- Same day processing: Collect and isolate samples in a single day.
- Integrated workflow: Go from sample prep to verification on one device.
- Portable and lightweight: Carry your lab wherever you go.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring
Isolate DNA as soon as you obtain samples
I don’t see the need any more for huge machines, now that we can run around with Bento Lab and a MinION and do genomes and metabarcoding on site.
Dr Cheryl Ames, Professor, Applied Marine Biology, Tohoku University
Process Samples Immediately, in Remote Sites
Extract DNA on site, right after sample collection. Preserve sample integrity without relying on refrigeration or transport delays.
- No need for refrigeration to preserve raw samples.
- Maintain sample integrity — reduce contamination and degradation risk.
Learn more about using Bento Lab for eDNA monitoring and DNA barcoding.
Download whitepaper
Work Off-Grid, with Portable Power
You can run Bento Lab on a power bank or solar panel, without needing to rely on mains electricity. That flexibility means you can work anywhere — even without access to a traditional power source.
Learn more about choosing and using batteries to power Bento Lab in the field:
Powering Bento Lab with batteries
Fieldwork with Bento Lab
Tracking antimicrobial resistance
Stephanie Pillay and her team used Bento Lab to identify bacteria and resistance genes in water, sludge, and chicken samples, to explore how antimicrobial resistance spreads across environments.
Learn more
Rapid species monitoring
Dr. Cheryl Ames uses Bento Lab to predict the presence of species like box jellyfish and octopus. This approach delivers rapid data, helping fisheries and conservation efforts in changing ocean environments.
Learn more
Detection of rare species
Dr. Nabil Amor detected Arabian leopards through eDNA in the field using portable genomics tools. His work continues with gecko taxonomy updates and training North African scientists in field molecular methods.
Learn moreMake Data-Driven Decisions, Fast
Target specific species with focused eDNA assays. Get results on site and respond in real time to ecological change.
- Skip full metabarcoding when you know your targets.
- Detect key species directly from environmental samples.
Recommended for eDNA monitoring applications
Bento Lab Pro
From DNA extraction, to sample preservation, to PCR, using one portable workstation.
32 well thermocycler
Heat or incubate, lyse cells, amplify DNA via PCR or isothermal methods, ligate sequencing adaptors.
8k G centrifuge, 6 tube capacity
Sediment samples, spin down tubes, extract DNA using spin columns
Electrophoresis and transilluminator
Cast, load, and run agarose electrophoresis gels to visualise genomic DNA or amplicon DNA
Questions
What if we lose power in the field?
Bento Lab can be powered by portable batteries, or solar generators, as well as mains electricity.
It’s used in locations with frequent outages, including tropical forest stations. For long field trips, we recommend combining it with a high-capacity power bank – explore our resource on using Bento Lab with batteries or message us (we can suggest options).
What steps in the eDNA workflow does Bento Lab cover?
Bento Lab can handle:
- Heating and incubation for lysis
- Centrifugation (up to 8,000 g)
- PCR amplification
- Gel electrophoresis and visualisation
You can pair it with filtration kits and extraction methods, and add portable sequencing (e.g. Oxford Nanopore MinION).
