Low-temperature dehydration and room-temperature impregnation of brain slices using Biodur TM S10/S3

The standard method for plastination with Biodur TM S10/S3 involves low- temperature dehydration in a volatile intermediary solvent followed by forced impregnation under vacuum at -15°C. However, some institutions have been reluctant to install low-temperature impregnation equipment because of health and safety and cost considerations. The aim of this study is to investigate a low-budget and simple to set up room temperature plastination procedure to prepare neuroanatomy teaching resources. Previous studies at St George's, University of London have shown that a low-temperature dehydration/ room temperature impregnation protocol for Biodur TM S10/S3 can produce results comparable, if not equal, to the standard method. Fifty- four formaldehyde-fixed brain slices were dehydrated in acetone at -30° C and vacuum impregnated at room temperature. Twenty slices were stained with Mulligan's stain before plastination. The slices were measured before dehydration and after impregnation to monitor shrinkage. Shrinkage was acceptable (6.99% in lengths and 6.19% in widths) in both stained and unstained slices, and did not detract from the appearance of the slices. The stain has thus far not faded on exposure to light. Therefore, this procedure can be used to plastinate brain slices with quality comparable to low temperature plastination, which further extends the potential applications of room-temperature plastination.