Here is the link to Dr. Matthan presentation at 2019 Akron International Latex Conference. Dr. Matthan presentation

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) is a constant and preferred raw material for latex end product manufacturers around the globe with its ready availability, ease of processing, and the excellent performance of latex end products in critical environments. However, the presence of non- rubbers, especially certain allergenic proteins, has inhibited its continued use in several existing products and entry into new applications.

The introduction of Vytex, which uses specially treated process, to target the surface and bound proteins of both the extractable (EP) and Rubber Bound (AP) proteins has met success with a variety of latex product end users, as the superior performance attributes of these Deproteinized Natural Rubber Latex (DPNRL) materials becomes better characterized. These improvements extend beyond the ultra low allergenicity of the DPNRL and include improved color, absence of rubber odor, and improved physicochemical attributes. Improved air and helium retentions results are reported. The potential to extend applications into other non-conventional areas other than latex end products is discussed.

For more information please read the Non Enzymatic Deproteinization of Natural Rubber Latex (DPNRL)
Enabling the Greater Versatility in End Product Applications report.

Vytex®, harvested from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, has transformed ordinary latex using a patented process for the production of an ultra low antigenic protein natural rubber latex raw material. The science and applied technology behind its creation is multi-faceted and includes the use of insoluble aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), well known for its protein binding characteristics, in a proprietary blend.

The colloidal and physical properties of this Al(OH)3 treated latex are presented and compared with standard CL60 lattices. Extensive field, laboratory and end-product manufacturer evaluations have been conducted globally leading to multiple United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) 510(k) filings for selected products. Please contact us for further details regarding the FDA and 510(k) filings.

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A major responsibility of manufacturing and/or marketing personnel is finding innovative techniques to differentiate their products vs. competition while driving down costs. Vytex was created to lessen the protein load in natural rubber latex for medical products, but has shown unique competitive advantages due to its versatility as a raw material regardless of end product application. The result of that extensive research led to, not only a nearly total protein reduction, but an overall 75% drop in non-rubber content, as noted by a recent ASTM categorization, which can now be targeted to all product manufacturers using NRL as a raw material. The aluminum hydroxide-treated multiple-patented process has shown an affinity for allowing a lower cost of production in various global industries and exhibits distinct improvements in product characteristics when compared to its untreated sibling, traditional natural rubber latex. While certain mainstream producers have already gravitated to the aluminum hydroxide-treated NRL, recently niche product producers have shown a keen interest in specific pre-compounded, further enhanced, specialty versions of aluminum hydroxide-treated NRL. This paper is designed to highlight the strong positive effects that such advances can have on future economic growth, the environment as we learn to use less toxic chemicals, and preservation of natural resources currently used to “clean” NRL.

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Vytex is a new product designed to offer a standardized source material for the production of natural rubber products using chemically modified NRL to significantly reduce its antigenic protein content. Vytex is commercially available and has significantly reduced in antigenic proteins and can be used in a wide array of commercial applications.

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The true cost of manufacturing is measured as the sum of the total costs throughout the production cycle. Sometimes more can be less. Water and energy stress caused by the growing global population is expected to reach historic proportions, driving supply down and costs up, and directly affecting business operations according to a recent United Nations report.

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