Cellulose-Based Hydrogels: Patent Analysis

Abstract

Background: Among biopolymers, cellulose and its derivatives are the most commonly used for hydrogel formulations. The innovation and improvement of cellulose-based hydrogels concerned the raw materials, synthesis and methods of preparation, formulations and fabrication processes, as well as applications. Objectives: This study, in the form of patent analysis, presents the state by introducing what has been innovated and patented concerning cellulose-based hydrogels. Methods: Three databases have been used in this study: the Patentscope, the Espacenet, and the Lens patent data set. A detailed analysis has been provided regarding publication dates, patent families, jurisdictions, inventors, applicants, owners, and patent classifications. Results: A total of 8053 patent documents related to cellulose-based hydrogels have been published between 1965 and 2021. The United States leads the patent race in this sector, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the top academic applicants. Conclusion: Based on patent classifications, most patent documents are related to medicinal preparations characterized by special physical forms. More specifically, the classification concerns materials for prostheses or coating prostheses, including cellulose derivatives characterized by their function or physical properties, such as macromolecular gels, hydrogels, or hydrocolloids.