Technological prospecting of biotechnologies that use fungi for bioremediation of soil contaminated with chemical compounds

Fungal bioremediation stands out as an effective method for reclaiming soils tainted with pollutants. Leveraging patent registrations and scholarly publications has proven instrumental in advancing this promising technology. This study aimed to evaluate the technological trajectories in fungal bioremediation of chemically contaminated soils and to explore the evolution of patented biotechnologies within this domain. The research employed patent mapping, scrutinizing patents sourced from Orbit Intelligence, complemented by extensive bibliographic exploration. Subsequently, qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed to dissect academic and technological trends. The findings underscored the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness of soil bioremediation utilizing fungi. Particularly, genera like Trichoderma and Aspergillus exhibited notable bioremediation capabilities, owing to their proficiency in degrading diverse chemical compounds. However, the strategies underlying fungal degradation of contaminants remain inadequately elucidated, indicating a gap in technological innovation. Despite significant advancements in this field over recent decades, certain aspects warrant further development. Notably, China and the USA emerged as the leading nations in patent applications, whereas Brazil, despite its considerable biotechnological potential, displayed relatively low patent and publication rates. Ultimately, these findings hold promise for the advancement of technological solutions to address contemporary soil contamination challeng.