| Abstract: | A model that continuously predicts the concentration of microorganisms in complex medium fermentations is suggested. The model uses carbon dioxide evolution as its primary input and assumes that respiration activity can be differentiated into growth-related and maintenance-related functions. This model can be programmed on computer-coupled vessels and used to standardize on a physiological fermentation inoculum transfer time. The cell concentration estimate can also be used to calculate specific growth rate and can be combined with additional monitored information to calculate other important fermentation parameters such as specific oxygen uptake. |
