A Cascade MPC-Feedback Linearizing Strategy for the Multivariable Control of Animal Cell Cultures

In this study, a multivariable control structure is developed to simultaneously control the concentrations of cells and of one of the nutrients in an animal cell cultivation system operated in perfusion. A cascade control structure is considered consisting of (i) an inner loop with a partially linearizing feedback controller, tuned so as to ensure robustness with respect to parameter uncertainties and non-canceled nonlinearities; and (ii) an outer loop involving two linear predictive controllers. The resulting control strategy shows robustness and performance properties similar to more computationally demanding strategies (such as a multivariable nonlinear MPC strategy), while requiring less measurements and involving an easier implementation.