Criteria for the prediction of diffusional control within whole cells and cell flocs

Drawing on theory pertaining to diffusion and reaction within porous solids, criteria have been developed which allow the importance of substrate diffusional limitations within whole cells, or cell flocs to be gauged. These criteria are dependent on the rate law used to describe substrate consumption. Criteria have been developed specifically for Monod, substrate‐inhibited, Teissier and maintenance‐type kinetics. Application of these criteria merely requires that certain ‘observable’ physical and kinetic data be known. An example has been described to illustrate the application of these criteria.