Condoms from spinifex grass is the future of protection

THERE’S a tiny town in outback Australia that has the future of condoms covered, after a revolutionary discovery — in the grass.

Dr Nasim Amiralian has discovered spinifex grass contains unique nanofibres which can be used to strengthen latex and compounded rubber. Picture: Claudia Baxter

• Condoms: How spinifex grass is changing the future of sex protection

A TINY Queensland outback town has the future of condoms covered.

Using a unique compound found in native spinifex grass, the northwest town of Camooweal may soon be known as the birthplace for production of the world’s strongest and thinnest condoms.

Read the full story on this amazing discovery here

A discovery by a University of Queensland scientist Nasim Amiralian has found the spinifex species which grows around Camooweal, Triodia pungens, contains unique nanofibres which can be used to strengthen latex and compounded rubber.

The discovery will mean super-strong and ultra-thin condoms could be produced in the future. Picture: File

Dr Amiralian’s work is expected to provide much needed jobs in Camooweal through the production of a range of products including condoms, surgical gloves and more durable cool room door seals.

Science and Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch has awarded the Iranian-born scientist a three-year, $180,000 Advance Queensland grant to allow her to optimise her formulations for spinifex-reinforced latex and compounded rubber before any products are launched onto the world market.

Spinifex grass in outback Queensland.

Ms Enoch said spinifex nanofibres had the potential for wide application globally.

“Commercialisation of this research could also support the creation of a whole new industry in regional Queensland around the harvesting and processing of spinifex to extract the nanofibres,” she said.

To the Aboriginal people of Queensland’s remote northwest, the clumps of the spiky spinifex grass that grow in the red dust surrounding the border town of Camooweal play an important role in their connection to country and culture.

And with Dr Amiralian’s work, the Indjalandji-Dhidhanu people can now look towards a new kind of future.

Read the full story here.