Utilization of Formalin Embalmed Specimens under Eco- Friendly Conditions by Advanced Plastination Technique

Address for Correspondence: Dr. R. Menaka, Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Vanbandhu College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural university, Navsari-396 450 (Gujarat), India. E-Mail: [email protected] Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Vanbandhu College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural university, Navsari-396 450 (Gujarat), India. Preparation of anatomical models and teaching aids is a challenging task in the medical, veterinary and paramedical sciences as like as life form. The successful preservation of conventional methods by embalmed cadavers/ corpse’s are routinely practiced for educational/research purposes. The existing form of preservation technique is not promising to meet the current challenges in the teaching and learning of human/veterinary anatomy. The embalming fluid causes potential health hazards with continuous exposure of formalin fumes. The study was conducted on dissected cadaverous embalmed specimens by using advanced plastination technique. The 10% formalin fixed and preserved specimens of buffalo head and horse limb were subjected to dehydration, impregnation and hardening with clearing, dehydrating and curing agents. Plastination methodology consists of slowly replacing tissue fluids, lipids with a dehydrating agent and replaced with polymer under force impregnation. In these processes, water and lipids in biological tissues are replaced by curable polymers. The yielded specimens are pleasant to handle, non toxic, pliable, dried and don’t smell or decay. These plastinates are well utilized in routine practical demonstrations of gross anatomical observations in institutional teaching as well as learning. The plastinated specimens are today’s milestone in medical education and become an ideal teaching tool not only in anatomy but also in pathology, obstetrics, radiology and surgery. Hence, any methodology or technique that would decrease the level of exposure to formaldehyde should be explored. Plastinates offer this excellent alternative as it lowers the risk of undue exposure to formaldehyde with higher health and safety regulations in our country.