Bio-succinic acid production: Escherichia coli strains design from genome-scale perspectives

Escherichia coli (E. coli) has been established to be a native producer of succinic acid (a platform chemical with different applications) via mixed acid fermentation reactions. Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) of E. coli have been published with capabilities of predicting strain design strategies for the production of bio-based succinic acid. Proof-of-principle strains are fundamentally constructed as a starting point for systems strategies for industrial strains development. Here, we review for the first time, the use of E. coli GEMs for construction of proof-of-principles strains for increasing succinic acid production. Specific case studies, where E. coli proof-of-principle strains were constructed for increasing bio-based succinic acid production from glucose and glycerol carbon sources have been highlighted. In addition, a propose systems strategies for industrial strain development that could be applicable for future microbial succinic acid production guided by GEMs have been presented.