Metabolic and cellular engineering, as presented in this book, is a powerful alliance of two technologies: genetics–molecular biology and fermentation technology. Both are driven by continuous refinement of the basic understanding of metabolism, physiology and cellular biology (growth, division, differentiation), as well as the development of new mathematical modeling techniques. The authors' approach is original in that it integrates several disciplines into a coordinated scheme, i.e. microbial physiology and bioenergetics, thermodynamics and enzyme kinetics, biomathematics and biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. Thus, it is called a transdisciplinary approach (TDA). The TDA provides the basis for the rational design of microorganisms or cells in a way that has rarely been utilized to its full extent.

Contents:

• Matter and Energy Balances
• Cell Growth and Metabolite Production. Basic Concepts
• Methods of Quantitation of Cellular "Processes Performance"
• Dynamic Aspects of Bioprocess Behavior
• Bioprocess Development with Plant Cells
• Cellular Engineering

"The book provides very well selected examples that permit an easy comprehension of the achievements expected from the different techniques. I consider the book suitable for both experimentalists and theoreticians ... it also provides an excellent selection of key references on the main techniques available in the field which are very useful for students and research workers."

"A worked example towards the end of the book of the use of such a scheme was most welcome. The book is aimed at final year undergraduates and postgraduate researchers and is suitable for personal purchase."