Maxwell Biosystems MaxTwo high-density microelectrode array (HD-MEA) system

MaxTwo is a CMOS-based multiwell HD-MEA electrophysiology platform by Maxwell Biosystems. The next-generation multiwell HD-MEA captures high-quality signals at subcellular resolution from long-term culture experiments for functional imaging of cells. Applications include induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons, phenotyping, disease modelling, drug discovery, study of brain organoids, safety pharmacology, toxicology and high-throughput screening.

Measuring only 40 x 16 x 12 cm, the system is compatible with 6- and 24-well plates, in order to increase test capabilities and decrease experimental time while enabling consistency across wells. It allows temperature control and CO₂ control via a gas mixer.

Featuring 26,400 electrodes within a large sensor area of 3.85 x 2.10 mm² per well, the product measures the activity of cells across multiple scales — capturing whole network dynamics and identifying single cell function. With high electrode resolution and low noise, spikes generated by any neuron on the array can be picked up by an electrode in close vicinity. Such sensitivity enables detection of cells’ small signals, such as iPSC-derived neurons and propagating action potentials along axonal arbours.

The system conducts non-invasive and label-free recordings, eliminating any potential side effects associated with the use of dyes and prolonged exposure to light. It also assesses cell development, maturation or compound e­ffects by performing longitudinal experiments over the course of days, weeks and months.