Dynamic flux balance analysis of high cell density fed-batch culture of
E. coli BL21 (DE3) with mass spectrometry-based spent media analysis
Abstract
Dynamic flux balance analysis (FBA) allows estimation of intracellular
reaction rates using organism-specific genome scale metabolic models
(GSMM) and by assuming instantaneous pseudo steady states for processes
that are inherently dynamic. This technique is well-suited for
industrial bioprocesses employing complex media characterized by a
hierarchy of substrate uptake and product secretion. However, knowledge
of exchange rates of many components of the media would be required to
obtain meaningful results. Here, we performed spent media analysis using
mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with liquid (LCMS) and gas chromatography
(GCMS) for a fed-batch, high cell density cultivation of E. coli
BL21(DE3) expressing a recombinant protein. Time course measurements
thus obtained for 246 metabolites were converted to instantaneous
exchange rates. These were then used as constraints for dynamic FBA
using a previously reported GSMM, thus providing insights into how the
flux map evolves through the process. Changes in TCA cycle fluxes
correlated with the increased demand for energy during recombinant
protein production. The results show how amino acids act as hubs for the
synthesis of other cellular metabolites. Our results provide a deeper
understanding of an industrial bioprocess and will have implications in
further optimizing the process.