Phenomenological model of the clavulanic acid production process utilizingStreptomyces clavuligerus

The kinetics of clavulanic acid production process by Streptomyces clavulig erus NRRL 3585 was studied. Experiments were carried out in a 4 liters bior eactor, utilizing 2 complex media containing glycerol as the carbon and ene rgy source, and peptone or Samprosoy 90NB (soybean protein) as nitrogen sou rce. Temperature was kept at 28 degreesC and the dissolved oxygen was contr olled automatically at 40 % saturation value. Samples were withdrawn for de termination of cell mass (only peptone medium), glycerol and product concen trations. Gas analyzers allowed on line determination of CO2 and O-2 conten ts in the exit gas. With Samprosoy, cell mass was evaluated by determining glycerol consumption and considering the cell yield, Y-X/S, as being the sa me for both eases. Oxygen uptake and CO2 production rates were strongly rel ated to growth and substrate consumption, allowing determination of stoichi ometric constants in relation to growth, substrate, oxygen, product and car bon dioxide.