Hybridoma cell culture optimization using nonlinear model predictive control

This work addresses the application of control systems to the optimization of a monoclonal antibodies (MAb) production chain. The attention is focused on the maximization of hybridoma fedbatch culture productivity. The proposed model presents kinetics showing strong nonlinearities through min-max functions expressing overflow metabolism. A nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) algorithm, choosing the best trajectory over a moving finite horizon among different sequences of inputs, is suggested in order to optimize productivity. Sensitivities of selected objective functions are considered in a minimax robust version of the NMPC in order to choose the best configuration with respect to practical operating conditions.