Population balance model for enzymatic depolymerization of branched starch

A population balance model to describe the enzymatic depolymerization of branched starch is proposed. This model is based on the subsite theory which is established for the enzymatic de-polymerization of linear polymers. Extensions of this theory to branched polymers by including hindering by branchings have been published. In this study, this model is transformed in a form suitable for usage with efficient numerical techniques for solving population balance equations, such as the Direct Quadrature Method Of Moments. Such methods are necessary to perform model based optimization and control for this process. A novel numerical method recently developed by the authors was employed. A preliminary comparison to experimental data shows that the data can be reproduced reasonably well. Possible reasons for the deviations from the experimental results are discussed and improvements to the model are suggested.