China closes in on the US in applications of synthetic bio patent numbers

China is catching up with the US in terms of patent filings for the applications of synthetic biology, according to a report from PatSnap.The report, which covers synthetic biology innovation, highlighted that China has 14 percent of all new patents for the applications of synthetic biology, while the US has 25 percent.

Over the past several years, China has suffered from issues with contaminated rice and high levels of pollution, despite industry consolidation on climate issues and stricter central government controls.

PatSnap explained that these issues had led to a push to solve the pressing problems, resulting in its number two spot in patent filings relating to synthetic biology.

The report also showed environmentally friendly tyre patent applications have grown.

PatSnap highlights that this will be an important forward step, as more focus and popularity is heading towards electric cars.

Another growing sector that’s highlighted by the report, is microfluidics patent filings and litigation, which PatSnap say is “booming”.

The report highlights that the microfluidics industry is the macro trend to watch, with the market expected to reach almost $14 billion in value by 2025.

PatSnap noted that printing company HP is seeking to apply its microfluidics technologies in adjacent life sciences markets.