Latex and natural rubber: recent advances for biomedical applications

Author(s)

Karina Luzia Andrade ^[1] ; Heloisa Ramlow ^[2] ; Juliana Ferreira Floriano ; Emanoelle Diz Acosta ^[4] ; Fabrício Luiz Faita ^[5] ; Ricardo Antonio Francisco Machado ^[6]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Departamento de Engenharia Química e Engenharia de Alimentos. Laboratório de Processos e Controle de Polimerização - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Departamento de Engenharia Química e Engenharia de Alimentos. Laboratório de Processos e Controle de Polimerização - Brasil

^[4] Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Departamento de Engenharia Química e Engenharia de Alimentos. Laboratório de Processos e Controle de Polimerização - Brasil

^[5] Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Instituto de Física. Laboratório de Altas Pressões e Materiais Avançados - Brasil

^[6] Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Departamento de Engenharia Química e Engenharia de Alimentos. Laboratório de Processos e Controle de Polimerização - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: POLIMEROS-CIENCIA E TECNOLOGIA; v. 32, n. 2 2022-08-26.

Abstract

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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/21783-4 - Gestational triad cohort: hyperglycemia, urinary incontinence and clinical, molecular and omic profile of hyperglycemic myopathy in predicting incontinence and muscle dysfunction and translational research with biodevice for muscle regeneration in rats
• Grantee: Juliana Ferreira Floriano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral