Fig. 1. Technology and configuration features. (a) The naïve condition entails organotypic brain slices that are cultured on inserts. These inserts sit within a six-well plate and are maintained in an incubated environment. The slices are cultured with an air–liquid interface. They receive the media's nutrients from below, while the top of the slices is exposed to the humidified air. (b) Plastic-framed insert with brain slices integrated onto a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. (c) An individual brain slice that has been cut from the insert. (d) An individual brain slice that had stainless steel disk glued to the bottom of the membrane and then cut from the insert. (e) Live-cell imaging of the slices in a standard Petri dish. (f) The chamber condition where individual slices are assembled into the silicone (polydimethylsiloxane – PDMS) microfluidic chamber. (g) Live-cell imaging of slices within the microfluidic chamber. (h) The dcEF condition where individual slices are assembled into the microfluidic chamber and stimulated with supercapacitive electrodes to generate precise direct current electric fields (dcEFs). (i) Live-cell imaging and dcEF of slices within the microfluidic chamber. (j) Rotational control of the slice using (d) and a programmable rotating permanent magnet assembly. (k) Chamber is peeled and slices are be retrieved for further post hoc assessments. Fig. 3 uses (a), (f) and (h). Fig. 4 uses (e), (g), (i) and (k). Fig. 5 uses (a), (f), (h) and (k). Fig. 6 uses (e), (g) and (i). Fig. 7 uses (h), (j) and (k).