COMMERCIALIZATION OF GUAYULE LATEX (YULEX~(TM))

摘要

Basic and applied research and development approaches have made the commercial production of hypoallergenic latex from Parthenium argentatum (guayule) a reality.In contrast to Hevea brasiliensis (Brazilian rubber tree),from which rubber latex is tapped by hand from laticifers,guayule latex rubber is produced by disrupting the rubber-containing bark parenchyma cells to release the rubber particles and then by purifying and concentrating the latex.An artificially-produced natural rubber guayule latex is then produced,under the material name of "yulex~(TM)".The automated Yulex Pilot Plant is in full operation,and extracts and purifies latex from guayule shrub without detectable losses.Because the latex contains very little protein,all of which is hydrophobic and bound to the rubber phase,and because none of the proteins cross-react with Type I latex allergy to Hevea latex products,its use is initially aimed towards the high-value medical products marketplace.Clinical and performance trials continue to ensure that guayule processing provides a safe,high performance,natural rubber latex that is safe for human use.The natural rubber polymers in the latex are high molecular weight and products made from this material have the desired high performance properties.An established partnership between Yulex and Centrotrade allows synergistic efforts in product development,establishment of new standards,and in the marketing and distribution of yulex~(TM) and yulex~(TM) products.