Removal of Proteins from natural Rubber Latex and Gloves

Removal of proteins from natural rubber was performed by leaching and deproteinization. The leaching was carried out for commercial natural rubber glove, whereas deproteinization was for commercial high ammonia natural rubber latex (HANR) in the presence of urea, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and acetone. The extractable protein content and nitrogen content of the rubbers were measured by modified Lowry method and Kjeldahl method. The nanomatrix of non-rubber components of the natural rubber glove disappeared after leaching as observed with a FIB / SEM. The extractable protein content and the nitrogen content of HANR were reduced effectively. It was proved that a pair of urea, SDS and acetone is prominent to remove the proteins completely.