Variational calculus (optimal control) applied to the optimization of the enzymatic synthesis of ampicillin

Abstract

In this work, optimal control techniques were used to optimize the feed of reactants during the enzymatic synthesis of ampicillin in a semi-batch reactor. Simulation results showed that a semi-batch integrated reactor (with product crystallization) might achieve 88% 6-APA (6-aminepenicillanic acid) conversion and 92% of PGME (phenylglycine methyl ester) yield, with a productivity between 3.5 and 5.5 mM min-1.