Advances in Plastination Techniques (eBook)

Plastination is currently considered one of the most innovative forms of conservation of complete bodies, sections and organs, both human and animal, for use in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, as well as morphological research. In this sense, to develop the various plastination techniques, specific equipment and specialized training of academics are required, who have the ability to carry out the diversity of protocols that exist, depending on the anatomical material to be preserved.

The decomposition of organic matter is a vital process in nature, but it is also an impediment to morphological studies and research. This is particularly important in biological specimens that shrink considerably when exposed to normal atmospheric conditions. For this reason, it has always been a constantly pursued objective for anatomists. Plastination, in this regard, is a true alternative in the conservation of perishable biological tissues (complete bodies, complete organs such as brains, livers, lungs, kidneys, hearts, muscles, joint preparations, cuts in sections of complete corpses) - or from isolated regions, etc.) reaching a dry and imperishable state through the use of different polymers and special plastics, ensuring that the organs, limbs and entire bodies do not lose their texture and apparently normal disposition.

This original book describes in detail and in an updated way the plastination techniques for the conservation of human and animal biological material, demonstrating the applications in teaching and research of anatomy, morphological sciences and health sciences. The didactic chapters present the history and the fundamentals of plastination techniques (steps, equipment, supplies, material, temperature), as well as its clinical, surgical and research applications. The work also features biosafety issues and provides Ethical Considerations in Plastination.

 Advances in Plastination Techniques is intended for a cross-section of academics, technicians and advanced students from all areas of Health Sciences - including Physicians and Dentists - and Veterinary Sciences.

Nicolás E. Ottone, MD, PhD

• Associate Professor, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.

• Medical Doctor, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

• PhD in Morphological Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.

• Director of the Laboratory of Plastination and Anatomical Techniques, Faculty of Dentistry & CEMyQ, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.

• Member of the Center of Excellence on Morphological and Surgical Studies (CEMyQ), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.

• Professor of the Adults Integral Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.

• Head of the Chair of Clinical Anatomy for Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.

• Former Director of Postgraduate and Research, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile (2020-2023).

• General Secretary of Pan-American Association of Anatomy (APA).

• Member of the Anatomy Working Group of the Anatomical Terminology Committee (FIPAT) of the International Federation of Anatomist Associations (IFAA).

• Associate Editor of International Journal of Morphology.

• Member of the Editorial Committee of the International Journal of Odontostomatology and Journal of Plastination.

• International Associate Editor of the Journal of Morphological Sciences.

• Faculty Professor of the PhD Program in Morphological Sciences and PhD Program in Medical Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.

• Director of ANID Fondequip EQM200228 Project: 'Acquisition of a TissueFAXS i PLUS to promote interdisciplinary biomedical research at the Universidad de La Frontera and the Araucania Region'