Quantification of 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine in heat-treated natural rubber latex serum

Abstract

Introduction: 5'-Deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine (MTA) is one of the biologically active components found in natural rubber latex (NRL) serum, a common waste product from rubber plantations. In this study the contents of MTA in heat-treated NRL serum were measured in order to assess the potential of the serum as an alternative source of MTA.

Objective: To devise an HPLC/UV-based quantitative analytical protocol for the determination of MTA, and to determine the effect of heat treatment on the content of MTA in NRL serum from various sources.

Methodology: An HPLC/UV-based determination of MTA using an acidic eluant was devised and validated. In the heat treatment, the effect of refluxing times on MTA liberation was evaluated.

Results: The quantification protocol was validated with satisfying linearity, limits of detection and quantitation, precisions for peak areas and recovery percentages from intra- and inter-day operations. The amounts of MTA in the NRL sera from various sources increased with heat treatment to yield 5-12 μg MTA/mL of serum.

Conclusion: The devised protocol was found to be satisfyingly applicable to the routine determination of MTA in NRL serum. The effect of heat treatment on the content of MTA also indicated another possible use for NRL serum, normally discarded in vast amounts by the rubber industry, as an alternative source of MTA.