In silico genome-scale modeling and constraint-based analysis of microorganisms for bioelectricity generation and electrosynthesis.

• Main Author: Mao, Ning.
• Other Authors: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/52857
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Systems biology offers great tools for genetic designs in metabolic engineering. Microorganisms' metabolic networks can be reconstructed into mathematical models and such models can be modified and evaluated through constraint-based analysis. Such in silico modeling and analysis promise a more systematic approach in the metabolic studies, thus saving a lot of laboratory efforts with more reliable designs. In this study, three metabolic reconstruction models of E. coli were selected. Their optimized growths and chemical syntheses were simulated under different conditions. Gene knockout studies were carried out targeting at NADH drain maximization in the metabolic system, so that the reducing power of the microorganism would be boosted towards better bioelectricity generation and/or electrically enhanced chemical synthesis. Two gene knockout algorithms were used. The consequences of using different parameters in the algorithms were also evaluated. At the end of the study, one most effective knockout strategy was identified which achieved growth-coupled NADH drain and butanol synthesis.