Light-weight plastination

Ann Anat. 2008 Nov 20;190(5):428-31. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2008.02.005. Epub 2008 Jul 5.

Abstract

Plastination is an excellent technique which helps to keep the anatomical specimens in a dry, odourless state. Since the invention of plastination technique by von Hagens, research has been done to improve the quality of plastinated specimens. In this paper, we have described a method of producing light-weight plastinated specimens using xylene along with silicone and in the final step, substitute xylene with air. The finished plastinated specimens were light-weight, dry, odourless and robust. This method requires less use of resin thus making the plastination technique more cost-effective. The light-weight specimens are easy to carry and can easily be used for teaching.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anatomy / methods*
  • Epoxy Resins
  • Heart / anatomy & histology
  • Histological Techniques / methods
  • Humans
  • Kidney / anatomy & histology
  • Plastic Embedding / methods*
  • Shoulder / anatomy & histology
  • Silicones
  • Teaching Materials
  • Tissue Fixation / methods
  • Tissue Preservation / methods

Substances

  • Epoxy Resins
  • Silicones