Multiple model approach to modelling of Escherichia coli fed-batch cultivation extracellular production of bacterial phytase

The paper presents the implementation of multiple model approach to modelling of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pPhyt109 fed-batch cultivation processes for an extracellular production of bacterial phytase. Due to the complex metabolic pathways of microorganisms, the accurate modelling of bioprocesses is rather difficult. Multiple model approach is an alternative concept which helps in modelling and control of complex processes. The main idea is the development of a model based on simple submodels for the purposes of further high quality process control. The presented simulations of E. coli fed-batch cultivation show how the process could be divided into different functional states and how the model parameters could be obtained easily using genetic algorithms. The obtained results and model verification demonstrate the effectiveness of the applied concept of multiple model approach and of the proposed identification scheme. © 2007 by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.