Metabolic engineering has been developed over the past 20 years to become an important tool for rational engineering of microorganisms. This book has a particular interest in the methods and applications of metabolic engineering to improve the production and yield of a variety of metabolites in microorganisms. The overall goal is to achieve a better understanding of metabolism in different microorganisms, and provide a rational basis to reprogram microorganisms for improved biochemical production.

This book brings together contributions from leading researchers at the cutting edge of these topics. The subject matter is divided into two sections. The first section deals with novel and emerging methods for redesigning microorganisms exploiting systems biology and gene regulation. The second discusses practical aspects of metabolic engineering for over production of a variety of valuable chemicals and materials by fermentation.