Optimization for high-density cultivation of heterotrophic Chlorella based on a hybrid neural network model

Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable hybrid neural network (HNN) model for heterotrophic growth of Chlorella, based on which optimization for fed-batch (FB) cultivation of Chlorella may be successfully realized. Methods and Results: Deterministic kinetic model was preliminarily developed for the optimization of FB cultivation of Chlorella. The highest biomass concentration and the maximum productivity were obtained as: 104.9 g l(-1) dry cell weight and 0.613 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively. After several cultivations had been performed, an HNN model was developed. The efficiency of biomass production was further increased by the optimization using this model. The highest biomass concentration and the maximum productivity attained was: 116.2 g l(-1) dry cell weight and 1.020 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively. Conclusions: The HNN model agreed well with experimental results in different cultivations. Comparison between the HNN model and the deterministic model showed that the former had better generalization ability, which made it a reliable tool in modelling and optimization. Significance and Impacts of the Study: The high cell density and productivity of biomass obtained in this study is of significance for the commercial cultivation of Chlorella. The simple and efficient optimization strategy proposed in this paper may be employed in heterotrophic mass culture of Chlorella as well as other similar organisms.