Modeling tool using neural networks for L(+)-lactic acid production by pellet-form Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395 on biodiesel crude glycerol.

Most chemical reactions produce unwanted by-products. In an effort to reduce environmental problems these by-products could be used to produce valuable organic chemicals. In biodiesel industry a huge amount of glycerol is generated, approximately 10% of the final product. The research group from University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca developed opportunities to produce L(+) lactic acid from the glycerol. The team is using the Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395 bacteria for the fermentation of the glycerol. The purpose of the research is to improve the production of L(+) lactic acid in order to optimize the process. A predictive model obtained by neural networks is useful in this case. The main objective of the present work is to present the developed user-friendly application useful in modeling this fermentation process, in order to be used by people who are inexperienced with neural networks or specific software. Besides the interface for training of a new neural network in order to develop the model in some characteristic condition, the software also provides an interface for visualization of the results, useful in interpretation and as a tool for prediction.