Injection Plastination: A Low-Tech, Inexpensive Method for Silicone Preservation of Small Vertebrates

Abstract

The plastination process using vacuum impregnation replaces tissue fluids with curable polymers and results in dry, non-toxic specimens. We detail a method to produce high quality plastinated specimens using an injection impregnation process. This alternate, non- vacuum method is very low-tech and has minimal start-up costs. We were able to successfully use this technique on small vertebrates ranging from 1 to 700 grams. The plastinated specimens were life-like and the natural contours of the animals were maintained. Dissection revealed polymer had penetrated throughout the viscera and deep muscles. In addition, internal morphology including major muscle groups retained their shape with no apparent shrinkage.