Plastination at Room Temperature

Abstract

According to the standard plastination procedures, the dehydration by freeze substitution in acetone is normally achieved at -25°C and the forced impregnation of specimens at -15 C C to -25°C in a deep freezer. Now, we have been able to modify the dehydration procedure and use room temperature for dehydration. We also developed a new silicone polymer that can be stored and used for impregnation at room temperature (10 to 25°C). An acetone filter (or recevery) system was also designed to remove some acetone before the acetone reached the pump. Many high quality gross anatomical specimens have been prepared this way. They have remained in good condition and retained stable color for five years. This paper will also describe the differences regarding equipment needs for plastination at room temperature compared to plastination at -25°C.