Fed-Batch Fermentation and Control

Scale-up of the Production of C3 Chiral Synthetic Units 5.2.4.1 Fed-Batch Fermentation and Control 

We consider that the production of the C3 chiral unit is relatively easy, because a simple synthetic medium can be used. However, we had to reduce the reaction time in order to decrease the production cost, and establish a stable and reliable reaction for the industrial production. Generally, the fermentation process is like a black box making reliable production difficult, but on the other hand, failures should not occur in industrial production. This means that the fermentation reaction must be well known and a control system established. As for the C3 chiral units production, this is a reaction in which either optical isomer is converted by a microorganism. In as far as it multiplies, the microorganism itself acts like a catalyst. As for the status of the reaction, the cell multiplication, and the phase of the fermentation are not constant but vary over time. The cells as catalysts are formed and multiplied by consuming oxygen, DCP or CPD, ammonium sulfate and a trace of inorganic substance. 

Fig- 5 Comparison of the time course of the microbial CPD resolution in the laboratory (2 L) and on an industrial scale (30 kL). 

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