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Low viscosity silicone with less shrinkage for brain slices
F V B Delpupo1, L G Cassiano2, Y F Monteiro3
1Laboratório de Plastinação, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação Interdisciplinar em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Morphologie : Bulletin De L'Association Des Anatomistes
|November 11, 2023
Summary
This study explored using low-viscosity domestic silicone for plastinating brain slices. Results show this method significantly reduces tissue shrinkage compared to conventional polymers, proving its feasibility for anatomical specimens.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical Sciences
- Materials Science
Background:
- Plastination offers durable, non-toxic anatomical specimens but suffers from tissue shrinkage.
- Conventional plastination polymers can be expensive and have higher viscosity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using low-viscosity domestic silicone for plastinating human brain slices.
- To compare the shrinkage of brain slices plastinated with domestic silicone versus a commercial polymer.
Main Methods:
- Twenty human brain slices (10 mm thick) were used.
- Ten slices were plastinated with a low-viscosity domestic silicone (P1).
- Ten slices were plastinated with Biodur® S10 (a commercial polymer).
- Volume and area measurements assessed tissue shrinkage.
Main Results:
- Plastination with low-viscosity domestic silicone resulted in significantly less volume shrinkage.
- This indicates domestic silicone is a viable alternative for brain slice plastination.
Conclusions:
- Low-viscosity domestic silicone is feasible for plastinating human brain slices.
- This method offers a potential solution to reduce shrinkage in plastinated anatomical specimens.
