TissueDB/Materials/Glycerine

Glycerine (also known as glycerol, glycerin, vegetable glycerin) is a viscous liquid additive used in medical simulation to modify gel texture and extend phantom shelf life. When added to gelatin, glycerine increases viscosity, slows dehydration, and creates tissue-like consistency for dissection training.

Tissues

Tissue	Simulator	Notes
Muscle	Z-Plasty Simulator	Component of Gelatin:Glycerine:Water (8:8:2) recipe with wool substrate.
Subcutaneous fat	Z-Plasty Simulator	Component of Gelatin:Glycerine:Water (2:6:12) recipe. Set time 1 hour.
Connective tissue	Z-Plasty Simulator	Adhesive paste between tissue layers. Gelatin:Glycerine:Water (5:2:10).
Skin (epidermis + dermis)	Z-Plasty Simulator	Component of Gelatin:Glycerine:Water (10:4:20) recipe with stocking substrate.
Blood Vessel (PDA and aorta)	Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation Simulator	40 g glycerol is the base of the gel mixture: combined with 15 g gelatin and 0.5 g powdered red pigment, made up to 100 mL with cold water; left to stand 20 minutes, then stirred over low heat for about 10 minutes without boiling. Cast as gelatin-glycerol gel in a mould with plastic inserts that form the PDA and aorta lumen.^[1]
Pleura (parietal)	Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation Simulator	Cast from the same gelatin-glycerol mixture as the vessel; the trainee dissects the parietal pleura off the aorta to expose the PDA.^[1]

Alternatives

Alternative	Best For	Trade-offs
Gelatin	Base material modified by glycerine addition	Without glycerine: faster dehydration, shorter shelf life
Agar	Alternative gel base without need for glycerine	Different texture; plant-based; does not require additive
PVA cryogel	Synthetic alternative with inherent durability	More complex preparation; requires freeze-thaw cycles

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Cardiac Surgical Skills Training Module, SELF-Training team / Global Surgical Training Challenge, Appropedia, 2021. Build and operation: Phase 2 (Simulator Setup).
↑ World Health Organization. "Annex 9: Guide to good storage practices for pharmaceuticals." In: WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Thirty-seventh report. WHO Technical Report Series, No. 908. Geneva: WHO; 2003. WHO TRS 908. Appendix, "Normal storage conditions": "Storage in dry, well-ventilated premises at temperatures of 15–25 °C or, depending on climatic conditions, up to 30 °C"; "Protect from moisture": "no more than 60% relative humidity in normal storage conditions".

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Authors	Arturopelayo
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Created	January 28, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
Last edit	September 30, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
Cite as	Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Materials/Glycerine". Appropedia. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
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[pda-module-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Cardiac Surgical Skills Training Module, SELF-Training team / Global Surgical Training Challenge, Appropedia, 2021. Build and operation: Phase 2 (Simulator Setup).

[who-storage-2] World Health Organization. "Annex 9: Guide to good storage practices for pharmaceuticals." In: WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Thirty-seventh report. WHO Technical Report Series, No. 908. Geneva: WHO; 2003. WHO TRS 908. Appendix, "Normal storage conditions": "Storage in dry, well-ventilated premises at temperatures of 15–25 °C or, depending on climatic conditions, up to 30 °C"; "Protect from moisture": "no more than 60% relative humidity in normal storage conditions".

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