Fig. 4
From: Efficient estimation of the maximum metabolic productivity of batch systems
Optimal productivity traces for different numbers of fermentation stages. a In A. succinogenes, additional stages achieve higher titers while only slightly reducing the optimal fermentation time. This result is achieved by prioritizing growth early in the fermentation and succinate production during the later stages. Additionally, the greater flexibility afforded by more stages allows ATP production to be tailored to meet cellular demand, and less ATP is wasted. b In E. coli, additional stages drastically reduce the optimum fermentation time as aerobic growth modes are used to increase biomass early in the fermentation. Additional stages beyond two do not drastically change the optimum results, indicating that a simple change from aerobic growth to microaerobic succinate production is close to the global optimum production strategy