Process intensification for recombinant protein production in E. coli
via identification of active nodes in cellular metabolism and dynamic
flux balance analysis
Abstract
Complex media supplemented with a carbon source are commonly used in
bioprocesses for recombinant protein production in E. coli.
Optimizing these processes is challenging and requires precise
understanding of cellular metabolism and nutrient requirements. Compared
to a Design of Experiments approach that necessitates extensive
experimentation, metabolic modeling using a genome scale metabolic model
(GEM) offers a more predictive and systematic approach to guide process
optimization by identifying specific metabolic bottlenecks. In addition,
spent media analysis (SMA) can unravel the preferential utilization of
different media components during the bioprocess. Here, we integrated
the updated E. coli GEM with time course SMA data from a
fed-batch process and performed dynamic flux balance analysis (dFBA) to
identify metabolites that function as active nodes and are vital for
cellular function. These are potential target supplements to boost
cellular activity and in turn the recombinant protein productivity.
Using an iterative approach of performing fermentation, SMA, and
metabolic modeling, we optimized the bioprocess in just five
experimental trials, resulting in a six-fold increase in protein
productivity. The optimized feeding strategy involved yeast extract with
amino acid supplementation (Ser, Thr, Asp, Glu) and increased oxygen
transfer rates. This approach demonstrates significant promise for
application in bioprocess optimization.