A novel method for the sequential experimental design in order to optimize
fed-batch fermentations was applied to a hyaluronidase fermentation by Stre
ptococcus agalactiae. A Lambda -optimal design was introduced to minimize t
he model parameter estimation error and to maximize the performance of the
fermentation process. The method employs hybrid models that contain mechani
stic, fuzzy and neural network components. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. A
li rights reserved.