Advanced algorithms for closed-loop dynamic optimization of the enzymatic synthesis of beta-lactam antibiotics

• Grant number: 06/07045-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: April 01, 2007
• End date: December 02, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Roberto de Campos Giordano
• Grantee: Marcelo Perencin de Arruda Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This post-doctoral intents to contribute not only for the advancement of knowledge in the field of dynamic optimization of semi-batch reactors, developing and validating new advanced control algorithms. It will also focus on industrial application, within a pharmaceutical industry. This activity of process development is funded by a FAPESP-PIPE, 03/13177-4 (Production of Ampicillin by Enzymatic Route). Letter showing interest of the pharmaceutical company is attached to this project. During the post-doctoral, algorithms that would allow, in the near future, the optimum operation of the reactor in industrial scale will be developed. This work continuous the doctoral thesis of the proponent, and it is essential for the development of a feasible industrial process for the enzymatic route of these drugs. Thus, different conceptions for closed-loop dynamic optimization of the reactor (which operates semi-continuously, with simultaneous product crystallization) will be tested. For the online monitoring of the reaction, a spectrophotometric system will be employed, using a multivariate calibration technique developed during the doctoral. Finally, the validation of these strategies in a pilot plant (50 liters) will permit a reliable scale-up to the industrial reactor (1000 liters, typically). (AU)