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Biodegradable rubber:
Rubber can be modified to be biodegradable through biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering. Biodegradable rubber can be used in the manufacture of various products, such as gloves, toys, and packaging materials, that have a reduced environmental impact.
Medical applications:
Rubber is a common material in medical applications due to its unique properties, such as its elasticity and ability to be sterilized. Biotechnology can be used to produce specialized medical-grade rubber products, such as gloves, surgical tubing, and implants.
Tire production:
Biotechnology can be used to develop new strains of rubber trees that produce higher yields of latex, the raw material used to manufacture tires. This could improve the efficiency and sustainability of the rubber supply chain, which is currently complex and fragmented.
Industrial applications:
Rubber is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including seals, gaskets, and hoses. Biotechnology can be used to improve the properties of rubber to make it more durable, resistant to heat and chemicals, and less likely to degrade over time.
Bioremediation:
Rubber can be used in bioremediation, which involves the use of microorganisms to clean up environmental pollutants. Biotechnology can be used to modify rubber to make it more effective in absorbing pollutants such as oil spills.
Biotechnology about Thailand:
"Thailand is gearing-up to develop its rubber industry through biotechnology. According to Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) at the Thai Rubber Conference, biotechnology will become one of the important components to support the rubber manufacturing sector in Thailand. The Thai government has identified rubber product industry as one of the potential industries for its export business. Thus, the government is now giving priority to produce adequate manpower for science and technology as well as to grant financial support for rubber research. Recently, latex biotechnology research for protein-free products has shown promising results." (ISAAA, 2008)
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