Trends and recent patents on cellulose-based biosensors

Materials used for fabricating biomedical devices, such as implantable biosensors need to possess appropriate physical, chemical and biological properties, depending on specific circumstances. Among a variety of materials commonly used as biosensing platforms, cellulose and its derivatives have gained considerable attention. Due to the promising physical and biological characteristics, as well as chemical structure, cellulose has demonstrated to be a versatile material, affording a high-quality platform for accomplishing the immobilization process of biologically active molecules into biosensors.

To promote the sufficiency of cellulose in biosensing, several researchers have investigated pathways to enhance cellulose properties to meet biosensing requirements. Research on cellules and its derivatives as biosensors is developing rapidly through the innovation and improvement of raw materials, chemical synthesis and methods of preparation and formulations, with more than 500 organizations around the world are currently involved in the patent activity and filing concerning cellulose-based biosensors. This trend is justified by the several advantages that cellulose offer for biosensing and biomedical applications. This is also evident from the elevation in the number of patent applications filed each year worldwide in research and development of this area.

This study in the form of patent analysis presents the state of the art by introducing what has been patented in relation to cellulose-based biosensors between 2010 and 2020. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the patentability has been provided by determining publication years, classifications, inventors, applicants, owners, and jurisdictions. Finally, this work which gives an analysis of the past, present and future trends lead to various recommendations that could help one to plan and innovate research strategy.