Abstract
The latex of Hevea brasiliensis is rich in furan fatty acid (FuFA) esterified in both neutral and polar lipids. This study evaluates bio‐based solvents for selective extraction of lipids and FuFA from low‐ammonia (LA) and high‐ammonia (HA) stabilized H. brasiliensis latex. Extraction was performed at room temperature using a latex‐to‐solvent ratio of 1:5 (v/v). For LA‐stabilized latex, ethyl acetate was the most efficient solvent for trifuranoylglycerol (TG‐FuFA) extraction, outperforming traditional chloroform–methanol mixture (2:1, v/v), with or without NaCl addition, achieving a TG‐FuFA yield of 0.28% (w/w latex). Isopropanol (iPrOH) was also effective, presenting a fair alternative. For HA stabilized latex, ethyl acetate maintained its efficacy, achieving 0.24% (w/w latex), similar to chloroform–methanol mixture (2:1, v/v) with NaCl solution washing (0.25% w/w latex). iPrOH matched this TG‐FuFA yield but was less effective at excluding polar lipids. For total‐FuFA extraction, iPrOH outperformed chloroform–methanol mixture, reaching 0.21% (w/w latex). Several lipases were tested for their aptitude to hydrolyzing FuFA‐containing lipids. Guinea pig pancreatic lipase‐related protein 2 and Fusarium solani cutinase proved to be effective enzymes for releasing free FuFA from triacylglycerols, galactolipids, and phospholipids in latex, indicating their potential for greener FuFA recovery. Further research is required to optimize enzyme‐assisted FuFA extraction from stabilized latex. Promoting eco‐friendly product of bioactive molecules—from sourcing to processing—is essential for sustainable resource management and for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Fresh latex from Hevea brasiliensis offers significant bioactive potential, containing up to 0.4% (w/w) of furan fatty acid (10, 13‐epoxy‐11‐methyl‐octadecan‐10,12‐dienoic, named FuFA‐F2). FuFA‐F2, part of the FuFA lipid family found in fruits, vegetables, and oils, is of growing interest for its health benefits, such as cardioprotection and obesity prevention. Natural rubber production (14.5 million tons in 2023) mainly originates from Southeast Asia (72%) and small‐scale farmers who depend on rubber for livelihood. Thus, the rising demand for environmentally friendly rubber‐derived products, combined with the untapped therapeutic potential of Hevea latex FuFA‐F2, offers significant socio‐economic opportunities in both Asia and Europe, underscoring the importance of exploring efficient extraction strategies, especially from stabilized latex.