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E12 sheet plastination: Techniques and applications
Nicolas Ernesto Ottone1,2, Carlos A C Baptista3, Rafael Latorre4
1Laboratory of Plastination & Anatomical Techniques, CICO Research Centre of Dental Sciences, Adults Integral Dentistry Department, Dental School, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|October 31, 2017
Summary
E12 sheet plastination uses epoxy resin to create durable, transparent anatomical sheets. This review explores its variants and applications in anatomy education and research.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical Sciences
- Medical Imaging
- Histology
Background:
- Plastination is a technique for preserving biological specimens by replacing bodily fluids with polymers.
- E12 sheet plastination specifically utilizes epoxy resin for thin and ultra-thin tissue samples.
- This method yields dry, transparent, odorless, non-toxic, and durable anatomical sheets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the E12 sheet plastination technique.
- To identify different variants of the E12 technique developed since its inception.
- To explore the applications of E12 sheet plastination in anatomy teaching and research.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SciELO databases.
- Manual searches were also performed to identify relevant articles.
- A total of 616 records were initially found, with 96 ultimately included after screening and exclusion of duplicates and irrelevant studies.
Main Results:
- The review identified various modifications and implementations of the E12 sheet plastination technique by different researchers.
- The study documented the evolution of the technique since its creation by Gunther von Hagens.
- Diverse applications were noted, spanning from anatomical education to advanced morphological research.
Conclusions:
- E12 sheet plastination is a versatile technique with a range of applications in anatomical sciences.
- The technique has evolved with numerous variants contributing to its utility.
- Its use in teaching and research highlights its importance in modern anatomy.
