Method for preserving large sections of biological tissue with polymers

A method of converting a cut section of biological tissue into an examinable plastinated sheet in which the tissue is permanently preserved, said method comprising the steps of:

• A pretreating the cut section to render it suitable for impregnation;
• B impregnating the pretreated section with a fluid precursor composition;
• C compressing the impregnated section between parallel plates having smooth inner surfaces whereby the opposing cut surfaces of the section abut the inner surfaces of the plates, the plates being separated by a compressible gasket to define a flat cell having a vacant region therein adjacent the periphery of the section;
• D filling the flat cell with a fluid precursor composition which occupies said vacant region;
• E curing the fluid precursor composition in said cell in a manner avoiding the formation of boundary lines, the resultant shrinkage causing the compressed plates of said cell to move toward each other to form a sheet therein which is of substantially uniform thickness and has smooth surfaces;
• and
• F removing said plates to release said sheet.