A glicose 6-fosfato desidrogenase (G6PDH) é a primeira enzima do processo oxidativo da via das pentoses fosfato e apresenta diversas aplicações industriais. Foram avaliadas as influências de algumas variáveis sobre a produção de G6PDH. No Processo Descontínuo variaram-se a concentração da fonte de carbono, relação carbono-nitrogênio, concentração de aminoácidos e nucleotídeos , pH e a vazão de ar fornecida. A variação na atividade enzimática indicou que as condições do meio são importantes na obtenção desta enzima, tendo sido obtida atividade específica máxima de 86 U/g cél e produtividade de 10,5 U/L.h. No Processo Descontínuo-Alimentado variaram-se o sistema de adição e os nutrientes alimentados. A atividade específica máxima obtida foi 72 U/g cél e a produtividade foi 47 U/L.h. Os resultados indicaram o controle da concentração de glicose em 5g/L para uma melhor produtividade e a necessidade de maiores estudos a fim de otimizar o processo. / The glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is the first enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, converting glucose-6-phosphate into 6-phosphogluconate. Besides its importance in biochemistry and medical studies, this enzyme is used in several analytical methods, industrial and commercial application. In this work the influence of several variables in the production of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in batch and fed-batch processes were studied. In batch cultures the variables were the glucose concentration (10 and 20 g/L), the C:N ratio (3.5 and 6.7 g/g), the aminoacids and nucleotides concentrations (10 and 20 mg/L), pH (4.6 and 5.7) and the aeration (0, 0.8, 1.7 and 2.2 vvm). It was observed that the G6PDH activity varied according to the conditions of the culture. Specific Activity value of 86 U/g cell and productivity of 10,5 U/L.h were attained when the test was carried out as follows: 30oC, pH 5.7, 400 rpm, 2.2 vvm, C:N ratio of 6.7, glucose concentration of 10 g/L, aminoacids (Tryptophan and Hystidine) and nucleotides (Adenine and Uracil) concentrations of 20 mg/L. Nevertheless, the fed-batch process was more efficient and productive than the batch process. The productivity obtained in the best fed-batch condition (glucose addition by an increasing exponential mode) was 47 U/L.h, more than four folds the productivity of the batch culture. So that, by maintaining the glucose concentration in the medium below 5 g/L, the productivity should be improved. However, more studies are needed for optimizing the G6PDH production in a Fed-Batch process. In the fed-batch cultures the feeding conditions and kind of feeding were studied. It was observed that the best fed-batch G6PDH specific activity (72 U/g of cell when the glucose was added in a decreasing linear mode) was lower than that attained in the batch cultures.

A toxina tetânica é uma proteína sintetizada pelo bacilo Clostridium tetani que após destoxificação através da ação do formol, continua apresentando propriedades antigênicas e imunogênicas, obtendo a denominação toxóide tetânico. A síntese dessa proteína ocorre quando esse bacilo encontra-se na sua forma vegetativa e em meio de cultura específico relativamente complexo contendo glicose e peptonas. O efeito simultâneo de diferentes níveis de glicose (Go) e N-Z Case TT® (NZo) como fontes de carbono e nitrogênio, respectivamente, na produção de toxina tetânica foi investigada nesta primeira parte do trabalho em cultivo estático por meio de planejamento fatorial em estrela com cinco níveis e avaliado por metodologia de superfície de resposta, com a finalidade de otimização do processo. O valor mais alto de toxina tetânica encontrado, correspondente a Go = 9,7 g/L e NZo = 43,5 g/L, foi 79% maior que aqueles obtidos em condições padrões de cultivo (Go = 8,0 g/L e NZo = 25,0 g/L). Também foram realizados cultivos de C. tetani utilizando o processo descontínuo alimentado com diferentes protocolos para a correção da concentração de glicose no meio de cultivo ao longo do tempo em diferentes concentrações iniciais de N-Z Case TT®. Dois grupos de ensaios foram executados: a) experimentos realizados com a correção da concentração de glicose para 3,0 g/L nos instantes 16, 56 e 88 h e b) experimentos com correção inicial da concentração de glicose para 3,0 g/L e após esta cair para 1-1,5 g/L. O primeiro protocolo de correção da concentração de glicose e NZo = 50,0 g/L foram as melhores condições para obtenção de toxina tetânica. Nestas condições, o título de toxina tetânica foi 300% maior que aqueles obtidos em cultivos padrão. / The tetanus toxin is a neurotoxin synthesized by the bacillus Clostridium tetani that, after detoxification with formaldehyde, still exhibits antigenic and immunologic properties, hence its denomination of tetanus toxoid. Such a neurotoxin is produced by cultivations of the microorganism in vegetative form on a relatively complex specific medium containing glucose and peptone. The simultaneous effects of the starting levels of glucose (Go) and N-Z Case TT® (NZo) as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, on the production of tetanus toxin, have been investigated in this work in static cultivations by means of a five-levels star-shaped experimental design and evaluated by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for optimization purposes. The highest final average yield of tetanus toxin, achieved at Go = 9.7 g/L and NZo = 43.5 g/L, was 79% higher than that obtained with standard cultivations (Go = 8.0 g/L and NZo = 25.0 g/L). Also, there were carried out cultivations of C. tetani using fed-batch process at different protocols to correct the glucose concentration in the cultivation medium along the time at different initial N-Z Case TT® concentrations (NZo). Two series of runs were performed: a) experiments with the correction of the glucose concentration to 3.0 g/L in the times 16, 56 and 88 hours and b) experiments with initial correction of the glucose concentration to 3.0 g/L and after it to drop to 1-1,5 g/L. The former protocol to correct the glucose concentration and NZo = 50.0 g/L were the best condition to obtain tetanus toxin. In these conditions, the yield of tetanus toxin was 300% higher than that obtained with standard cultivations.

