The Biodegradation of Latex Rubber: A Minireview

Natural rubber is used for the production of adhesives, latex gloves, tubing and tires. This widespread use is accompanied with an extensive generation of waste rubber material. In many parts of the world, especially industrialized countries, this has prompted legislation to be passed to govern the proper disposal of rubber waste. Even so, the recycling of this polymer is not widely practiced. This review looks at the useful bacteria capable of degrading this recalcitrant polymer. Furthermore we review the mechanism of action and the identification of rubber degrading genes. Clearly, a deep understanding of this biodegradative process at the biochemical and genetic level exists and should prompt the instigation of this knowledge in biotechnological applications.