A Quick Look Back at the Microalgal Biofuel Patents: Rise and Fall

Abstract

Microalgae is a promising organism as the feedstock of the next generation biofuels, as well as high value nature products, such as astaxanthin, normally under certain stress cultivation conditions. With the clear industrialization targets, there have been two waves of microalgae R&D from the last century and showed obvious energy-driven trends. The overall R&D came into a valley now, however, the promising is still there. So here, from the industrialization point of view, the patent evolution concerning the microalgae for biofuels in the second wave were reviewed and summarized. These technology information will help the scientists to join together with industry to drive the next boost.

Microalgae as Sustainable Biofactories to Produce High-Value Lipids: Biodiversity, Exploitation, and Biotechnological Applications

“…This trend continued for research activities, in contrast to patent publications. These waves of microalgae-related research and development activities are mainly associated with energy-driven trends, and having as the driving force the high crude oil price [8]. After 2015, this driving force was lost due to the development and popularization of electric cars [8].…”

“…These waves of microalgae-related research and development activities are mainly associated with energy-driven trends, and having as the driving force the high crude oil price [8]. After 2015, this driving force was lost due to the development and popularization of electric cars [8]. Figure 3b shows that research activities were mainly focused on the biological sciences before 1990s.…”