Figure 9.

A schematic diagram for a two-stage continuous fermentation process that decouples the growth and production phases. In stage 1 (for nitrogen-rich cell growth), sufficient nitrogen and carbon sources are provided to the bioreactor to support for fast cell growth. In stage 2 (nitrogen-limited for product formation), the bioreactor receives the high-cell-density broth from stage 1 and provides only a carbon source for product formation. The nitrogen-limited environment induces the production of omega-3 fatty acids without further cell growth. Each stage is maintained at its own optimal pH, pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen), and T (Temperature) values during the continuous operation.