A New Alliance to Enhance Cell Culture Techniques
Axion BioSystems and STEMCELL Technologies have recently formed a strategic partnership aimed at improving the tools for researching excitable cells. As part of this collaboration, STEMCELL Technologies will promote Axion's advanced Maestro Pro™ and Maestro Edge™ multielectrode array (MEA) systems throughout North America and Europe, while Axion will continue to sell the Maestro MEA systems directly on a global scale. This partnership gives scientists a chance to study the intricate interactions of electrical cells in vitro, which is essential for advancing mechanistic disease research and developing innovative therapies in the fields of neuroscience and cardiology.
Transforming the Field of Electrophysiology
Traditional methods in electrophysiology, especially patch clamp techniques, have been vital in shaping our understanding of how electrically active cells function and how their pathologies develop. Nevertheless, the complexity and need for extensive training associated with these methods have made them less accessible to many researchers. Fortunately, the Maestro MEA technology changes that significantly. It reduces technical barriers and throughput limitations by allowing measurements across a grid of microelectrodes embedded in multiwell plates. This advancement means researchers can gather dynamic, noninvasive recordings from entire cell populations, enabling them to monitor real-time reactions and changes in network functionality throughout their experiments.
Making Electrophysiological Research User-Friendly
The Maestro Pro and Edge systems offer versatile, user-friendly platforms that simplify the implementation of advanced MEA technologies for researchers. This ease of use ensures that researchers can achieve more consistent experimental results while addressing important scientific questions. By integrating these MEA technologies with a broad range of high-quality cells, media, reagents, and supplies from STEMCELL, scientists can maintain active cultures using established, straightforward protocols, leading to reliable experimental findings.
STEMCELL Technologies: Innovating for Researchers
STEMCELL Technologies is committed to supporting scientists with innovative tools specifically designed for groundbreaking research. According to CEO Dr. Allen Eaves, the focus of STEMCELL is on enabling researchers to tackle new scientific questions and drive significant discoveries. The collaboration with Axion reflects a shared commitment and vision aimed at enhancing approaches to cell culture and functional analysis. Together, both companies are positioned to meet the growing demands of researchers in the areas of neuroscience and cardiology.
Promoting Innovative Discoveries in Science
From the viewpoint of Axion BioSystems, CEO Julien Bradley points out that this collaboration aims to empower laboratories with the unique features of Maestro MEA technology. The company's original vision was to make high-quality, user-friendly MEA tools accessible to everyone. As Maestro MEA technology continues to set the standard for functional analysis—especially in crucial areas like mechanistic disease research and therapeutic advancements—Axion expects this partnership with STEMCELL will spark significant discoveries ultimately leading to improved human health.
The Future of the Maestro MEA Platform
In keeping with this partnership, STEMCELL is preparing to deliver the complete Maestro MEA platform to its customers. This will include modules for analyzing neural and cardiac responses, consumables for ongoing research, and service plans for the instruments. This presents researchers with a comprehensive solution for their experimental needs.
About Axion BioSystems
Axion BioSystems is committed to advancing live-cell analysis with tools designed for seamless, continuous monitoring of both 2D and 3D cell models. Their products are widely used in various fields, from academia to biotech and pharmaceuticals, fostering a culture of innovation in research laboratories worldwide.
About STEMCELL Technologies
STEMCELL Technologies plays a vital role in life sciences research by providing over 2,500 specialized reagents and tools designed for numerous applications. Their extensive portfolio features high-quality cell culture media, cell separation technologies, instruments, and educational resources aimed at empowering scientists involved in diverse fields of research, including stem cell studies, cancer research, and regenerative medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the partnership between Axion BioSystems and STEMCELL Technologies?
The partnership is designed to enable STEMCELL Technologies to market Axion's advanced MEA systems, enhancing the research tools available for studying excitable cells.
How is Maestro MEA technology different from traditional electrophysiological methods?
Maestro MEA technology allows for noninvasive, simultaneous recordings from multiple cells, making it more accessible and efficient than traditional methods that require extensive training and have low throughput.
What advantages do the Maestro MEA systems provide for researchers?
These systems offer dynamic, real-time data on cellular activities, helping researchers contribute significantly to understanding diseases and developing therapies within cardiac and neural research domains.
What specific offerings will STEMCELL Technologies provide as part of this partnership?
STEMCELL will offer a complete workflow that includes high-quality cells, media, reagents, and supplies to support maintaining functionally active cultures alongside the Maestro MEA systems.
What is the mission of Axion BioSystems?
Axion BioSystems aims to empower every laboratory with high-quality, user-friendly MEA tools, ensuring that robust cellular analysis becomes a standard practice in research.
