Robust process design for the bioproduction of β-carotene in green microalgae

Abstract

Abstract In this contribution, we present a probabilistic process design approach to derive a robust, optimal process design. Robustness is referred to the consideration of model and process design uncertainties. The probabilistic design approach is based on a hybrid uncertainty propagation strategy using profile likelihood and sigma point samples. At small additional computational effort the presented approach allows to predict the expected process performance and can improve process robustness by identifying design regions of small variability (=variance) in the design objective. As an example, we use the β -carotene production in the microalga Dunaliella salina to illustrate the impact of different dynamic nutrient feeding strategies, model and process design uncertainties on the expected biomass yield on absorbed light and its variability.