Development of control strategies for high cell density cultivations

The high cell density cultivation (HCDC) of genetically modified microorganisms, e.g. E. coli, with dry weight larger than 100 g⧸l, requires fed-batch processing with aid of a controlled specific growth rate μ. A general mathematical model of HCDC as well as different methods to control μ is discussed. Furthermore, the implementation of control strategies in an industrial process control system is shortly explained. The test of the control equipment is carried out with by means of on-line simulation methods. The comparison of theoretical investigations with an experimental verification of a high cell density E. coli cultivation demonstrates the the usefulness of our methods.