Working Group on Bioreactor Performance

Introduction
A key activity are developments in bioreactor fluid dynamics, particularly computational fluid dynamics combined with other current modeling techniques in order to achieve more realistic process models including development of new techniques for speeding up process developments in particular computer based process design and optimization techniques to replace trial-and-error techniques in industry. Establishing the robustness of the process representations with respect to possibly unrecognized mechanisms and imprecise or faulty validation data is a matter of particular importance. Developments in modern, particularly nonlinear statistics including new techniques for speeding up process development in particular computer based process design and optimization techniques are the cases that must be considered.

Mission
The Working Group "Bioreactor Performance" identifies and discusses current bottlenecks related to the performance of biochemical production processes, in particular with its bioreaction part. It formulates opinions and working papers about these problems. Further, it organises meetings of specialists where single topics are discussed.
Optimization of the performance of fermentation processes based on improved process modelling, including transport phenomena and biochemical reaction stoichiometry as well as kinetics. These models are used for computer based process design to replace trial-and-error techniques in industry. Conventional modeling techniques are augmented with methods developed in the field of artificial intelligence, like artificial neural networks, fuzzy systems and rough sets.
Validation of current bioreaction process knowledge on bioprocess performance with available measurement data is another topic. The group also explores how developments in modern measurement techniques can be exploited to improve process knowledge.
The working group investigates various bioprocess operation strategies for improving process and product quality as well as safety and thus the process performance from an engineering point of view.
Reactors for improved mixing, heat and mass transfer capabilities are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the question how the transport properties reactors impact process performance. Particularly, the response of microorganisms and other cells on environmental conditions found in industrial production fermenters.