Principal Investigator Dorothy Hosler
Traditionally, natural latex from Castilla elastica has been processed by mixing with a liquid extracted from morning glory vine (Calonyction aculeatum). The identity of the active species, which presumably forms cross-links between the polyisoprene chains, is not known. This project involves isolation and characterization of the unknown active component of the morning glory extract using standard organic chemical laboratory techniques. Characterization of the rubber produced by treatment with the pure species thus isolated and comparison with ancient and modern latexes processed by a variety of methods, is in progress.