Pathway Analysis and Optimization in Metabolic Engineering

Facility in the targeted manipulation of the genetic and metabolic composition of organisms, combined with unprecedented computational power, is forging a niche for a new subspecialty of biotechnology called metabolic engineering. First published in 2002, this book introduces researchers and advanced students in biology and engineering to methods of optimizing biochemical systems of biotechnological relevance. It examines the development of strategies for manipulating metabolic pathways, demonstrates the need for effective systems models, and discusses their design and analysis, while placing special emphasis on optimization. The authors propose power-law models and methods of biochemical systems theory toward these ends. All concepts are derived from first principles, and the text is richly illustrated with numerous graphs and examples throughout. Special features include: nontechnical and technical introductions to models of biochemical systems; a review of basic methods of model design and analysis; concepts of optimization; and detailed case studies.

Preface; 1. Target: a useful model; 2. Methods of biochemical systems theory; 3. A model of citric acid production in the mold Aspergillus niger; 4. Optimization methods; 5. Optimization of biochemical systems; 6. Optimization of citric acid production in Aspergillus niger; 7. Maximization of ethanol and carbohydrate production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 8. Conclusions; Author index; Subject index.

This 2002 book introduces methods of optimizing biochemical systems of biotechnological relevance. It examines the development of strategies for manipulating metabolic pathways and discusses the design and analysis of systems models. All concepts are derived from first principles and the well-illustrated text is accompanied by two detailed case studies.