Technological mapping and forecast for soybean ethanol based on patent data

Abstract

The integration of sustainable technologies for energy generation in soybean biorefineries can enhance the bioeconomic performance of the production chain through the valorisation of agro-industrial residues. The aim of this work was to prepare a technological map of soybean ethanol technologies, forecasting the future of specific clusters related to ethanol production from soybean molasses, soybean lignocellulosic residues, and the use of soybean as a nitrogen source in alcoholic fermentations. A patent search was carried out to build a database of publication year, assignees, countries of origin and deposit, international patent classification codes and citations. United States and China were the most relevant countries contributing to patent applications, and 68% of the total documents were international deposits filed in multiple countries; 74% of the patent documents were filed with the participation of the industrial sector, the most frequent assignees being Du Pont, Iogen, and Mascoma. Technologies related to the use of whole soybean or molasses as carbon sources, or the use as a nitrogen source in ethanol fermentation, were found to be in their growing phases, while the use of soybean’s lignocellulosic fraction had already reached maturity stage. The highest values of patent power (12.23), expansion potential (297), and technology diffusion speed (19.70) were obtained for the cluster related to the exploitation of soybean’s lignocellulosic fraction. The conversion of soybean molasses to ethanol or the use of specific soybean components, including nitrogen sources, to improve alcoholic fermentation represents a more specific technology cluster that is gaining prominence in the industrial sector.

Keywords

Lignocellulose / Soybean hulls / Soybean molasses / Nitrogen source / Patent landscape

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Funding

Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(88881.311858/2018-01); Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(309237/2021-1)