Towards a genome-scale metabolic model of Dunaliella salina

Dunaliella salina is a green algae known for its ability to produce carotenoids. However, maximizing its production while achieving significant biomass yields remains challenging, which can be addressed through systems biology tools like genome-scale metabolic models. This work presents the first genome-scale metabolic model for D. salina, enabling an in silico analysis and optimization of beta-carotene and lutein production. In silico simulations predict that reducing nitrate and phosphate availability increases the potential for carotenoid production. The flux scanning based on the enforced objective flux method was applied, allowing the identification of reactions that induce the cumulative production of both carotenoids and biomass. Copyright (c) 2024 The Authors. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)