Functional Insight for Confident Neurotoxicity Decisions
Seizure liability and CNS safety risks are often driven by changes in neuronal network function—long before cell death or gross toxicity is observed. Maestro MEA enables predictive, in vitro neurotoxicity assessment by capturing real-time electrophysiological activity in human neuronal networks, revealing functional safety signals that other assays miss.
With scalable, automation-ready workflows and data-rich network analysis, Maestro MEA supports early seizure liability screening and CNS de-risking across discovery and safety programs. Its widespread adoption across pharma, CROs, and the scientific literature reflects a platform built not just for research, but for real-world safety decision-making.
From functional insight to confident CNS safety decisions
Maestro MEA is the proven platform for functional neurotoxicity assessment. Widely adopted by industry and published in academia, Maestro MEA captures real-time neuronal network activity where CNS safety risk truly emerges.
By measuring in vitro neural activity across human-relevant models, MEA reveals seizure-relevant signatures that other assays often miss.
The software delivers multivariate analysis that transforms these complex datasets into clear, interpretable results — supporting early seizure liability screening, CNS off-target risk assessment, and confident safety decisions across discovery and development workflows.
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Predictive in vitro seizure liability using maestro MEA>
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Multivariate classification of environmental neurotoxicants using Maestro MEA>
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AI-based MEA assay assesses drug-induced neurotoxicity and seizure risk in vitro>
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Multiplex cell viability and activity in the same well>
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Powerful neural analysis — made intuitive>
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Resources and support for neurotoxicity assays>
Maestro MEA is a powerful, human-relevant New Approach Methodology (NAM) for seizure liability screening—capable of capturing functional neurotoxicity, distinguishing compound-specific mechanisms, and reliably translating in vitro findings to in vivo risk.
Using a focused set of electrophysiological metrics, Maestro MEA enables robust classification of seizure risk through multivariate analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) separates compounds into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups while negative controls remain within baseline variability.
MEA-derived toxic dose predictions correlate closely with in vivo cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF) concentrations measured at seizure or tremor onset, demonstrating strong in vitro–in vivo alignment.
Together, these results show that Maestro MEA provides a powerful, predictive, and human-relevant platform for in vitro seizure liability and CNS safety assessment.
Data from Suzuki, I (2025, October 10). Evaluating neurotoxicity risks with microelectrode arrays [Webinar].
Watch the whole video to learn more
By capturing high-content, network-level physiology across diverse compounds, MEA enables unbiased, mechanism-relevant classification of environmental neurotoxicants that cannot be achieved with single-endpoint or reductionist assays.
Multivariate analysis of electrophysiological data from hundreds of compounds identified a core set of 15 MEA parameters spanning firing, bursting, and network connectivity that maximized classification accuracy. K-means clustering of compound–parameter associations grouped neuroactive compounds into three distinct bioactivity classes with characteristic network-level signatures.
Subsequent chemotype enrichment analysis revealed unique, non-overlapping chemical substructures enriched within each cluster, linking specific molecular features to distinct patterns of neural network dysfunction.
Together, these results demonstrate that Maestro MEA enables high-throughput, data-rich, and predictive assessment of environmental neurotoxicity by combining scalable MEA workflows with high-fidelity, network-level functional readouts that link chemical structure to meaningful biological risk.
Data from Kosnik, M (2020, March 26). Characterizing environmental compounds on the Maestro multiwell MEA system [Webinar].
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Purpose: To evaluate seizurogenic potential of compounds. Numerous drugs are associated with adverse side effects, such as seizures and convulsions. Advanced, functional assays are needed to predict seizure liability of drugs in vitro.
Mouse embryonic brain cells were treated with selected clinical compounds and analyzed via seizure viability prediction assays performed on the Maestro MEA platform. MEA data was analyzed using an artificial intelligence-based protocol.
Result: Compounds were correctly classified using the MEA-based seizure prediction assay. In vitro prediction model also demonstrated correlation with the results of an early clinical trial. [Bader, 2019]
Neuroactive compounds may impact functional activity, cell health, or both. Without measures of cell viability, it is difficult to distinguish functional neurotoxins from cytotoxins. With the Maestro you can assess both functional activity and cell viability on the same microelectrodes.
Learn more about MEA Viability.
Well A was dosed with a functional neurotoxin that silenced neural activity, but did not impact cell viability. Well B was dosed with a cytotoxin which killed them.
