A Process For Reducing Allergens in Natural Rubber Latex ang Articles Fabricated Therefor

The present invention relates to a process for producing protein allergens in natural rubber latex comprising modifying of latex particles by grafting a polymer produced from a water-soluble acrylamide or aminomethacrylate monomer through emulsion polymerization onto natural rubber molecules. The invention also relates to articles fabricated from protein allergens reduced natural rubber latex subjected to the process of the present invention. Results from thin film testing and evaluation shows that allergenicity of natural rubber latex is significantly reduced. The protein allergens reduced rubber latex according to the present invention can be used to fabricate articles prepared by dipping, such as surgical gloves, catheters, condom and other articles which are required to be free of allergens.