Optimization of fed-batch bioreactor for immobilized enzyme processes

A systematic analysis of the problem of determining optimal feeding strateg ies for immobilized enzyme reactions in fed batch bioreactor is presented i n this paper. The optimal control theory is applied to a heterogeneous bior eactor model consisting of a bulk liquid phase and an immobilized enzyme ph ase. The optimal feeding policy and singular interval are obtained in terms of state variables alone. It is shown that a constantly fed bioreactor ope ration is optimal for a process whose kinetics depends on the single reacta nt concentration. The analytical results are supplemented with a numerical example of deacylation of penicillin G. Effects of various operating condit ions, such as reactant feed concentration, enzyme loading and diffusional l imitation, on the optimal performance of the bioreactor is illustrated. (C) 2001. Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.