Metabolic Engineering: New Developments and Applications

Metabolic engineering is the process of modifying biochemical networks and regulatory processes within cells to improve the production of a desired substances. The process involves analyzing and engineering metabolic pathways by the use of experimental and modeling techniques, as well as by several genome-wide analysis techniques. Briefly, the process involves identifying a metabolic pathway for obtaining the desired productivity, mathematical analysis of the pathway to find the theoretical yield, followed by genetic manipulations of those reactions to maximize the yield, and finally, experimental measurements and fine tuning of the pathways.The information compiled in this book will help the readers have a better knowledge of the basic process of metabolic engineering, the latest developments and its applications in plants and microorganisms for overproduction and isolation of high-value chemicals. We have also included case studies for a better understanding of the concept. We look forward to feedback/suggestions on this humble attempt.

Dr Prerna Pandey, a biotechnologist with several years of wet lab research experience, has worked as a senior research fellow at International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi. Her field of research in PhD included isolation and molecular characterization of Geminiviruses, genome sequencing, gene annotation, as well as gene silencing using the RNA interference technology. She has published papers in peer-reviewed journals in the field and has a submitted a number of annotated Geminiviral genome sequences in the GenBank, including two novel ones. Prerna has also completed her editing and proof-reading courses from SfEP, UK and now works as a freelance scientific editor, writer and a subject matter expert. She has edited and co-authored several books on a range of topics in Life-Sciences. When Prerna is not busy with her assignments, she loves visiting historical places.