Plastination is a technique used to preserve biological tissues while retaining
most of their original appearance. In the technique, developed by Dr. Gunther
von Hagens in 1977, specimens were impregnated with a polymer, such as silicone,
epoxy, or polyester. Considered the most suitable material for brain
plastination, polyester has a wide application in teaching and research compared
with imaging techniques. The materials for plastination are usually imported
from Germany and more expensive than domestic products. If domestic polymers
were to enter the market it would favor the expansion of plastination in Brazil.
Hence, this study evaluated the feasibility of using domestic polyesters to
replace the usual Biodur®(P40) in plastination of brain slices. For
this evaluation, 2-mm-thick sections of bovine brains were prepared and
plastinated with domestic polyester. Slices were compared before impregnation
and after curing using standardized photographs taken after dehydration and
after curing. Plastination followed the standard protocol: fixation,
dehydration, forced impregnation, and curing. Fifteen brain slices were
plastinated with each polyester (P40, P18, and C1-3). There was no significant
difference in the percent shrinkage between groups after plastination of P18 and
P40, but the curing time of Cristalan©polymer was too short for
impregnation. Therefore, no initiator was used for C polymers impregnation.
Thus, domestic polyester P18 was a viable option for the process.