Modelling and optimal control for microbial lipid production in batch cultivation

Abstract

This experiment was carried out with Rhodotorula glutinis for microbial lipid production in batch cultivation. The effect of temperature on cell growth and lipid production was studied. The maximum specific growth rate and the maximum dry cell weight were obtained at 30℃ and the specific product formation rate was maximized at 35℃. A kinetic model was proposed and the parameters in the model were expressed as a function of temperature. As a result of application of the optimal control theory, optimal temperature profile was obtained. Because the maximum specific growth rate was almost same between 30℃ and 35℃, the productivity of lipid was shown to be almost same between optimal control and conventional control.