Deproteinization of Natural Rubber Latex and Its Pale-Colored Thin Films

Jirapornchai Suksaeree, Chanin Bumroongrat, Nantanat Polraksa, Wirach Taweepreda, Thawatchai Phaechamud and Wiwat Pichayakorn ()
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Jirapornchai Suksaeree: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
Chanin Bumroongrat: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Nantanat Polraksa: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Wirach Taweepreda: Polymer Science Program, Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Thawatchai Phaechamud: Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
Wiwat Pichayakorn: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-20

Abstract: The non-rubber components present in natural rubber latex can contribute to the dark color of dried films and may cause allergic reactions. This project aimed to develop light-color rubber films with minimal protein contamination. Various additives were incorporated, and a leaching procedure was implemented to address this issue. The evaluation focused on protein content, color changes, and swelling properties of thin natural rubber films. Texapon N70 proved effective as both a latex stabilizer and leaching agent, while Uniphen P-23 served as a preservative. The combined use of these additives facilitated the removal of soluble serum through appropriate incubation, leaching, and centrifugation processes. The introduction of additional centrifugation cycles improved deproteinization and color reduction; however, it led to a loss of rubber mass and an increase in manufacturing costs. Increasing the amount of Texapon N70 and introducing alkali potassium hydroxide (KOH) further enhanced the efficiency of deproteinization and color reduction. The optimal conditions determined in this investigation were as follows: 0.5% w / w Texapon N70, 0.5% w / w KOH, 1% w / w Uniphen P-23, a 60-min incubation period, and a single leaching cycle with distilled water. These conditions resulted in a 90.57 ± 1.20% decrease in protein contamination and a color change (ΔE) of 433.69 ± 20.23. This successful condition can be replicated and scaled up for further applications.

Keywords: deproteinization; pale-color; natural rubber; additives; leaching (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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