Research Initiation Award: A Novel Approach to the Control of Bioreactors

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Narrative: The control of biological reactors is complicated by the fact that microbial or tissue cells are extremely sensitive to small changes in their growth environment. In addition, there is little detailed knowledge about biological system process dynamics thus making the design and implementation of effective control strategies a difficult if not impossible task. Another frustrating problem is the lack of appropriate sensors to monitor important process variables, such as pH, temperature, nutrient concentration, and by-product concentration. To help overcome these inherent problems this research proposes to use a hybrid control scheme; incorporating one level of conventional control and a second superimposed "expert system" with factual, as well as intuitive, uncertain, and judgemental knowledge for extended control action. It is proposed that both a model-based and a model- free expert system be investigated. The butanol/acetone fermentation has been chosen as the model system because of a strong data base in the literature; the system can produce various products with variable yields and selectivities under different environmental conditions, and the investigators have had previous experience with this system. It is intended that results from this study will enhance the control of bioprocesses and therefore, increase their reliability and productivity.