Simulation of CFSTR through development of a mathematical model for anaerobic growth of Escherichia coli cell population.

A computer model is described that simulates a population of Escherichia coli B/r-A cells growing under anaerobic conditions. This population model is an ensemble of single-cell models. The ability of the model of predict the dynamic response of a cell population in a CFSTR to a change in feed flowrates or concentrations was investigated. With glucose as the limiting nutrient the feed concentration of glucose was shifted from 1.0 to 1.88 g/L. With a fixed concentration of glucose (1.0 g/L) step changes in residence time (4.1-1.95 h) were examined. The predicted changes of cell size distribution, substrate concentration, RNA content, and cell dry weight during the transition period compared reasonably well to those observed experiementally. We believe this model is the only model currently available that can make such predictions on an a priori basis.