Optimization based frameworks and search methodologies for the analysis and redesign of the Escherichia coli metabolic network

The central theme of this thesis covers the application of in-silico modeling methods for the prediction and optimization of metabolic networks in prokaryotic microorganisms. One case study has been undertaken: the optimization of flavonone biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Flux Balance Analysis and Quadratic Programming have been used to model these organisms in-silico. Further studies have been undertaken towards methods applicable to finding the gene sets to delete in order to create sets of knock-out mutants from the entire metabolism of these organisms that will provide maximal output of the desired metabolites.