Integration of metabolic models in biorefinery designs using superstructure optimisation

Abstract

In this work the integration of metabolic (structured) models, which describe the entire metabolic network of microorganisms, into a superstructure optimisation framework is presented. These models are of particular interest because they can predict the outcome of a fermentation with different substrates, and without the need of experimental data. In this contribution, a workflow for 2 types of structured models is described: i) genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) and ii) community models where product yields can be influenced by environmental factors (e.g., pH). To showcase this methodology a simple case study is presented of a superstructure optimisation problem. With this case study it is demonstrated that the described workflow can aid the design of novel biorefineries, by screening potential cultures using metabolic models without the need of experimental data.