- Active Learning: Students conduct experiments themselves, gaining practical experience with essential molecular biology techniques.
- Flexible Integration: Perfect for various courses, from microbiology and molecular biology to pre-health programs.
- Compact and Complete: Bento Lab combines a thermocycler, gel electrophoresis unit, and centrifuge in one portable system.
Undergraduate Training and Practicals
Bring Molecular Biology to Life in the Classroom
[The size] is absolutely fantastic. It means that I can put one of these devices on each table, and every one of my students will be able to perform all the different tasks that are required for DNA analysis. That gives them real hands-on experience.
– Stephane Boyer, Lab Instructor
The same equipment, for students and scientists
Hands-on experience with authentic research equipment
When students use Bento Lab, they’re not just learning about science — they’re doing it. And using the same instruments used in research centers and laboratories around the world. Like Noah Bryan, a student researcher using Bento Lab for his own environmental DNA project. Whether you’re at a classroom bench or in the field, Bento Lab brings authentic research tools into students’ hands — building confidence and skills that go far beyond the syllabus.
Learn more about using Bento Lab for undergraduate training.
Download our 4 ideas for classroomsSee how educators worldwide use Bento Lab
University of Leeds
Dr Elizabeth Duncan and her colleagues took 40 undergrad and postgrad students studying Ecology & Conservation Biology on a Mediterranean field trip, where they used DNA barcoding to detect the nosema parasite in bees.
Learn more
University of North Dakota
Dr Monica Norby transformed her college laboratory courses for General Microbiology and Medical Microbiology by replacing virtual lessons with hands-on investigations based on real world challenges.
Read more
Unitec Institute of Technology
Stephane Boyer uses Bento Lab to teach molecular biology to students interested in biodiversity. His biodiversity research often takes him to remote places to collect DNA samples.
Watch Youtube interviewCreating a biotechnology course?
Why Bento Lab is brilliant for teaching PCR practicals in the classroom!
Planning a hands‑on PCR lab for your undergrads or masters students? Discover five reasons why our all‑in‑one portable workstation rocks for PCR practicals and helps transform student engagement.
North Dakota University
North Dakota University
BeeCode Berlin
Noah Bryan
Design a learning experience that suits you
A portable lab that adapts to your teaching style.
Whether you’re teaching a full class, guiding small teams, or mentoring individual projects, Bento Lab flexes to fit. Some educators use it with rotating groups of four. Others pair it with partner work, solo exploration, or even cross-disciplinary modules. Explore real classroom setups and get inspired to make it work in your own lab or learning space.
Ready to let every student take ownership?
Bento Lab Pro
From DNA extraction, to PCR, to analysis and sequencing prep, 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
