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A mathematical model for the growth of mycelial fungi in submerged culture
Author(s) -
Aynsley M.,
Ward A. C.,
Wright A. R.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260350810
Subject(s) - hypha , mycelium , fermentation , biological system , chemistry , biology , botany , biochemistry
Abstract A new kinetic model is developed which provides a simple quantitative description of the growth of mycelial organisms. The main concept of this model is that the fungal hypha can be regarded as a form of self‐extending tubular reactor. Nutrients are absorbed along the length of the “reactor,” converted into cell envelope precursors and transported forward to the growth tip where they become consumed in the process of extension; Michaelis–Menten kinetics are assumed to operate at this point. The model is capable of predicting changes in the rates of hyphal extension, branching, and fragmentation during mycelial growth in submerged culture and consequently variations in the hyphal growth unit. Simulation studies using the model are presented and the results are evaluated with reference to data from an industrial‐type fed‐batch penicillin fermentation.