What is continuous culture?

Continuous cultures involve growing cultures on a larger scale for extended periods under carefully controlled conditions. In continuous culture, essential nutrients for growth are maintained at constant levels, allowing microorganisms to grow steadily but not at maximum rates. This creates a stable environment where cellular growth rate and conditions like metabolite concentrations remain consistent. Additionally, continuous culture allows for easy monitoring and control of parameters such as pH, oxygen levels, metabolite concentrations, and population densities.