ETHANOL-BASED EPOXY SHEET PLASTINATION OF HUMAN KIDNEY: A NON-VACCUM IMPREGNATION METHOD FOR REDUCED SHRINKAGE AND COLOR PRESERVATION

Dr. Simran*, Dr. Sachin Sharma, Dr. Akshay Kumar, Dr. Shinde Santosh Subhash

Plastination offers a reliable way to create anatomical specimens that can be preserved for many years. However, achieving accurate color retention and reducing shrinkage remain ongoing challenges. Epoxy sheet plastination is commonly used to prepare thin, and durable tissue sections, yet traditional techniques often result in pigment fading, tissue distortion, and the need for expensive vacuum systems. In this study, we present a modified technique that uses ethanol-supported dehydration followed by passive epoxy infiltration carried out entirely under atmospheric pressure for human kidney slices. Thin tissue sections (2–5 mm) were gradually dehydrated through a series of ethanol and acetone concentrations, then embedded in epoxy resin without applying vacuum. The specimens prepared using this method retained their natural coloration and demonstrated noticeably reduced shrinkage compared to the levels typically associated with room-temperature alcohol dehydration. The final results were clear, structurally sound, and economical to produce. This approach provides a practical and high-quality alternative to conventional vacuum-dependent methods, increasing accessibility for institutions involved in anatomical teaching and research.