The Patent Landscape of Polyhydroxyalkanoates Production by Algae and Cyanobacteria

Abstract

Background: As global awareness regarding climate change and environmental pollution outcomes arise, eco-friendly and negative emission technologies emerge.

Methods: In this scenario, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-accumulating microorganisms play an important role in the transition from the petrochemical-based non-biodegradable polymer to renewable, eco-friendly, and biocompatible materials. More specifically, CO₂ can be converted to biopolymers through photosynthesis by cyanobacteria and algae, posing as a promising technology for renewable material, CO₂, and petroleum-dependence mitigations. However, although many microorganisms can accumulate PHA intracellularly, limitations persist, such as the elevated cost and limited market availability.

Results: Herein is presented a patent-based mapping on technological trends of PHAs production, including its production by microalgae and cyanobacteria using the Questel Orbit Intelligence software (version 1.9.8) in complement with the Espacenet Patent Search database.

Conclusion: The inquiry on PHAs retrieved 34,243 patents filed since 1912, whereas 156 are related to their specific production by photosynthetic microorganisms, evidencing a prospective market for intellectual property.

Keywords: Bioplastics; biosynthesis; espacenet; hydroxybutyrate; orbit intelligence; patent-based mapping.