Plastination

Preservation technique for biological specimens

Plastination is a technique used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts. The water and fat are replaced by certain plastics, yielding specimens that can be touched, do not smell or decay, and even retain most properties of the original sample. The technique was invented by Gunther von Hagens in 1977.

Process

Plastination process diagram

The process of plastination involves several steps:

1. Fixation: The specimen is fixed using a formaldehyde solution to halt decomposition.
2. Dehydration: The specimen is placed in a bath of acetone, which replaces the water in the cells.
3. Forced Impregnation: The specimen is placed in a vacuum chamber and submerged in a polymer solution. The vacuum removes the acetone and forces the polymer into the cells.
4. Curing: The specimen is hardened by exposing it to gas, heat, or ultraviolet light, depending on the polymer used.

Applications

Plastination is used in various fields, including:

• Medical Education: Plastinated specimens are used as teaching tools in medical schools and anatomy courses.
• Exhibitions: Public exhibitions, such as "Body Worlds", showcase plastinated bodies to educate the public about human anatomy.
• Research: Researchers use plastinated specimens to study the anatomy and pathology of different organisms.

Advantages

Plastination offers several advantages over traditional preservation methods:

• Durability: Plastinated specimens are durable and can be handled without damage.
• Non-toxicity: Unlike formaldehyde-preserved specimens, plastinated specimens are non-toxic and odorless.
• Detail: The technique preserves fine anatomical details, making it ideal for educational purposes.

History

Gunther von Hagens, inventor of plastination

Plastination was developed by Gunther von Hagens at the University of Heidelberg in 1977. Von Hagens patented the technique and later founded the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg. His work led to the creation of the "Body Worlds" exhibitions, which have been seen by millions worldwide.

Specimen Types

File:Plastinate-forming.jpg

Plastinate forming

Plastination can be applied to whole bodies, body parts, or thin slices of tissue. Different polymers are used depending on the desired properties of the final specimen:

• Silicone: Used for whole-body specimens, providing flexibility and durability.
• Epoxy: Used for thin, transparent slices, allowing for detailed anatomical studies.
• Polyester: Used for brain slices, providing excellent contrast between different tissues.

Ethical Considerations

The use of human bodies in plastination raises ethical questions. Consent from donors is essential, and the process must comply with legal and ethical standards. The educational value of plastinated specimens is weighed against these ethical considerations.

Related pages

• Anatomy
• Body Worlds
• Gunther von Hagens
• Preservation (library and archival science)

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