Using DFBAlab can be divided in three tasks: Writing the dFBA model, setting up the simulation and running the simulation.

An overview of how to construct a dFBA model and setup a simulation is given here. A technical description of how to use DFBAlab is provided in the Examples section. Additional examples will be added as they are completed. The examples are described in Gomez et al. (2014).

Write a dFBA model

Dynamic flux balance analysis is an extension of FBA that has the advantage that it enables analysis of interactions between the metabolism and the environment. The structure of the dFBA model that is assumed here has the following elements:

• A flux balance model of each of the microorganisms.
• A list of external metabolites.
• Description of the interaction between FBA models through uptake and production of external metabolites.
• The dynamic equations that are integrated by DFBAlab.

where N is the number of biological species and M is the number of extracellular chemical species. The variable x_j is the biomass concentration of the j^th metabolism, s_i is the extracellular concentration of the i^th chemical species, F_in=Σ_i=1^MF_i(t) with F_i is the feed rate of chemical species i, D=Σ_i=1^MF_i /V is the dilution rate, v_i^j is the uptake or production rate of chemical species i due to species j and V is the volume of the bio-reactor. If the function v_i^j describes the production rate of the i^th external metabolite by the j^th metabolism, then its value can be determined by secondary optimization for the production rate.

Setup the simulation

The simulation parameters are determined by the batch conditions of the experiments. A minimal set of parameter consists of

• The (maximal) batch time.
• The initial conditions for the biomass, substrates and total volume.
• Definition of the external control inputs such as feed rate and composition and other environmental changes that are should be implemented during the batch.
• Optional definition of minimal growth conditions to determine when the simulation should stop prior to reaching the final batch time.

For more information on using DFBAlab, consult the following manual. (PDF)