Axion BioSystems and STEMCELL Technologies are excited to announce a strategic partnership that will see STEMCELL distributing Axion’s advanced Maestro Pro™ and Maestro Edge™ multielectrode array (MEA) systems across North America and Europe. The Maestro MEA systems will also remain available for direct purchase worldwide from Axion BioSystems. This collaboration will help scientists explore complex electrical interactions in cells, advancing disease research and therapeutic development in neural and cardiac fields.
Traditional electrophysiology methods, like patch clamping, have been crucial for understanding cell processes and disease mechanisms in electrically active cells. However, these methods can be labor-intensive and complex, requiring significant training and yielding low throughput. In contrast, Maestro MEA technology simplifies data collection by using a grid of microelectrodes embedded in multiwell plates, allowing researchers to measure dynamic activity patterns noninvasively across entire cell populations. This technology facilitates real-time response recording to experimental stimuli and monitors changes in cell network function over time. The Maestro Pro and Edge systems, being versatile and user-friendly, make advanced MEA technology accessible, enabling researchers to tackle significant experimental questions with functional data and accelerate their research.
STEMCELL Technologies supports researchers with a comprehensive workflow, including high-quality cells, media, reagents, and supplies for functionally active cultures. Combining Maestro MEA systems with reliable iPSCs or differentiated cells, BrainPhys™ Neuronal Medium, and STEMdiff™ kits (e.g., neural or cardiomyocyte) allows scientists to achieve active cultures quickly using straightforward protocols, ensuring reproducible results.
Dr. Allen Eaves, CEO and President of STEMCELL Technologies, commented, “As Scientists Helping Scientists, STEMCELL is dedicated to providing innovative tools that foster new research avenues and scientific breakthroughs. This collaboration with Axion aligns with our mission to deliver comprehensive cell culture and functional analysis solutions for neural and cardiac research.”
Julien Bradley, CEO of Axion BioSystems, added, “Our partnership with STEMCELL advances our mission to make Maestro MEA tools widely accessible. Since our founding in 2008, we’ve aimed to provide high-quality, user-friendly MEA tools. With Maestro MEA now setting the standard for functional analysis, especially in mechanistic disease research and therapeutic development, we anticipate that this agreement will drive groundbreaking discoveries and enhance human health.”
The complete Maestro MEA platform, including modules for neural and cardiac analysis, consumables, and service plans, will soon be available through STEMCELL. Visit www.stemcell.com for updates on this exciting product launch.
About Axion BioSystems
Axion BioSystems offers user-friendly lab tools for live-cell analysis, supporting disease research and therapeutic discovery. Their products, designed for continuous, noninvasive monitoring of cell models, are widely used in academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical labs globally. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Axion has offices around the world.
About STEMCELL Technologies
STEMCELL Technologies provides over 2,500 specialized reagents, tools, and services for life sciences research. Their offerings include cell culture media, separation technologies, instruments, educational resources, and contract assay services, supporting research in stem cell, immunology, cancer, regenerative medicine, and cellular therapy worldwide.
