Natural rubber - Increasing diversity of an irreplaceable renewable resource

Area of Science:

• Agriculture
• Botany
• Materials Science

Background:

• Domestic natural rubber production is crucial for supply chain resilience.
• Scorzonera tau-saghyz, or mountain gum, a native Kazakh species, is a potential alternative rubber source.
• Previous research on Scorzonera tau-saghyz is limited, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of Scorzonera tau-saghyz as a domestic natural rubber source.
• To analyze the rubber yield and quality from wild-harvested Scorzonera tau-saghyz roots.
• To compare Scorzonera tau-saghyz rubber properties with commercial Hevea brasiliensis rubber.

Main Methods:

• Wild Scorzonera tau-saghyz roots were harvested in Kazakhstan and processed.
• An indigenous Kazakh method was adapted for natural rubber extraction using water extraction and purification.
• High-resolution size exclusion chromatography (SEC) was employed to analyze rubber molecular weights and composition.

Main Results:

• Rubber extraction yielded 16.2 wt% from dry roots, significantly higher than rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz).
• SEC analysis revealed molecular weights and gel/oligomer content similar to Hevea brasiliensis rubber.
• The findings indicate Scorzonera tau-saghyz as a viable source of high-quality natural rubber.

Conclusions:

• Scorzonera tau-saghyz presents a promising alternative for domestic natural rubber production.
• Cultivation of Scorzonera tau-saghyz in the U.S. warrants further investigation.
• This rediscovery could enhance natural rubber supply chain security.