Technological prospecting of macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) in Brazil in the 21st century

Abstract

Macaúba is a fruit found in several regions of the Brazilian territory and stands out for producing an oil with potential characteristics for use as a raw material in industries in different areas such as in the production of biodiesel, biokerosene, organic fertilizers and animal ration. An advanced search was performed in the title and abstract fields of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) database. Patents related to macaúba were grouped by the number of files per decade, number of patents by holder and characteristics of granted patents. With the insertion of this mechanism, the most recent applications were listed through a mapping of patents involving macaúba and the main sectors that invested in the fruit. It was certified that, between 2000 and 2021, thirty patents related to macaúba were registered, and nine were granted. Minas Gerais stood out in technological development, especially after the creation of a public policy for the development of this species and its use, the Pro-macaúba Law (Law No. 19,485/2011). It is the state with the most deposited patents.