DRAFT Third-party tests indicate dandelion rubber may be hypoallergenic

Vancouver, British Columbia – Nova-BioRubber Green Technologies Inc. has successfully completed third-party hypoallergenicity testing of its dandelion-derived rubber.

Akron Rubber Development Lab performed the testing of two biolatex samples for the Vancouver-based company, according to a 21 Jan Nova-BioRubber news release.

The "heartening" test results demonstrated antigenic protein content below detection, according to Nova-BioRubber CEO Anvar Buranov.

"Many products, and the way they are produced, are going to significantly change," he said.

"We're going to see many more non-allergenic and non-odorous biolatex and biorubber products introduced into the market."

Potential applications for Nova-BioRubber's dandelion rubber include medical gloves and catheters, mattresses, pillows and condoms.

Nova-BioRubber produces the rubber from the Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) plant, also known as the Russian dandelion, for commercial use.

TKS takes only four months to grow and contains up to 24% rubber, according to the company.