Optimization of ethanol fermentations is based on
the development of realistic growth and fermentation
models. Previous kinetic models for Z. mobilis have
been proposed in the literature (Lee & Rogers 1983,
Nipkow et al. 1986, Veermallu & Agrawal 1990,
Garro et al. 1995). These have generally been modifications
of the Monod equation (Monod 1941) and
have included substrate inhibition, product inhibition,
as well as substrate limitation effects. Unstructured
models such as these can also provide a general understanding
of themetabolic processes involved as well as
the basis for process optimization.