Researchers from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at the University of Queensland are exploring the use of fibres from the Australian spinifex grass to improve the structural composition of latex used to manufacture condoms.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal traditional owners of the Camooweal region in north-west Queensland, the Indjalandji-Dhidhanu People, the research team has developed a new method of extracting nanocellulose from the grass, which can be used as an additive in latex production.
AIBN’s Professor Darren Martin said the spinifex nanocellulose significantly improved the physical properties of latex and could be used to make condoms as thin as a human hair without any loss in strength.
“The great thing about our nanocellulose is that it’s a flexible nano-additive, so we can make a stronger and thinner membrane that is supple and flexible, which is the Holy Grail for natural rubber. We tested our latex formulation on a commercial dipping line in the United States and conducted a burst test that inflates condoms and measures the volume and pressure, and on average got a performance increase of 20 per cent in pressure and 40 per cent in volume compared to the commercial latex control sample,” he said.
“With a little more refinement, we think we can engineer a latex condom that’s about 30 per cent thinner, and will still pass all standards, and with more process optimisation work we will be able to make devices even thinner than this. Late last year we were able to get down to about 45 microns on our very first commercial dipping run, which is around the width of the hair on your head.”
Professor Martin said the benefits of the nanocellulose technology would be of particular interest for latex manufacturers across the multi-billion-dollar global market.
“Rather than looking at increasing the strength, companies would be looking to market the thinnest, most satisfying prophylactic possible,” he continued.
“Likewise, it would also be possible to produce latex gloves that are just as strong, but thinner, giving a more sensitive feel and less hand fatigue to users such as surgeons. Because you would also use less latex, your material cost in production would potentially drop as well, making it even more attractive to manufacturers.”
UQ has also signed an agreement with the Dugalunji Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) to recognise local Aboriginal traditional owners’ knowledge about spinifex and to ensure that “they will have ongoing equity and involvement in the commercialisation of the nanocellulose technology”.
DAC Managing Director Colin Saltmere said the technology would provide the partners with the opportunity to establish themselves as leaders in the area of spinifex harvesting and processing and the supply of a range of nanocellulose and other spinifex-derived products.
“There are strong hopes of cultivating and processing spinifex grass on a commercial scale, bringing economic opportunities to the remote areas across Australia where it thrives,” Mr Saltmere said.
“We’re very excited by the prospects of commercialising the technology to provide an entirely new industry to regional Australia.”
