In this work, optimal control techniques were used to optimize the feed of reactants during the enzymatic synthesis of ampicillin in a semi-batch reactor. Simulation results showed that a semi-batch integrated reactor (with product crystallization) might achieve 88% 6-APA (6-aminepenicillanic acid) conversion and 92% of PGME (phenylglycine methyl ester) yield, with a productivity between 3.5 and 5.5 mM min-1.
Synthesis of beta-lactam antibiotics; fed-batch reactor optimization; optimal control
