Prospecção tecnológica sobre processos de produção e utilização da Agave sisalana, parte I: um estudo global sobre depósitos de patentes através do sistema Questel Orbit

Technology assessment on production processes and use of Agave sisalana, part I: A prospective of worldwide patent in the Questel Orbit System

Abstract

This article presents a technological prospection of the processes of production and use of Agave sisalana in the world, using patent documents available in the Questel Orbit system as a research method. Agave sisalana is a plant native to Mexico that has been widely exploited due to its resistant and versatile fibers, which find applications in various industries, such as textiles, automotive and construction, and because its gel has biochemical and pharmaceutical application properties. The study was carried out through an analysis of the information contained in the patents related to Agave sisalana, from the first deposit to the present date. Generic search terms related to the plant were used. The results obtained were organized and analyzed according to thematic categories, such as cultivation methods, fiber extraction, industrial processing and technological applications that revealed a significant amount of patent documents around the world related to Agave sisalana. The results indicate a continued interest in research and development of technologies related to this plant and the main technological advances identified include more efficient cultivation techniques, more sustainable fiber extraction methods and new applications in emerging sectors, such as the production of bioplastics and materials composites. In addition, the analysis of patent documents allowed identifying trends and knowledge gaps in the area, mainly identifying viable alternatives for new economic explorations in our country, being, therefore, useful information for researchers, companies and institutions interested in the development and application of technologies related to Agave sisalana.