ABSTRACT
Abstract Metabolic engineering, initially conceptualized as the manipulation of natural processes to improve or enhance the productivity of valuable products using genetic engineering, has now transformed into a field where microbial host can be engineered to produce almost any organic compound. Indeed, the concept is old one but development of molecular and systems biology has introduced a new dimension to this science of pathway regulation. Until recently metabolic engineering has found its application in microorganisms and plants: improving production of materials already synthesized by them; addition of new activities for bioremediation and production of industrially/commercially important chemicals, hormones, and proteins. Studying metabolic engineering could provide an insight into tissue and organ network and functioning; strongly influencing the areas of medicine and therapeutics. Aiding metabolic engineering with new computational and mathematical tools will help us recognize its true potential. Still, our understanding of fundamental biology has been the limiting factor. Improving production metrics and the range of attainable products will eliminate the need for presumptions currently being used. We believe that metabolic engineering will soon evolve into a robust analytical field, owing to the rapidly emerging technologies.
