Sensitivity analysis of fed-batch fermentation for the production of penicillin G

Summary The mixed metabolism model of Nicolaiet al. (1991) has been used to analyse the sensitivity of fed-batch fermentation for penicillin G with respect to four parameters. The cases of fully endogenous, fully maintenance and mixed metabolisms have been studied. Sensitivities with respect to two parameters,K _x andK _i, were much larger than for the other two. Differences between the three kinds of metabolism were sharpest forK _p. The implications of both observations are discussed.