Simulation and optimization of PHB production in fed-batch culture of Ralstonia eutropha

  

Shahhosseini, Shahrokh

  

  Abstract

 

Fed-batch culture is commonly used to produce partially growth-associated products such as Poly ( ß -hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). However, without a proper feeding strategy this culture would not result much higher productivity compared to batch culture. Therefore, in this study a dynamic optimization program written in MATLAB environment was employed to find optimal feeding rates of carbon and nitrogen sources. A fed-batch mathematical model was developed and validated against experimental data before it was incorporated into the optimization program. The optimal feeding strategy obtained from the simulation was applied experimentally. The results of this experiment were compared with the results of other fed-batch culture experiments whose feeding strategies were determined based on bioreactor engineering sense. In average, PHB productivity was increased around 100% by using optimal feeding strategy.