IMMOBILIZED BIOCATALYSTS: PROSPECT OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN THE LAST DECADE
The development of biotechnological processes involving the use of immobilized enzymes or microbial cells has shown considerable evidence in recent years, mainly due to the advantages they present in terms of stability and reusability in continuous processes, resulting in ease of handling and downstream costs reduction. Due to the importance of using immobilized biocatalysts in different areas of biotechnology, the aim of this study was to analyze the potential and evolution of technological competence of immobilized biocatalysts through the analysis of patents in the database of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in the last decade. Between the years 2005 and 2014, 800 patents were filed in Patenstcope, and China was the country that stood out in world panorama with 329 patent applications, which corresponds to 40.9% of patent applications located. The main areas of emphasis in technologies related to micro-organisms or enzymes and their compositions were preparations for medical, orthodontic and hygienic purposes; followed by fermentation processes or use of enzymes to synthesize compounds of interest. The analysis of articles published and indexed on the data basis Web of Science demonstrated a significant increase in publications for the topic immobilization cell in the last 5 years.Through this prospect of technological innovations using immobilized biocatalysts, it became evident the need for Brazil to extend public policies to support basic research after understanding how the possibilities of biotechnological innovations can promote economic development through the encouragement of educational and research institutions.