A Patent Landscape on Methane Oxidizing Bacteria (MOB) or Methanotrophs

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) utilize methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as their sole carbon and energy source.
• MOB play a vital role in the global carbon cycle by oxidizing atmospheric methane.
• Understanding MOB technology is critical for addressing climate change and developing biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive patent landscape analysis of technology development involving methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB).
• To identify trends in MOB research and application over time, from early inventions to recent advancements.
• To highlight key players and dominant areas of innovation in MOB technology.

Main Methods:

• A detailed patent analysis was conducted, examining filings from 1971 to the present.
• The study categorized patent applications based on their focus, including metabolite production, bioremediation, species identification, large-scale production, and genetic engineering.
• Geographical and assignee data were analyzed to identify leading countries and organizations in MOB patenting.

Main Results:

• Patent activity for MOB technology surged notably in 2020, with a consistent increase in genetic engineering applications since 2010.
• The United States and China lead in patent filings, with Precigen Inc., Exxon Research Engineering Co., Tsinghua University, and Calysta Inc. as top assignees.
• Metabolite production and bioremediation represent the most frequent patent claims, while *Methylosinus* is the preferred microorganism for methane oxidation.

Conclusions:

• The patent landscape reveals a dynamic evolution in MOB technology, moving towards sophisticated genetic engineering for enhanced methane oxidation.
• Continued innovation in MOB applications, particularly in metabolite production and bioremediation, is evident.
• The dominance of the US and China underscores their leading roles in advancing MOB-based solutions for environmental and industrial challenges.