A new approach for finding smooth optimal feeding profiles in fed-batch fermentations

In this work, a new approach for smooth control profiles parameterization (requiring a small number of parameters) is presented and especially recommended for bioprocess applications because of the smoothness of the profiles obtained, which are not only continuous time functions but also differentiable along the whole control interval. The importance of smooth profiles relays on the fact that abrupt changes in the cells' environment may affect the metabolism of the cell, usually leading to a decrease in the process productivity. The parameterization proposed in this work is based on sinusoidal functions, which not only describe smooth functions but also are flexible and naturally constrained. Two very well-known bioprocess case studies have been successfully addressed by using the new parameterization approach. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.