Modelling of ergosterol production by S. cerevisiae in presence of n-dodecane as oxygen-vector

The previous studies on ergosterol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in presence of n-dodecane as oxygen-vector have been continued by mathematical modelling the fermentation process. In this purpose, the most efficient fermentation regime has been considered, namely fed-batch fermentation, and was based on the influences of hydrocarbon volumetric fraction, biomass concentration, and aeration rate on the ergosterol content inside the yeast cells. The model describing the fermentation process has been established by means of the statistical analysis, using a factorial experiment of second order. The considered variables control the ergosterol production in a 94.4% extent, the biomass concentration exhibiting the most important influence.