Extraction and Purification of the FrHb1 Fraction from Commercial Natural Latex of Hevea brasiliensis for Biomedical Applications

• Published in: Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2025-01, Vol.10 (2), p.85
• Main Authors: Silva, Ana Karoline Almeida da, Nunes, Gustavo Adolfo Marcelino de Almeida, Faria, Rafael Mendes, Favilla, Ana Luiza Coutinho, Dornelas, Jéssica, Fonseca, Marcos Augusto Mountinho, Benavides, Angie Daniela Ibarra, da Costa, Lindemberg Barreto Mota, Fleury Rosa, Mário Fabrício, da Rocha, Adson Ferreira, Fleury Rosa, Suelia de Siqueira Rodrigues
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2313-7673; 2313-7673
• DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics10020085

Biomaterials interact with biological systems, influencing their responses. Different types of polymers—both natural and synthetic—are widely used in biomedical engineering, among a plethora of healthcare applications, to promote tissue regeneration. The natural rubber latex extracted from Hevea brasiliensis is a biopolymer that whose biocompatibility makes it a valuable study object. Its great regenerative properties are largely associated with the fraction FrHB1, which has demonstrated angiogenic and wound-healing potential by inducing blood vessel formation, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast migration—crucial factors for tissue repair. This study aimed to develop scalable methods for extracting and purifying the F1 protein fraction from industrialized natural latex for biomedical applications. We tested two types of industrial latex, bi-centrifuged and pre-vulcanized latex as well as 60% centrifuged natural latex to determine the most effective composition used in subsequent extractions and fractionation steps. Then, we isolated FrHB1 from the pre-vulcanized latex using selective precipitation, ultrafiltration, and affinity chromatography. The yield of the first batch of this serum was 40.62% with protein concentration of 1.52 ± 0.06 mg/mL. The second batch had a yield of 49.74%; however, due to results lying outside the analytical curve, its protein concentration could not be calculated. The yield of the third batch was 57.19%, and its protein concentration was 1.8477 ± 0.033 mg/mL. This approach facilitates large-scale therapeutic applications utilizing a commercially viable and accessible resource. Moreover, these findings highlight industrialized natural latex as a sustainable source of bioactive molecules, contributing to advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.