Metabolic Network Analysis and Engineering: Life is comprised of thousands of chemical reactions organized into complex networks. These networks channel and transform nutrients acquired from the environment into products like work, heat, and new life. To understand the chemistries of life, the highly branched and highly coupled networks must be understood. We are utilizing a network analysis system known as elementary flux mode analysis to study the properties of microbial reaction networks. The method identifies every unique, mathematically defined chemical reaction permutation within a network. Starting with these chemical reaction modules, we assemble concise mathematical blueprints of microbial metabolisms.

The network analysis research is integrated into practical microbial engineering and microbial physiology studies. Analogous to traditional chemical engineering, we apply an understanding of specific chemistries to control the conversion of inexpensive or undesirable compounds into more valuable or more desirable products. However, instead of using traditional chemical engineering approaches involving inorganic catalysts and high temperatures, we are using molecular biology and metabolic blueprints obtained from network analysis to engineer useful processes catalyzed by microbes. Applications of this work include environmentally critical processes like efficient nutrient recycling and bioremediation of contaminated sites. The research can also be used to optimize biotechnological processes like the production of biofuels and biomaterials from renewable resources. In addition by advancing our metabolic understanding of microbial pathogens, it should be possible to improve prevention and treatment strategies for medical infections.

Specific areas of interest:

• Microbial ecology of biofilm/mat physiology, quorum sensing and metabolic interactions.
• Metabolic engineering of yeast and bacteria for bioprocess applications.
• Metabolic systems analysis of thermophilic and mesophilic organisms.
  
  

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