Bio-mimetic gel

Bio-mimetic gel was a liquid substance used in the study of genetics that was highly regulated as contraband by Federation law. Its sale was forbidden, and it could be hazardous if not transported correctly. Its applications included the creation of biogenic weapons and organic explosives, as well as illegal genetic and cloning experiments. Even attempting to obtain the substance was a felony in the Federation. 

Due to its restricted nature, bio-mimetic gel was rare and valuable. In 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 (NCC-1701-D), Dr. Crusher hypothesized that the Fleming may have been hijacked for its cargo. 

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. 

The infirmary on the Federation space station Deep Space 9 was 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. 

In 2373, Commander Chakotay and Lieutenant Paris of the USS Voyager had to pick up some bio-mimetic gel from a Delta Quadrant trading station. According to Paris, the proper container for bio-mimetic gel was Starfleet standard issue container L647X7. 

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 two hundred liters, but Sisko stated that bio-mimetic gel was such a controlled substance that there physically weren't two hundred liters in the entire Bajoran sector.