| Abstract: | B. thuringiensis cells evolve from vegetative cells to sporulated cells during batch growth. As a result, the classical model based on an exponential binary fission and the Monod equation has intrinsic limitations to describe the biomass concentration. A new kinetic model accounting for the spore formation process is presented in this study. This model considers that only the cells without a spore are able to contribute to the cell growth. This model also incorporates the spore formation process using a spore formation step and a specific spore formation rate constant. Classical and new model predictions are compared with batch experimental data. Results demonstrate that the classical model is unable to predict the experimental data and this is particularly true from the middle of the transition stage on. In contrast, the new sporulation kinetic model is able to predict the experimental data more accurately for the complete time span of the batch culture. |
