Songkhla Nakarin news

PSU, led by Assoc. Prof. Sunton Wongsiri, M.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanawat Pitakpornpreecha, Director of the Center of Excellence for Rubber Biotechnology-Based Research and Innovation to Commercialization (CERB), Faculty of Science, along with the research team, participated in a press conference to announce the discovery of a new biomolecule named HeLP (Hevea Latex Polysaccharide). This biomolecule was found in para rubber serum; a by-product discarded in vast quantities—amounting to millions of liters annually—by the rubber sheet and block rubber manufacturing industries. This discovery marks a significant breakthrough in utilizing what was previously industrial waste. The event was presided over by Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, Assistant to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and was held at the press conference room, King Mongkut Building, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

Mr. Supachai stated that the discovery of a new biomolecule, HeLP (Hevea Latex Polysaccharide), from para rubber serum, a cellular-balancing innovation developed by the research team from the Faculty of Science, PSU is a significant scientific breakthrough for Thailand. This is not only the discovery of a new substance but also the world’s first successful development of an industrial-scale extraction process. The discovery opens new opportunities for Thailand in advancing its biorefinery and biochemical industries, which are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future. These industries help add value to agricultural raw materials and biological resources, driving economic growth and promoting inclusive income distribution. This advancement also supports Thailand’s BCG Economy model comprising Bioeconomy, Circular Economy, and Green Economy by enhancing agricultural efficiency, encouraging responsible use of natural resources (Regenerative Economy), and transforming rubber serum, a previously discarded by-product, into a high-value product. Ultimately, this aligns with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Supachai further stated that the research team has already secured patents both in Thailand and internationally. They are in the process of registering HeLP as a novel food with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with approval expected by mid-year. Moreover, efforts are underway to establish the world’s first GMP-standard para rubber serum biorefinery plant in the Southern Industrial Estate, to be operated by Innocus Co., Ltd. This facility is designed to extract approximately 20,000 liters of para rubber serum per day, which will yield about 5,000 kilograms of HeLP per month. In addition, the plant will also be capable of producing other functional ingredients that hold potential for development into products for cosmetic, functional food, dietary supplement, biotechnology innovation, and various related industries.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanawat explained that the para rubber tree possesses a unique biological characteristic unlike any other plant species in the world. It is the only plant that is regularly wounded through the tapping process, which causes it to generate various substances in responses such as those involved in wound healing and protection against pathogens that may enter through the cuts. Research has shown that these special compounds are found in the rubber serum, separate from the rubber latex itself. This understanding led the team to extract substances from the rubber serum, ultimately resulting in the discovery of HeLP (Hevea Latex Polysaccharide)—a compound identified for the first time in the world.

"Through further research and development, we were able to scale up the original laboratory-based extraction process to an industrial level. One of the key challenges was determining how to translate laboratory findings into industrial applications. Our efforts resulted not only in technological advancement but also in the successful registration of an international patent for the extraction process. Beyond the extraction technology itself, we also conducted studies on the biological activities of the compound to explore its potential applications. These studies revealed that HeLP possesses anti-cancer properties, demonstrated both at the cellular level and in animal models, as well as anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it was found to function as a prebiotic, with the ability to reduce alcohol-induced gastric ulcers. These are just initial examples of HeLP’s bioactivity, highlighting its potential applications in various industries, including dietary supplements, cosmetics, and cosmeceuticals, where it has shown properties that stimulate beneficial biological responses. This discovery redefines the value of the para rubber tree. Traditionally viewed primarily for its latex used in industries like leather and automotive tires, the para rubber tree can now be seen in a completely different light as a bio factory capable of producing valuable bioactive compounds, much like medicinal herbs."

Dr. Thanawat has conducted continuous research and development on innovations derived from para rubber serum for over 20 years, supported by more than 200 million baht in funding from both public and private sectors. Major funding sources include agencies under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), such as the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS), the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), as well as Prince of Songkla University and Innocus Co., Ltd. Importantly, this breakthrough is part of PSU’s strategic roadmap to develop a fully integrated rubber industry by emphasizing the translation of research into practical applications. The goal is to create a wide range of rubber-based innovations that meet industrial demands. The research also generates positive impacts on the environment, economy, and society. These include reducing pollution and treatment costs for rubber serum waste discharged from industrial plants, increasing the value of latex and its serum by-products, and promoting GMP standards among rubber plantation cooperatives. These efforts contribute to the creation of a new, sustainable rubber industry value chain, ensuring long-term stability for the sector. This initiative is in line with PSU’s vision to be a “University of the People, Committed to Driving Global Sustainable Development.”

Photos and information courtesy of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).