Updated mathematical model and fed-batch strategies for poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by Alcaligenes eutrophus

The growth and the intracellular biopolymer Poly-β Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) storage kinetics of Alcaligenes eutrophus were studied in a batch cultivation process. N/C ratio was found to both limit and inhibit the growth of the culture. The effect of initial N/C on μmax was studied in the range 0.03–0.4. Maximum μmax was observed at N/C equal to 0.09. A structured mathematical model was proposed. The model parameters were evaluated using the actual batch fermentation data. The model was used to simulate nutrient feeding profiles for enhanced PHB production in a fed-batch fermentation.