A future-oriented approach is the application of Digital Twins for process development, optimization and finally during manufacturing. Digital Twins are detailed virtual representations of bioprocesses with predictive capabilities. In biotechnology, Digital Twins can be used to monitor processes and to provide data for process control and optimization. Central and crucial components of Digital Twins are mathematical process models, which are capable to describe and predict cultivations with high fidelity. Detailed mechanistic models in particular are suitable for both use in Digital Twins and for the development of process control strategies.In this chapter the requirements that process models must fulfil in order to be used for process optimization and finally in Digital Twins will be described. Different types of models, including mechanistic as well as compartmentalized models, are outlined and their application in Digital Twins and for process optimization is explained. Finally, a structured, compartmentalized process model, which was specifically designed for process optimization and has already been used in Digital Twins, is highlighted.
Keywords: Digital Twin; Mechanistic models; Process optimization; Six-compartment model.