A glicose 6-fosfato desidrogenase (G6PDH) é a primeira enzima do processo oxidativo da via das pentoses fosfato e apresenta diversas aplicações industriais. Foram avaliadas as influências de algumas variáveis sobre a produção de G6PDH. No Processo Descontínuo variaram-se a concentração da fonte de carbono, relação carbono-nitrogênio, concentração de aminoácidos e nucleotídeos , pH e a vazão de ar fornecida. A variação na atividade enzimática indicou que as condições do meio são importantes na obtenção desta enzima, tendo sido obtida atividade específica máxima de 86 U/g cél e produtividade de 10,5 U/L.h. No Processo Descontínuo-Alimentado variaram-se o sistema de adição e os nutrientes alimentados. A atividade específica máxima obtida foi 72 U/g cél e a produtividade foi 47 U/L.h. Os resultados indicaram o controle da concentração de glicose em 5g/L para uma melhor produtividade e a necessidade de maiores estudos a fim de otimizar o processo. / The glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is the first enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, converting glucose-6-phosphate into 6-phosphogluconate. Besides its importance in biochemistry and medical studies, this enzyme is used in several analytical methods, industrial and commercial application. In this work the influence of several variables in the production of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in batch and fed-batch processes were studied. In batch cultures the variables were the glucose concentration (10 and 20 g/L), the C:N ratio (3.5 and 6.7 g/g), the aminoacids and nucleotides concentrations (10 and 20 mg/L), pH (4.6 and 5.7) and the aeration (0, 0.8, 1.7 and 2.2 vvm). It was observed that the G6PDH activity varied according to the conditions of the culture. Specific Activity value of 86 U/g cell and productivity of 10,5 U/L.h were attained when the test was carried out as follows: 30oC, pH 5.7, 400 rpm, 2.2 vvm, C:N ratio of 6.7, glucose concentration of 10 g/L, aminoacids (Tryptophan and Hystidine) and nucleotides (Adenine and Uracil) concentrations of 20 mg/L. Nevertheless, the fed-batch process was more efficient and productive than the batch process. The productivity obtained in the best fed-batch condition (glucose addition by an increasing exponential mode) was 47 U/L.h, more than four folds the productivity of the batch culture. So that, by maintaining the glucose concentration in the medium below 5 g/L, the productivity should be improved. However, more studies are needed for optimizing the G6PDH production in a Fed-Batch process. In the fed-batch cultures the feeding conditions and kind of feeding were studied. It was observed that the best fed-batch G6PDH specific activity (72 U/g of cell when the glucose was added in a decreasing linear mode) was lower than that attained in the batch cultures.

