Mathematical modelling and assessment of the pH homeostasis mechanisms in Aspergillus niger while in citric acid producing conditions

In this work we introduce an extended model of the Aspergillus niger metabolism while in citrate production conditions. The model includes many recent findings related to various transport processes. It now considers a new information about the fructose uptake system and the proton and amino acids carriers between cytoplasm and the external medium. It also accounts for recent information about both the malate–citrate antiport between mitochondria and cytoplasm and the dihydrogen citrate ion excretion symport with protons. Finally, the model also accounts for new information about the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle and pH buffering systems. Provided with this updated representation and after having assessed its quality and dynamic behaviour, we were able to explain the observed pH homoeostasis found in A. niger while in citrate producing conditions. The model also serves to enhance our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms operating in order to keep homoeostasis of pH in A. niger and other fungi, bacteria and yeast of biotechnological relevance.

► In this work we model the Aspergillus niger metabolism while in citrate production conditions. ► It considers information about many cytoplasmic and mitochondria transport processes. ► The model explains the observed pH homoeostasis in A. niger while in these conditions. ► It shed light on the operating molecular mechanisms in A. niger and other fungi, bacteria and yeast.