Examination of substrate and product inhibition kinetics on the production of ethanol by suspended and immobilized cell reactors

Kinetic expressions for the fermentative production of relatively high concentrations [12% (w/v)] of ethanol have been examined. Several expressions which account for both substrate and product inhibition have been formulated, and have been applied to suspended cell and immobilized cell reactors. Experimental data have been used to validate the kinetic expressions used, and the impact of combined inhibition on optimal reactor configuration has been assessed. The process implications of combined substrate and product inhibition for suspended and immobilized cell systems have been discussed.