphanage

As a symbol of affection for him

Weber also provided a description of the microscope, which he received from the dealer:

"It stands on a black enamel cast iron base, and two lacquered brass columns support the microscope on the trunnion. Below the stage is a concave mirror in the gimbal on the sliding ring. The stage is very simple, with only one sliding slide. Frame. Behind the stage is the main triangle column, the frame work cuts into the edge. The course focus is carried out by the two large wheels at the rear. The fine focus is achieved by the knurled wheel on the side of the lens barrel."

The microscope still contains slides of animal and plant tissues, and Bunia likes to watch these slides. He also made some slides of his own, comparing what a scientist might have seen in the 19th century with what he saw with modern equipment.

"It doesn't provide you with as high magnification as the tools in our laboratory, but you can still see through it," Bunia said. "It's amazing to think that the basic principles of microscopes haven't really changed much over the years."

Bhunia's work includes many bacterial detection methods, including the use of optical scattering technology to develop a rapid bacterial detection system called BARDOT. The laser of the system scans bacterial colonies, looking for the unique pattern of each type of bacteria. When light penetrates a bacterial colony, it produces a scattering pattern that can be matched with a library of known bacterial patterns to identify matches.

Most of Bhunia's work is done through the Purdue Food Safety Engineering Center, a multidisciplinary center focused on the development of "new knowledge, technologies and systems for the detection and prevention of chemical and microbiological contamination of food."

In addition to Bhunia's awards, the center also received the GMA Food Safety Award from the IAFP this year in recognition of the group's history of outstanding contributions in the field of food safety. Bhunia is one of the founding members of the center.

Lisa Mauer, director of the US Department of Agriculture-funded center and professor of food science, said these awards are proof of the work of her team. "These awards are a good reflection of individual scientists and the entire team," Maur said. "It is a pleasure to work with leading scientists in our field at Purdue University."

Bhunia's microscope may be sent to a display case in Nelson Hall, where the Food Science Department is located, where he hopes to inspire people who see it.

"Hope people will come and appreciate it," Bunia said.

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