Plastination (original) (raw)
Plastination is the most modern preservation technique for anatomical and pathological specimens to keep them in dry, odorless and in more durable form. This makes it easy to handle specimens without the discomfort of formalin, and fear of damaging them. The technique was developed by Dr. Gunther Von Hagens in 1980, and is rapidly growing around the world since then. Plastinated specimens are greatly appreciated by students and teachers, as they are easy to handle maintenance required is virtually nil.
Plastinated specimens are of no doubt to become standard assets of all Medical, Dental, Paramedical, and even S Institutions around the world in near future. ‘Plastodur® Enterprises’ is dedicated to spread the technique of Plastination in association with teaching Medical Institutions which has legal right to procure and store dead body and cadaveric specimens.
Advantages
Since water is completely replaced by a curable polymer, these specimens will never decay or dry out. Since the polymer used is durable after curing, even rough and careless handling won't easily damage the specimen. polymers generally used for plastination is inert after curing, hence it will not cause skin or eye irritation as formalin do(formalin is the commonly used preservative of anatomical specimens)
What is a polymer?
Polymers are chemical compounds with long or short chain molecules, When a curing agent is added, chain molecules are linked to form long and cross linked three dimensional structure which repeat their pattern. This reaction convert liquid or semi liquid polymer to solid. and the process is called polymerization. Nature of this solid is dependent on the type of polymer.
Speed of polymerization can be altered by various factors like quantity of polymerizing agent used, temperature, or external agents, depending on the polymer (one method may not work for another)
Which polymers can be used for plastination?
Any polymer which is optically transparent/translucent & low viscous can be used for plastination, provided it should be easily curable, and should not change the appearance of the tissue unless it is essential. Silicone, Polyester, Polyurethane and Epoxy are commonly used. Each interact differently with the visual effect of the end product..
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