Biotechnology and Bioengineering · 1977 · 247 citations · 3 references
Life SciencesBioengineeringBiological EngineeringBiochemical EngineeringBioprocess EngineeringFermentation EngineeringBiomass EstimationBioprocess MonitoringFermentation KineticsIndustrial FermentationMicrobial FermentationMicrobial GrowthBiomass CharacterizationBiomass Yield CoefficientsCarbon DioxideFermentation ModelingMaterial BalancesMicrobial Fermentation ProcessesRate ConstantsYield Coefficients
Despite the importance of biomass as a parameter in fermentation processes, there are no commercially available sensors suitable for its measurement. An indirect approach for the assessment of biomass concentration can be based on material balances and on the direct monitoring of fermentation parameters for which there are established sensors (e.g., gaseous oxygen and carbon dioxide). As a consequence, this method requires no assumption of cellular yield coefficients or rate constants. This approach is also readily adaptable to general use since it requires only some knowledge of the compositions of the substrate, cells, and noncellular products.
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