Process modelling and simulation of a transketolase mediated reaction: Analysis of alternative modes of operation

A previously proposed model of a transketolase catalysed carbon–carbon bond formation reaction condensing β-hydroxypyruvate and glycolaldehyde to synthesise l-erythrulose has been extended to describe various modes of operation as an alternative to a batch process. The alternative continuous and fed-batch operations, with each substrate being fed separately and together have been analysed using the extended model. The analysis was carried out simulating the product concentration after a given time under defined process conditions. Comparison of product concentration and yield on catalyst as two process metrics were used to identify promising cases for further process development.