2.1. What are plastinated organs?
Plastination is an innovative anatomical technique that is reshaping anatomy education by providing a unique way to preserve real organs for hands-on learning. Central to the OrganKits project, this method allows specimens to be manipulated directly in classrooms without decay or odor.
Developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in the 1970s, plastination replaces water and fats in tissues with polymers such as silicone or epoxy, producing durable, lifelike specimens. While widely used in higher education, its application in secondary schools is rare. OrganKits introduces this advanced method earlier in the learning process, giving students access to real biological materials that support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. This fosters interdisciplinary learning, combining scientific precision with creativity, and inspires future generations of learners.
The project partner Discover-IN (Murcia) has produced 448 plastinated specimens—including hearts, brains, lungs, stomachs, intestines, kidneys, reproductive organs, and limbs—from ovine, bovine, and swine sources. Each followed standardized plastination protocols aligned with ISO 9001:2015 quality standards, ensuring consistency and excellence. Unlike traditional preservation with formalin, plastinated organs are dry, odorless, and durable, making them ideal for close examination of every tissue and structure.
OrganKits uses the gold standard S10 silicone plastination technique (Biodur®), which involves three main phases:
- Dehydration: removing water and fats with acetone baths at very low temperatures.
- Forced Impregnation: replacing acetone with silicone under vacuum, preserving fine anatomical details.
- Positioning and Curing: shaping and hardening the specimen to maintain its natural form.
By incorporating plastination, OrganKits provides highly realistic specimens that enhance anatomy teaching and expand learning opportunities across STEAM fields, making advanced science education more engaging and accessible to young students.