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Cold temperature/Biodur® /S10/von Hagens'-Silicone plastination technique
Robert W Henry1,2, Gunther von Hagens3, Gary Seamans4
1Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, USA.
Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia
|August 6, 2019
Summary
Plastination is a preservation method using silicone polymer to replace tissue fluid in specimens. This technique creates durable, high-quality anatomical specimens for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Plastination is a preservation technique developed in the late 20th century.
- It involves replacing biological fluids with curable polymers, primarily silicone.
- Silicone polymers offer excellent preservation qualities for anatomical specimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the plastination methodology.
- To highlight the use of silicone polymer in specimen preservation.
- To outline the key steps involved in the plastination process.
Main Methods:
- Specimen preparation and dehydration/degreasing.
- Vacuum-forced impregnation with silicone polymer.
- Specimen hardening to complete the preservation process.
Main Results:
- Plastination yields superb, well-preserved anatomical specimens.
- Silicone polymer, particularly the Biodur® line, has proven effective.
- The process results in durable specimens with unique qualities.
Conclusions:
- Plastination is an effective method for preserving anatomical specimens.
- Silicone polymer is a key material in achieving high-quality preservation.
- The four-step process ensures the successful creation of plastinated specimens.
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