Optimal Experiment Design in Bioprocess Modeling: from Theory to Practice

In this paper the problem of parameter identification for the Monod model is considered. As known for a long time, noisy batch measurements do not allow unique and accurate estimation of the kinetic parameters of the Monod model. Techniques of optimal experiment design are, therefore, addressed to design informative experiments and improve the parameter estimation accuracy. During the design process, practical feasibility has to be kept in mind. In this paper it is demonstrated how a theoretical optimal design can successfully be translated to a feasible optimal design. Both design and validation of informative fed batch experiments are illustrated with a case study that models the growth of the nitrogen fixing bacteria Azospirillum brasilense. Copyright c ©2006 IFAC