One of the most significant findings in my research to date is that complex bacterial systems including the formation of intermediates

Modeling thermodynamics of bacterial growth systems.

One of the most significant findings in my research to date is that complex bacterial systems including the formation of intermediates can be modeled using thermodynamic predictions of cell yield. This work provides a modeling framework for predicting the behavior of anthropogenic compounds in natural systems that include biological transformation processes. My work in this area has included: (1) evaluation of multiple competing methods for a priori thermodynamic yield prediction, (2) advancement of modeling to consider biodegradation reactions catalyzed by oxygenase enzymes singly and as part of an overall step-wise pathway model, and (3) experimental validation of the oxygenase model in conjunction with the chelate biodegradation work described above.

Testing of the thermodynamic methods is hampered by a significant gap in knowledge of bacterial yields. Experimentally determined yields have not been systematically evaluated and cataloged, and relationships between environmental conditions and yield predictions have not been explored using modern methods of statistics and data mining. My current work in this area includes development of a database of available yields and yield prediction methodologies. This database will allow us to evaluate potential relationships between environmental conditions and bacterial growth efficiencies and yields. The improved model structures we are developing will have widespread utility in biological ecosystem modeling, bioremediation and microbial ecology modeling, and biotechnology and engineered bioprocess modeling.

Publications in this area

Xiao, Jinghua and VanBriesen, J.M. "Expanded thermodynamic true yield prediction model: adjustments and limitations," Biodegradation (2008) 19:99-127. Available online at http://www.springerlink.com/content/231273u4n7531r6m/

Xiao, Jinghua and VanBriesen, J.M. “Expanded thermodynamic model for microbial yield prediction,” accepted and in press. Biotechnology and Bioengineering (2006). 93(1): 110-121.

Yuan, Z. and VanBriesen, J.M. (2002) “Yield prediction and stoichiometry of multi-step biodegradation reactions involving oxygenation,” Biotechnology and Bioengineering 80(1): 100-113. Full Text PDF.

VanBriesen, J.M. (2002) “Evaluation of methods to predict bacterial yield using thermodynamics,” Biodegradation 13(3): 171-190. Full Text PDF.

VanBriesen, J.M. (2001) “Thermodynamic Yield Predictions for Biodegradation through Oxygenase Activation Reactions,” Biodegradation 12(4) 265-281. Full Text PDF.

VanBriesen, J.M. and Rittmann, B.E. (2000) “Mathematical description of microbiological reactions involving intermediates,” Biotechnology and Bioengineering 67:1:35-52. Full Text PDF.

Posters and Presentations in this area

Rittmann, B.E., VanBriesen, J.M., Schwartz, A., “Modeling Coupled Biogeochemical Processes,” Association for Environmental Engineering and Science Professors Research and Education Conference, Meeting Abstracts, August 2002, Toronto, Canada. Poster as PDF.

Yuan, Z, and VanBriesen, J.M. “Yield Prediction and Modeling for multi-step biodegradation catalyzed by oxygenase enzymes,” Abstracts of the American Society for Microbiology 102^nd Annual Meeting, May 19-23, 2002, Salt Lake City, UT. Poster as PDF.

VanBriesen, J.M. Rittmann, B.E. “Modeling Biogeochemical Interactions in Co-Contaminant Systems,” Abstract in Proceedings of the 220^th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, August 2000, Washington DC. Short Abstract published by ACS. Extended abstract published by Environmental Division.