Mathematical models of ethanol inhibition effects during alcohol fermentation Original Research Article

Oscillations are observed during the production of ethanol fermentation by Zymomonas mobilis, which is more effective than yeast in helping to produce ethanol. We develop three models to study the inhibition effects, which are caused by various statuses of ethanol concentration, on alcohol fermentation via Zymomonas mobilis. We show that the ethanol concentration alone does not cause the periodic behavior of ethanol production. Nevertheless, the ethanol concentration history and its rate of change may cause the periodic phenomena.