A Cianobactéria Spirulina platensis representa uma fonte de proteínas e ácidos graxos que a tornam importante como suplemento alimentar. A fonte de nitrogênio é um nutriente que exerce influência em seu metabolismo. Neste trabalho, observou-se o crescimento de S. platensis e a composição da biomassa obtida, com a utilização de cloreto de amônio como fonte de nitrogênio por processo descontínuo alimentado. Com a utilização de planejamento fatorial, foi realizado o estudo do tempo de alimentação do cloreto de amônio e da intensidade luminosa no cultivo da S. platensis. Os resultados foram avaliados com auxílio da metodologia de superfície de resposta. Menores teores de proteínas e lipídios na biomassa final foram encontrados nos cultivos submetidos a maiores intensidades luminosas. A condição ótima calculada, obtida pela análise estatística, para a obtenção da concentração celular máxima (Xm) e fator de conversão de nitrogênio em células (YX/N) foi encontrada no cultivo sob intensidade luminosa de 13 klux e tempo de alimentação de 17,2 dias. Nessas condições foram obtidos Xm igual 1771 ± 2,3 mg/L e YX/N igual a 5,7 ± 0,17 mg/mg, 3,4% e 4,0% menores que os valores máximos estimados pelo modelo matemático, respectivamente. Maiores produtividades foram obtidas nos cultivos submetidos a maiores intensidades luminosas e menores tempos de alimentação. / Cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis represents a protein and fatty acid source that becomes it important as food supplement. The nitrogen source is a nutrient that influences in its metabolism. In this work, it was observed the S. platensis growth and biomass composition using ammonium chloride as nitrogen source in fed-batch process. Using factorial experimental design, it was carried out the study of the ammonium chloride feeding time and light intensity in the S. platensis culture. The results were evaluated by response surface methodology (RSM). Lower protein and lipids contents were found in cell cultures cultivated at higher light intensity. The predictive optimal condition, obtained by statistic analysis, for maximum cellular concentration (Xm) and nitrogen-cell conversion factor (YX/N) was obtained in the culture grown at 13 klux and feeding time of 17.2 days. In these conditions, Xm of 1771 ± 2.3 mg/L and YX/N of 5.7 ± 0.17 mg/mg were obtained. These values are 3.4 % and 4.0 % lower than that ones predicted by mathematical model, respectively. Higher productivities were observed in the culture grown at higher intensity light and lower feeding time.

The Insect Cell - Baculovirus Expression Vector System (IC-BEVS) is widely used for the production of complex recombinant (glyco)proteins. The simplicity of insect cell cultivation in suspension serum-free media and the easy construction of recombinant baculovirus vectors have made the BEVS quite an effective expression system. On the other hand, the BEVS is a transient lytic system that may present some drawbacks in purification and potential degradation of the products. Among the various insect cell lines, the High-Five cell line has a great potential for the production of recombinant proteins using the BEVS in stirred bioreactors, reaching high cell densities and high protein production levels. Moreover, these cells can tolerate environmental stresses and can be cultivated on a large scale (Chapter 1). Unfortunately, up to now, there have been limited data available regarding suitable culture conditions and the metabolism of High-Five cells, a key requirement for the rational development of new processes. The overall goal of the present work was the study of these High-Five cells, in order to develop sophisticated new processes as alternatives to batch cultivation. The original contributions have been developed along two axes. The first axis concerns the study of the physiology and metabolism of High-Five cells. At first, we undertook a study aiming to prevent cell ring formation on suspension culture recipient walls (Chapter 2). Next, we analyzed environmental factors affecting insect cell growth and death, by comparing and developing methods able to distinguish between apoptosis and necrosis of cells (Chapter 3). The comprehensive study of the extended metabolism of High-Five cells was done using a metabolic flux network that takes account of the catabolism but also the anabolism of uninfected and baculovirus-infected cells (Chapter 4). The second axis was the application of the previously gained knowledge on High-Five cells to develop high-density systems specifically adapted to them: a fed-batch feeding strategy consisting of different pulses developed to increase the productivity of cells during infection (Chapter 5) and a fixed-bed reactor system (Chapter 6), as an alternative to classic perfusion, adapted to High-Five cells for recombinant protein production. In sum, new physiological and metabolic knowledge has been translated into new process options for High-Five cells.

No description available.

No description available.

<p>The aim of this work was to develop a production process for the enzyme xyloglucan <i>endo</i>-transglycosylase from <i>Populus tremula x tremuloides</i> (<i>Ptt</i>XET16-34). The natural transglycosylating activity of this enzyme has previously been employed in a XET-Technology. This chemo enzymatic method is useful for biomimetic modification of cellulose surfaces and holds great potential for industrial applications. Thus, it requires that the XET-enzyme can be produced in larger scale.</p><p>This work also shows how the wildtype <i>Ptt</i>XET16-34 was modified into a glycosynthase. By mutation of the catalytic nucleophile into an alanine, glycine or serine residue, enzymes capable of synthesising defined xyloglucan fragments were obtained. These defined compounds are very valuable for further detailed studies of xyloglucan active-enzymes, but are also useful in molecular studies of the structurally important xyloglucan-cellulose interaction.</p><p>A heterologous production system for <i>Ptt</i>XET16-34 was previously developed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. A methanol-limited fed-batch process was also previously established, but the yield of active XET was low due to proteolysis problems and low productivity. Therefore, two alternative fed-batch techniques were investigated for the production of <i>Ptt</i>XET16-34: a temperature-limited fed-batch (TLFB) and an oxygen-limited high-pressure fed-batch (OLHPFB).</p><p>For the initial recovery of XET after the fermentation process, two different downstream processes were investigated: expanded bed adsorption (EBA) and cross-flow filtration (CFF).</p>

