A comprehensive methodology for parameter assessment in solid-state fermentation modelling
Carrasco García, Anna (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Guisasola, Albert (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Moral Vico, Javier (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Gea Leiva, Teresa (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)

Date:	2026
Abstract:	Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a promising technology for bioproduct generation within a circular bioeconomy framework, but its commercial application remains limited by heat and mass transfer constraints. In this study, we present a comprehensive experimental methodology for estimating key parameters required for modelling SSF processes. The objective of this study is to establish an experimental methodology for determining model parameters and, through a sensitivity analysis, evaluate their influence on the validation of a mathematical model for SSF processes. Using sophorolipid (SL) production by Starmerella bombicola as a case study, we determine thermal properties, kinetic parameters, and transfer coefficients, and validate them through temperature profile simulations in a 22-L bioreactor. The experimentally determined values were: specific heat capacity of 1. 55 J g °C, thermal conductivity of 0. 127 W m ºC, heat transfer coefficient of 9790 ± 2. 25 W m ºC, mass transfer coefficient 0. 00189 ± 0. 00078 s, metabolic heat yield of 1. 34 × 10 J kg biomass and a specific growth rate of 0. 389 h. A sensitivity analysis identifies microbial growth kinetics and heat yield as the most critical parameters influencing model accuracy, while thermal and transport parameters show low sensitivity. This integrated approach provides both a robust modelling framework and specific values applicable to SSF-based SL production, supporting scale-up efforts and adaptation to other solid matrices or microbial systems.
Grants:	Agencia Estatal de Investigación PID2023-146978OB-I00
Note:	Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Published in:	Chemical Engineering Research and Design, Vol. 228 (April 2026) , p. 621-634, ISSN 0263-8762

DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2026.03.024

14 p, 3.7 MB

The record appears in these collections:
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Engineering > Composting Research Group (GICOM)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles