Control of fed-batch fermentations

Fed-batch fermentation is used to prevent or reduce substrate-associated gr owth inhibition by controlling nutrient supply. Here we review the advances in control of fed-batch fermentations. Simple exponential feeding and infe rential methods are examined, as are newer methods based on fuzzy control a nd neural networks. Considerable interest has developed in these more advan ced methods that hold promise for optimizing fed-batch techniques for compl ex fermentation systems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved .