Feature Article: Bioreactor Monitoring, Modeling, And Simulation

By Christian Julien and William Whitford

Mathematical model–based simulations of actual bioreactor runs suggest how process variables such as substrate and product concentrations change and how nutrient feeding should be "tuned" with respect to time, pattern, concentration, and composition to elicit a desired response. Insights gained from modeling can guide us in the adjustment of a process, reducing the number of characterization rounds required. Furthermore, comparing actual experimental results with model predictions helps improve the models themselves. It is important to note that outputs can vary in unpredictable ways if processes are simulated outside boundaries set by the models that describe them, especially if the true operating ranges of actual processes are inadequately captured.

Reprinted with permission from BioProcess International 5(01):S10-S17 (January 2007)

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