Modeling, optimization, and computer control of the cephalosporin C fermentation process

In this study, a cephalosporin C producing strain, Cephalosporium acremonium (ATCC 36225), was chosen to determine the optimal conditions that maximize antibiotic production in a mixed substrate of glucose and sucrose. A model for cell growth and cephalosporin C production at different pH and temperature was developed and the associated parameters were evaluated experimentally. Pontryagin's maximum principle, in conjunction with the model, was used to predict the optimal temperature and pH control profiles to maximize the production of antibiotic.