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Modeling

What are we modeling?

The aim of our project is to genetically modify a bacteria that can break down the polymer chains in expanded polystyrene (EPS). The result is a solution of monomer chains that can be extracted and used in the synthetic production of other useful chemicals, for instance Lactic Acid (C₃H₆O₃). The computational model is going to be used to aid calculations predicting how much substrate (polymer chains) will be needed, how much product will be required to sustain the bacteria colony and how much product will be left over for other uses.

Why are we modeling?

By creating a computational model of a biological system, theoretical and experimental biologists are able to predict the outcomes and behaviour of a system for a set of input parameters. The results of the simulation can provide guidance to the success of the experiment for the tested input parameters before undertaking physically in the lab. The model built in our project will help determine the next steps in the project, for example to attempt to change the number of enzymes produced by the bacteria or modify how the enzyme behaves. The major advantages of developing and using a model in the project are that it can save time exploring an idea that had a high probability of failure and simultaneously save resources.

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