A systematic patent review of enzyme production by Aspergillus spp.: insights from brazilian intellectual property records (INPI)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: In recent years, there has been growing interest in protecting intellectual property related to the production of these enzymes, particularly through patent registration. Patents not only ensure exclusivity over developed technologies but also serve as sources of technical and scientific information, helping to identify trends and opportunities for innovation. The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review of Brazilian patents related to enzyme production by fungi of the Aspergillus genus, using the database of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The initial search identified 55 processes, but after applying selection criteria, only five patents were included in the final analysis. Many patents were excluded either because they did not directly address enzyme production or were not accessible through the INPI platform. Of the five patents analyzed, three were filed by foreign companies, and two by a Brazilian public university, the State University of Londrina (UEL). This indicates that, despite Brazil’s strong scientific output on enzymes produced by Aspergillus, the number of Brazilian patents remains very small. Between 2019 and 2024, over 1,500 scientific articles were published in Brazil on this subject, but few resulted in intellectual property protection. The enzymes described in the patents include proteases, amylases, cellulases, arabinofuranosidases, and oxidoreductases. They are applied across a variety of sectors, especially in the food and feed, paper and textile, pharmaceutical, bioenergy, and detergent industries. Most applications are directed toward the food sector, which aligns with global trends in using enzymes to improve production processes and add value to food and by-products. An important aspect of the study is that the two Brazilian patents make use of agro-industrial waste, such as malt residue, as a carbon source for fermentation. This demonstrates an effort to align biotechnological processes with principles of sustainability. Despite the relevance of Aspergillus-derived enzymes, classical species such as A. niger and A. oryzae were not found in the analyzed patents. Instead, less conventional species appeared, such as A. ochraceus and A. welwitschiae, which may pose risks like mycotoxin production. This highlights the need for careful biosafety considerations in industrial applications. It can be concluded that Brazil has strong scientific potential in this field but still needs to advance in converting this knowledge into innovations protected by patents. Investment in intellectual property, partnerships between universities and companies, and policies that encourage innovation are essential to transform this potential into effective technological development.
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413814547