Metabolic modelling and flux analysis of microorganisms from the Atacama Desert used in biotechnological processes

Metabolic modelling is a useful tool thatenables the rational design of metabolic engineeringexperiments and the study of the unique capabilities ofbiotechnologically important microorganisms. Theextreme abiotic conditions of the Atacama Deserthave selected microbial diversity with exceptionalcharacteristics that can be applied in the miningindustry for bioleaching processes and for productionof specialised metabolites with antimicrobial, antifungal,antiviral, antitumoral, among other activities. Inthis review we summarise the scientific data availableof the use of metabolic modelling and flux analysis toimprove the performance of Atacama Desert microorganismsin biotechnological applications.Keywords Actinobacteria Atacama Desert Bioleaching microorganisms Flux balance analysis Metabolic flux analysis Metabolic modelling Specialised metabolite