Plastination is a unique technique of tissue preservation developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1978. In this process, water and lipids in biological tissues are replaced by curable polymers that are subsequently hardened, resulting in dry, odorless and durable specimens. The class of polymer used determines the optical (transparent or opaque) and mechanical (flexible or firm) properties of the impregnated specimen. Three types of polymers are currently used.

•  Silicone is used for whole specimens and thick body and organ slices to obtain a natural look.
•  Polyester-copolymer is exclusively used for brain slices to gain an excellent distinction of gray and white matter. 
•  Epoxy resins are used for thin, transparent body and organ slices, including brain slices.