This project aims to develop a soft sensor system for online estimating the cultivation process variables (concentrations of cells’ biomass and product, specific rates of biomass growth, and product production) and apply the online estimates for process optimization and control.
The project is intended to develop versatile soft-sensor and specific growth rate (SGR) control systems for recombinant E.coli and mammalian cells fed-batch cultivation processes. The systems will provide real-time monitoring of indirectly observable biotechnological variables and automatic control of SGR at desired time trajectory. The soft sensor algorithms will be developed using fundamental knowledge-based models and the available online measurements.
The research project will be carried out by a research group of the Kaunas University of Technology, Department of Automation, which possesses expertise in biotechnological process modeling, optimization, and control, application of artificial intelligence, and development of embedded systems.
The developed soft sensor and the SGR control systems allow for higher automation of laboratory and industrial bioreactor systems. The systems will be ready for implementation in laboratory and industrial bioreactor systems and will be adapted for monitoring and controlling biotechnological processes relevant to interested companies.
Project funding:
This research project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund according to the 2014–2020 Operational Programme for the European Union Funds’ Investments, under measure’s No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718 activity “Research Projects Implemented by World-class Researcher Groups to develop R&D activities relevant to economic sectors, which could later be commercialized”.
Project results:
The soft-sensor and control system will be prepared for implementation in the laboratory and industrial bioreactor systems of biotechnology companies. It will be adapted for monitoring and controlling relevant biotechnological processes in the bio-pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization CDMO development sites.
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
