Estimation of recombinant protein production in Pichia pastoris based on a constraint-based model

► A model-based estimator of protein production in Pichia pastoris cultures was developed. ► Protein production can be predicted even if only a few extracellular rates are known. ► Protein productivity was integrated in a constraint based model of P. pastoris. ► A first-principles based relationship is observed between ATP, biomass and protein specific production rates. ► Protein, biomass and intracellular rates can be estimated in lacking-data conditions.