Understanding neurotoxicity requires more than raw data—it requires clear, descriptive metrics that translate complex neuronal activity into actionable insight. Maestro MEA’s neural analysis tools are designed to make advanced electrophysiology accessible, interpretable, and decision-ready, even for teams new to MEA.
For a deeper look at how these metrics are defined and how the software supports your workflows, explore the resources below:
Explore Neural Metrics & Definitions:
Adopting a new neurotoxicity assay shouldn’t mean starting from scratch. Maestro MEA is backed by a deep library of validated resources, protocols, and expert guidance designed to help you get up and running quickly—and generate high-quality, defensible data with confidence.
Beyond written resources, Axion’s application scientists work closely with customers to support assay design, optimization, and interpretation—whether you’re implementing seizure liability screening, expanding into new cell models, or scaling for higher throughput. Our support is always available to help you get the most from your system.
Neurotoxicity & CNS Safety FAQs — Maestro MEA
What types of neurotoxicity can MEA detect?
Maestro MEA can be used to assess chemical, biological, and pharmacological neurotoxicity. Multimodal electrodes detect functional neurotoxicity and viability by measuring neuronal field potentials to characterize network activity and impedance to determine viability. These label-free readouts enable acute or chronic assessment of seizure liability, CNS off-target risk, hyper- and hypo-excitability, and broader network dysfunction that are often missed by other assays.
How is MEA different from calcium imaging or endpoint neurotox assays?
Multielectrode arrays (MEA) provide continuous, label-free recordings of neuronal network function over time, capturing dynamic and delayed effects without dyes or reporters that can perturb biology. Unlike endpoint assays, MEA reveals how compounds alter functional network behavior rather than static snapshots.
Can Maestro MEA be used for seizure liability screening?
Yes. Maestro MEA is widely used to detect seizure-relevant network signatures. Multivariate analysis of MEA data enables classification of compounds by seizure risk and has shown strong alignment with known in vivo outcomes.
How predictive is MEA for in vivo CNS outcomes?
Functional signatures measured by MEA have demonstrated strong correlation with in vivo CNS effects, including seizure and tremor risk. By capturing human-relevant neuronal network behavior, MEA improves translational confidence earlier in drug development.
What cell models are commonly used for neurotoxicity on Maestro MEA?
Common models include human iPSC-derived cortical neurons, dopaminergic neurons, mixed neural cultures, and co-culture systems. These models support both acute and chronic neurotoxicity assessment in human-relevant systems. Primary rodent cultures are also used extensively.
How many parameters can MEA measure, and how are they analyzed?
MEA assays can extract numerous electrophysiological parameters spanning firing, bursting, and connectivity. In practice, a focused subset of approximately 10–20 parameters is sufficient for robust neurotoxicity assessment using multivariate analysis approaches such as PCA or clustering.
Is MEA suitable for high-throughput neurotoxicity screening?
Yes. Maestro MEA offers scalable plate formats and automation-ready workflows that support higher-throughput screening while maintaining high data fidelity, making it suitable for early safety de-risking and secondary pharmacology workflows.
Can MEA support NAM-aligned CNS safety strategies?
Yes. Maestro MEA is widely used as a New Approach Methodology (NAM), providing human-relevant, in vitro functional data that supports reduction of animal use while improving mechanistic insight and predictive power for CNS safety assessment.
How long does it take to implement MEA for neurotoxicity?
Most laboratories can generate initial neurotoxicity data within weeks using established protocols, with full workflow adoption supported by Axion’s application scientists through training and assay optimization.
Can MEA detect chronic or delayed neurotoxic effects?
Yes. Because MEA is non-invasive and label-free, it supports repeated and long-term recordings, making it well suited for detecting chronic exposure effects and functional adaptation over time.
How is MEA data interpreted for decision-making?
MEA data are typically interpreted using multivariate analysis to assess overall network behavior rather than relying on a single parameter. This pattern-based approach aligns well with real-world CNS safety decision-making.
Is Maestro MEA widely adopted by pharma and CROs?
Yes. Maestro MEA is used by the majority of top pharmaceutical safety organizations and is offered as a service by numerous CROs, reflecting strong industry confidence and ecosystem maturity.
Why choose Maestro MEA over other MEA platforms?
Maestro MEA combines high-fidelity signal quality, scalable throughput, intuitive analysis software, and deep application expertise—delivering a pharma-ready solution rather than a research-only instrument.
