Optimal production of glutathione by controlling the specific growth rate of yeast in fed-batch culture

• Published in: Biotechnology and bioengineering Vol. 38; no. 2; p. 196
• Main Authors: Shimizu, H, Araki, K, Shioya, S, Suga, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 20.06.1991
• Subjects: peptide; peptides; peptidos; saccharomyces cerevisiae
• ISSN: 0006-3592; 1097-0290
• DOI: 10.1002/bit.260380212

The optimal profile of the specific growth rate was obtained with a simple mathematical model in a yeast fed-batch culture. The model was based on the mass balance around the fed-batch system and the relationship between the specific growth rate, mu, and the specific production rate of glutathione, pG. The optimal profile of mu was calculated as a bang-bang type. That is, mu should start from the maximum value, mu(max), and should be kept at mu(max); then mu should be switched to mu(C), which gives a maximum value of pG. It was proven from the maximum principle that switching was needed only once, with the switching time from the mu(max) to mu(C) depending on the final required glutathione content. Finally, this ideal profile of mu for the maximum production of glutathione was realized by manipulating the substrate feed rate in the fed-batch culture. Using the extended Kalman filter and a programmed-controller/feedback-compensator (PF) system, mu could be controlled at the optimal profile obtained. As a result, the maximum production of glutathione was accomplished fairly successfully. However, further improvement in the controller performance for mu is desired. The control strategy employed here can be applied to other batch reaction processes.