There is a considerable scope for improving the temperature control of exothermic processes. In this thesis, a sub-optimal control strategy is developed through utilizing the dynamic, simulation tool. This scheme is built around easily obtained knowledge of the system and still retains flexibility. It can be applied to both exothermic batch and fed-batch processes. It consists of servo and regulatory modes, where a Generalized Predictive Controller (GPC) was used to provide self-tuning facilities. The methods outlined allow for limited thermal runaway whilst keeping some spare cooling capacity to ensure that operation at constraints are not violated. A special feature of the method proposed is that switching temperatures and temperature profiles can be readily found from plant trials whilst the addition rate profile Is capable of fairly straightforward computation. The work shows that It is unnecessary to demand stability for the whole of the exothermic reaction cycle, permitting a small runaway has resulted in a fast temperature response within the given safety margin. The Idea was employed for an exothermic single Irreversible reaction and also to a set of complex reactions. Both are carried out in a vessel with a heating/cooling coil. Two constraints are Imposed; (1) limited heat transfer area, and (11) a maximum allowable reaction temperature Tmax. The non-minimum phase problem can be considered as one of the difficulties in managing exothermic fed-batch process when cold reactant Is added to vessel at the maximum operating temperature. The control system coped with this within limits, a not unexpected result. In all cases, the new strategy out-performed the conventional controller and produced smoother variations in the manipulated variable. The simulation results showed that batch to batch variations and disturbances In cooling were successfully handled. GPC worked well but can be susceptible to measurement noise.

Over recent years microbial oil has attracted much attention due to its potential to replace traditional oil sources in the production of biofuels and nutraceuticals. Its advantages arise from its independence of the food supply chain and its ease of production compared to conventional plant oils. Also, as concerns for the environment grow, microbially-synthesized oil emerges as potential competitor for the sustainable production of biodiesel. However, the high cost of its production currently hinders its large scale application. The bottlenecks to industrial microbial oil production are the cost of substrate and cultivation. Current research is focusing on process improvements to make microbial oil more competitive and worthwhile to produce. Several types of microorganisms have been explored so far and waste substrates have been utilised as cheap feedstocks. The overall cost is affected by the fermentation stage, therefore it is imperative to design cultivations with little operating requirements and high yields. Consequently, the present thesis aims to contribute to the field by developing and investigating a simple process for oleaginous yeast cultivation, focusing mainly on enhancing the yields during the bioreactor stage. Oleaginous yeasts were screened for their ability to grow on glycerol and the most promising strain was selected for further research. Then, the necessary conditions for its growth and oil accumulation were defined. Shake-flask cultivations showed that the specific growth rate and glycerol consumption of Rh. glutinis were higher at lower glycerol concentrations (smaller or equal to40 g/L), while higher C/N elemental ratios enhanced oil content. Experimental data were used to construct an unstructured kinetic model to describe and predict the system's behaviour. The Monod-based model took into account double substrate growth dependence and substrate inhibition. Following that, bioreactor cultivations extended the range of parameters studied, to include the influence of aeration rate and oxygen supply on cellular growth and microbial oil production. Cultivations at different air flow rates were performed in a 2 L bioreactor and showed that a low aeration rate of 0.5 L/min gave the best glycerol and nitrogen uptake rates, resulting in a concentration of biomass of 5.3 g/L with oil content of 33% under simple batch operation. This was improved by 68% to 16.8 g/L (cellular biomass) with similar oil content (34%) by applying a fed-batch strategy. Finally, different glycerol feeding schemes were evaluated in terms of their effect on oil accumulation. The concept of targeting first a cell proliferation stage, limited by the availability of nitrogen, followed by a lipid accumulation stage, fuelled by glycerol was tested. Continual feeding and pulsed feedings, delivering the same total amount of nitrogen (and glycerol), resulted in similar elevated values of both cellular biomass (~25 g/L) and oil content (~40%). Addition of glycerol at higher rates but giving the same total amount of nitrogen led to a further increase in oil content to 53%, resulting in an overall oil yield of more than 16 g/L (the highest achieved throughout the project). With comparable yields to those reported in the literature but achieved with a much poorer medium, there is every reason to be optimistic that microbial oil production from glycerol could be commercially viable in the future.