We develop various mathematical and computational methods for modeling and rational design of metabolic networks with applications in metabolic engneering. We are also interested in mathematical modelling of microbial communities.

We combine new computational (dry-lab) and experimental (wet-lab) techniques to engineer microbial cell factories for the bio-based production of chemicals (e.g., itaconic acid, 2,3-butanediol). Experiments focus on E. coli as work horse in biotechnology, but other relevant production hosts are considered as well.

We use systems biology methods and various experimental techniques to elucidate metabolic and regulatory processes in E. coli which are often also crucial for biotechnological applications (e.g., adaptation to changing nutrient and oxygen concentrations).

We continually develop (and maintain) CellNetAnalyzer, a comprehensive MATLAB toolbox for the mathematical modeling and analysis of biological networks. CellNetAnalyzer is part of de.NBI and we offer extended user services including web tutorials and training workshops. More recently we have also started the development  of CNApy (CellNetAnalyzer for Python), a cross-platform desktop application written in Python for constraint-based analysis of metabolic networks.