Kinetic modelling and economic analysis of a semicontinuous fermentation process for API production

Semicontinuous fermentation has the potential to provide a more productive alternative to the conventional fed-batch process for API production. In this work, a kinetic model describing biomass growth, substrate consumption and product formation was developed and calibrated using experimental data from industrial fed-batch fermentations through constrained nonlinear optimization in MATLAB. The validated model was subsequently adapted to simulate laboratory-scale semicontinuous fermentation and applied to evaluate the process at industrial scale. As a predictive tool, the model was used to identify the optimal operating conditions for semicontinuous operation. Finally, an economic analysis was performed to compare the feasibility and profitability of the proposed semicontinuous process with the current industrial fed-batch operation, enabling the identification of the most suitable production strategy for industrial implementation.