1. Master Thesis: Model-based Experimental Design for Bioprocesses
Problem Statement and Aim
An important question in bioprocess technology is how to plan an experiment to get as much information as possible. This information is used for optimizing a certain process variable (e.g. maximum of production rate). Furthermore, the number of experiments should be minimized, this is hypothesized to be achieved using mathematical models.
The aim of this master thesis is to improve a standard design of experiments by an iterative strategy taking into account the measurement response that is neglected usually. More precisely, we are interested in the process of penicillin production. We want to get more information on the relation between the growth rate of P. chrysogenum μ and the specific penicillin production rate qp using a model to do more well-directed experiments. Finally, the algorithm will be verified experimentally.
Opportunity
You have the possibility to work in an interdisciplinary research group with industrial cooperation. You will get insight into biopharmaceutical industry and bioprocesses. A small compensation upon successful completion of the thesis is possible.
Requirements
You are studying electrical engineering, chemical or biochemical engineering and you have good programming skills in MATLAB. Furthermore, you have a strong interest in interdisciplinary and applied research, biological systems, system theory and application of mathematical methods.
Time frame
The project can start as soon as possible and will take 7 months.
Standard design of experiments
Optimum of production rate
Contact:
Dipl. Ing. Dr. techn. Ines Stelzer
Vienna University of Technology
Institute of Chemical Engineering
Biochemical Engineering
Gumpendorferstraße 1a/166-4
A-1060 Vienna, Austria
Tel. (Office): +43 (1)
Bioprocess Technology