Portable Bento Lab for Field Applications.

December 19, 2018

BlueskyReddit
New York University
Biology
Research Scientist

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Bento Bioworks Ltd

Product Name:

Bento Lab

Catalog Number:

N/A

We recently optimized the Bento Lab for use at remote field sites in India. The Bento Lab is a small single-unit device that contains a thermal cycler, a small centrifuge, and a setup for gel electrophoresis. We typically perform conventional PCR assays in a standard laboratory setting to diagnose blood stage infections in our enrolled subjects. We obtained the Bento Lab to validate its utility at our field sites prior to deployment. While it has limitations, the Bento Lab is functional, easy to use, and will likely serve our needs in the field.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

PCR, Gel electrophoresis

Protocol Overview

All three units of the device (thermal cycler, centrifuge, and gel electrophoresis) are controlled through a central navigator screen. Instructions for using each unit are provided with the device.

Tips

The company is new and very eager to help with any and all queries and issues. Maintain contact with them for protocol development, troubleshooting, and questions.

Features Summary

3-in-1 thermal cycler, centrifuge, and gel electrophoresis device designed to be portable and easy to use.

DOI or PMID #

N/A

Additional Notes

N/A

Image Gallery

Summary

The Good

The device is easy to use and the company is very helpful. Other benefits of the device include: 3-in-1 portable device makes it easy for implementation in the field; Thermal cycler is accurate and has been validated against standard devices; Gels can be imaged easily using UV trans-illuminator.

The Bad

Some functional limitations, including: Gels must be run at low voltage; Small number of samples can be run on a given gel (n=10 or so samples); Limitations on number of cycles/rounds possible in the thermal cycler programs; British style power plug may require converter.

The Bottom Line

While some limitations exist, the company is working on further development of the product and is very open to assisting customers and clients. All things considered, the device works incredibly well and is likely to be of use to us in the field settings where we conduct our projects.

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