Latex and natural rubber: recent advances for biomedical applications

Abstract

Recently, latex (NRL) and natural rubber (NR) from Hevea brasiliensis have emerged as promising biomaterials from renewable sources for biomedical applications. Although some attempts at commercial applications have been made, there is a need to comprehensively document the state-of-the-art of these biopolymers for biomedical applications and regenerative medicine. Here we present the recent advances in the development of NRL and NR as biomedical materials with potential properties including biocompatibility and biodegradability. Due to the angiogenic properties of NRL and NR, well-defined functional materials can be used for drug delivery systems (oral/transdermal), scaffolds for skin and bone regeneration, and dressings for wound healing. The incorporation of drugs, nanoparticles, cells, and others into NRL and NR polymer chains offers a wide range of applications such as dressings with antimicrobial activity and sustained release systems. Concluding remarks on the growth of these biomaterials for biomedical applications and regenerative medicine were discussed.

Evaluation of tensile, thermal, and biological properties of natural rubber‐based biocomposite with biosilicate and 45S5‐K bioglass

“…Among natural polymers, NR deserves special attention for its excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and biomedical properties 34,35 . This high‐molecular‐weight biopolymer is extracted in the form of latex, mainly from rubber trees ( Hevea brasiliensis ) and it is composed of isomeric units of the cis‐1,4‐isoprene type 36,37 . Characteristics such as elasticity, flexibility, and resilience of NR make it one of the most used polymers in the world.…”

“…34,35 This high-molecular-weight biopolymer is extracted in the form of latex, mainly from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) and it is composed of isomeric units of the cis-1,4-isoprene type. 36,37 Characteristics such as elasticity, flexibility, and resilience of NR make it one of the most used polymers in the world. Additionally, in the biomedical field, NR is noteworthy because it exhibits excellent biocompatibility with living tissues, as well as high angiogenic (induction of blood vessel development) potential.…”

Biocomposite‐based fibrous scaffolds of natural rubber/polyhydroxybutyrate blend reinforced with 45S5 bioglass aiming at biomedical applications

“…17 A natural rubber product decomposes when it is unvulcanized, primarily through the action of biological organisms (bacteria and fungi) and by thermo-oxidation. 18,19 In the absence of chemical treatment, rubber latex collected from trees will spontaneously coagulate (ammonia is used to prevent spontaneous coagulation and kill microorganisms), resulting in a solid product. In contact with the soil, the solid material begins to degrade as a result of the action of microorganisms that decompose the organic matter within a few months, like several vegetable sources.…”

“…In contact with the soil, the solid material begins to degrade as a result of the action of microorganisms that decompose the organic matter within a few months, like several vegetable sources. 18,19 This biopolymer does not accumulate in the environment, suggesting natural degradation of NR. Additionally, NR stands out among biopolymers in terms of its biomedical applications.…”

“…Due to its unique physical properties, such as high elasticity, resilience, impact and abrasion resistance, efficient heat dispersion, and malleability at cold temperatures, NR is an important raw material in manufacturing of many rubber and latex products 17 . A natural rubber product decomposes when it is unvulcanized, primarily through the action of biological organisms (bacteria and fungi) and by thermo‐oxidation 18,19 . In the absence of chemical treatment, rubber latex collected from trees will spontaneously coagulate (ammonia is used to prevent spontaneous coagulation and kill microorganisms), resulting in a solid product.…”