Lipase Production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027: Process Optimization, Kinetic Modeling and Cost Assessment

Microbial lipases are versatile biocatalysts with wide industrial relevance; however, systematic integration of media optimization, kinetic modelling, bioreactor validation, and downstream processing remains limited for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. This study evaluates the lipase production potential of P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 through media optimization, kinetic analysis, bioreactor validation, partial purification, and preliminary cost assessment. Lipase production was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), focusing on the combined influence of olive oil and dextrose. Biomass growth, product formation, and substrate utilisation kinetics were analysed using unstructured models. Batch fermentation was validated in a 1.5 L stirred-tank bioreactor and partial purification was performed. A laboratory-scale cost assessment was performed based on raw materials, equipment, and energy consumption. Optimized conditions yielded a maximum lipase activity of 0.48 U/mL (by titrimetric assay). Kinetic analysis showed that biomass growth was best described by the Logistic model (µ_max = 0.19 h⁻¹), while substrate consumption followed a modified Luedeking-Piret relationship, indicating growth-associated utilisation. Partial purification resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in purity, with specific activity improving from 86 to 223.10 U/mg (by spectrophotometric assay). Bioreactor studies confirmed the reproducibility of model-predicted conditions. Cost assessment provided a comparative framework for identifying major cost contributors at the laboratory scale. The study demonstrates that P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 is a promising lipase producer and highlights the importance of integrating kinetic understanding, bioreactor validation, and downstream considerations for future scale-up and techno-economic evaluation.