Know your cells
Understanding neuronal activity is the first step in understanding the mechanisms of disease. While the biology can be complex, measuring it doesn’t have to be. At Axion BioSystems, we offer your lab the tools to get the most out of your neural cultures. See why Maestro microelectrode array (MEA) has become a staple in many neurobiology labs:
500+ peer-reviewed publications
15+ years of expertise
3 million+ cell cultures
How do you measure activity?
The Maestro MEA platform gives you a simple, noninvasive method to gain deep insights into in vitro neural models. Our platform offers the best combination of throughput, resolution, and ease of use. When deciding how you want to measure neural function, see how it compares to Maestro:
Information-rich neural data
Capture dynamic network behavior, activity, LFPs, and more
Flexible throughput
Simultaneously record from 6 to 96 wells
Powerful, intuitive software
Easily access results for an in-depth analysis
Easy, hands-free method
Plate your cells and record them as often as you’d like
Reveal functional phenotypes >>
There are many types of neurons displaying many types of activity. Measuring activity can give context to your other assays. How impactful is a mutation? Is a compound neurotoxic? What do your neurons act like? Activity can reveal a robust phenotype waiting to be discovered.
One neuron can’t tell the full story
MEA shows how neurons communicate across a network, where unique properties emerge that cannot be observed in single cell recordings. The raster plots of this culture demonstrate distinct firing patterns when exposed to neuroactive compounds. Learn more
It takes a network
Quantify neural firing patterns with key metrics to gain new insights. Easily answer important questions about your culture:
>> Are your neurons active?
>> Do they form synapses?
>> Do they form networks?
Characterizing multivariate neuroactivity patterns of environmental compounds
Screening for neurotoxicity? See how researchers create neural activity phenotypes to classify compounds.
Watch more
Explore monolayers, organoids, and more >>
Primary or stem cell-derived, monolayers, organ-on-a-chip, cocultures, slices, or organoids, – the Maestro MEA platform can record your neurons.
Dive into organoids to model brain development
MEA is an ideal platform to monitor development and the emergence of complex patterns of activity like LFPs. In this example, researchers from UC San Diego show how organoids can be used to mimic brain development. Watch here
View additional organoid webinars, protocols, and publications: Read more
Investigate the effects of neuron -glial cocultures
In this example, glial cells provide critical support and structure for neurons. While they may not directly fire, astrocytes increase the synchrony of glutamatergic neurons. Read more
Discover new insights into neural disease >>
To develop effective treatments, understanding the biology and behavior of neurons is essential.
Translate expression data to function
After identifying a reduction in FMR1 expression in Fragile X neurons, researchers discovered a hyperexcitable phenotype on MEA. A relatively small increase in FMR1 expression corrects this phenotype, offering hope for therapeutic development. Watch here
Screen treatments in vitro
iPSCs and MEA are ideal for personalized medicine and drug screening. Here, patient-derived neurons identify treatments for erythromelalgia or burning man syndrome. Watch here
Maestro MEA
Electrical activity and more >>
Monitor dynamic cellular activity and perform complex functional experiments with only basic cell culture.
Industry-leading microelectrode array
Noninvasive activity monitoring
Customizable environmental control
Software tools to accelerate analysis >>
Get powerful analysis with intuitive software. The AxIS suite of software tools provides a comprehensive neural analysis package designed to deliver fast, accurate results and generate publication-ready figures.
AxIS Navigator
View real-time data from the entire plate down to an individual electrode. Manage your experiment, stimulate, record, and analyze. Watch video
Neural Metric Tool
In-depth analysis of network activity, synchrony, LFPs, and more. Quickly navigate your results and export key figures. See metrics
AxIS Metric Plotting Tool
Generate graphs or automated reports with just a few clicks. Compare time points, apply controls, and easily plot conditions.
Our commitment to our customers
With over 15 years of experience bringing innovative new products to our customers, we strive to accelerate your research by making live, functional biology more accessible. Our design philosophy is to ensure all of our products are:
Flexible
Hardware designed for broad, integrated functionality in one instrument
Easy to use
Intuitive instruments, consumables, and software for fast, easy adoption
Smart technology
Easy to run with no complicated steps, saves time and money.
