It is well known that liquid natural rubber latex (NRL) from the Hevea brasiliensis tree contains a number of proteins that cause minor to severe allergic reactions.Estimates run as high as 17% of healthcare workers affected by various types of latex allergies that have been studied extensively.This paper proposes a unique method to alleviate the impact of normal levels of antigenic proteins but not negatively impact the needed chemical and physical properties.Past attempts at fixing the antigenic protein (AP) problem have usually resulted in a reduction in the chemical and physical properties of NRL.These authors believe that the natural protein plays an important role in the physical and chemical properties of NRL and AP reduction techniques that degrade the proteins are deleterious to the NRL properties.The key property of NRL is its elastomeric behavior and any alterations to that property reduce its utility.Vystar Corporation has developed a novel,patented method for the deactivation of the AP in liquid NRL that involves the denaturing of these proteins.This new,patented method for fixing the protein problem results in equal or slightly improved chemical and physical properties in NRL thus allowing a seamless transition for manufacturers using the current commercially available product.Of particular interest is that the low antigenic NRL appears to have a slightly reduced initial modulus when compared to untreated NRL.A reduced initial modulus translates into greatly reduced fatigue for items such as surgeon's gloves or examination gloves that are worn for a considerable period of time.Barrier property studies are in the early stages,but proceeding as planned.
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