title: Dynamic flux balance modeling to increase the production of high-value compounds in green microalgae.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Photosynthetic organisms can be used for renewable and sustainable production of fuels and high-value compounds from natural resources. Costs for design and operation of large-scale algae cultivation systems can be reduced if data from laboratory scale cultivations are combined with detailed mathematical models to evaluate and optimize the process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this work we present a flexible modeling formulation for accumulation of high-value storage molecules in microalgae that provides quantitative predictions under various light and nutrient conditions. The modeling approach is based on dynamic flux balance analysis (DFBA) and includes regulatory models to predict the accumulation of pigment molecules. The accuracy of the model predictions is validated through independent experimental data followed by a subsequent model-based fed-batch optimization. In our experimentally validated fed-batch optimization study we increase biomass and [Formula: see text]-carotene density by factors of about 2.5 and 2.1, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The analysis shows that a model-based approach can be used to develop and significantly improve biotechnological processes for biofuels and pigments.
authors: Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Process Systems Engineering, Sandtorstr.1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
authors: Robert J
authors: 0000-0002-7092-1046
authors: RJ
authors: Flassig
authors: Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Process Systems Engineering, Sandtorstr.1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
authors: Melanie
authors: M
authors: Fachet
authors: Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Process Systems Engineering, Sandtorstr.1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
authors: Kai
authors: K
authors: Höffner
authors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Process Systems Engineering, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA.
authors: Paul I
authors: PI
authors: Barton
authors: Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Process Systems Engineering, Sandtorstr.1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany ; Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Process Systems Engineering, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
authors: Kai
authors: K
authors: Sundmacher
keywords: Dunaliella salina; Dynamic flux balance analysis; Model-based process design; [Formula: see text]-carotene