Bangkok: Thai research team discovers a new substance "HeLP from rubber serum", transforming waste rubber into an innovation that generates income, adding value to Thai rubber, leading to industrial development on the world stage.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, revealed that the discovery of 'HeLP' (Hevea Latex Polysaccharide) - a new biomolecule from rubber serum is an important advancement in science and technology research in Thailand. This breakthrough stems from the collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the private sector, and a research team from the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University. The substance, which balances cells, has also seen the successful development of an industrial-level extraction process, marking the first of its kind globally. This development is seen as a crucial step for Thailand in advancing the biorefinery industry, expected to play a significant role in the future.
This emerging industry aims to add value to agricultural raw materials, bolster the grassroots economy, and support the BCG Economy approach. By enhancing the value of latex serum, a by-product of the production process, new products with higher value can be developed. The research team highlighted HeLP's potential in fighting cancer at both cellular and animal levels, its anti-inflammatory properties, and its role as a prebiotic that mitigates stomach ulcers caused by alcohol consumption. This discovery exemplifies preliminary research indicating that the substance has properties or benefits applicable in various industries, such as dietary supplements, cosmetics, and cosmeceuticals.
Mr. Karam further explained that the research team has patented HeLP both domestically and internationally and is working on registering it as a novel food with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with approval anticipated by mid-year. Additionally, the construction of the first GMP standard latex serum Biorefinery plant in the world is underway in the Southern Industrial Estate.
'The government places importance on research and development (R and D) as an essential mechanism to drive the country. The discovery of the HeLP biomolecule from latex serum is a research result that can create added value in developing the rubber industry comprehensively, from upstream to downstream. It also helps reduce pollution from waste in industrial plants. This is considered an improvement in capabilities and pushing for the use of research results for practical application in the industrial sector to support the demand of the Thai manufacturing sector in the future,' Mr. Karam stated.