Bio-mimetic gel

Bio-mimetic gel is a liquid substance used in the study of genetics that was highly regulated by Federation law. Its sale is forbidden, and it can be hazardous if not transported correctly. (DS9: "Distant Voices") Its applications include the creation of biogenic weapons and organic explosives, as well as illegal genetic and cloning experiments. (DS9: "In the Pale Moonlight") Even attempting to obtain the substance is a felony in the Federation. (DS9: "Distant Voices")

Due to its restricted nature, bio-mimetic gel is rare and valuable. In the 2370, the USS Fleming was carrying this substance through the Hekaras Corridor when it was disabled. In the initial stages of the investigation by the USS Enterprise-D, Dr. Crusher hypothesized that the Fleming may have been hijacked for its cargo. (TNG: "Force of Nature")

In 2370, Commander Riker offered the Yridian Captain Yog one half gram of Anjoran bio-mimetic gel for 500 kilograms of magnesite ore, although this later turned out to be a bluff. (TNG: "Firstborn")

It is not clear whether Anjoran bio-mimetic gel is a different substance from "ordinary" bio-mimetic gel.

That same year, Ro Laren lied to the Maquis, telling them that a Ferengi transport came to the Demilitarized Zone to deliver bio-mimetic gel. She also claimed the substance was legal. (TNG: "Preemptive Strike")

It is possible that it was between the events of "Preemptive Strike" and "Distant Voices" that restrictions were placed on the trade of the gel.

The infirmary on the Federation space station Deep Space 9 is stocked with limited quantities of bio-mimetic gel for medical purposes. In 2371, a Lethean named Altovar attempted to buy (and later steal) this gel from Dr. Bashir. (DS9: "Distant Voices")

In 2373, Lieutenant Commander Chakotay and Lieutenant Paris of the USS Voyager had to pick up some biomimetic gel from a Delta Quadrant trading station. According to Paris, the proper container for bio-mimetic gel is Starfleet Standard issue container L647X7. (VOY: "Fair Trade")

In 2374, Captain Sisko ordered Dr. Bashir to provide him with 85 liters of this substance. Due to the danger this substance posed and Sisko's opaqueness about its final destination, an angry Bashir noted the transaction in his personal log, insisted on receiving the order in writing, and filed a formal complaint with Starfleet Medical. Sisko and Elim Garak used the gel as payment for an authentic Cardassian optolythic data rod for a covert operation. Garak originally asked Sisko for 200 liters, but Sisko stated that bio-mimetic gel is such a controlled substance that there physically weren't 200 liters in the entire Bajor sector. (DS9: "In the Pale Moonlight")