[Construction and verification of a genome-scale metabolic model for Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80]

With the advance of gene sequencing technology, genome-scale metabolic models have become favored tools for systematically analyzing microbial metabolic networks. In this study, a genome-scale metabolic model of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80 was constructed via a semi-automated modeling approach and subsequently validated, providing a tool for subsequent research into its metabolic mechanisms and probiotic functions. In terms of structural quality, the model achieved a Memote score of 82%. For wet-lab validation, the model's simulations of growth on fourteen single carbon sources and amino acid requirements were fully consistent with experimental findings. The maximum specific growth rate and the corresponding specific production rates of two major organic acids predicted by the model based on the existing synthetic medium and modified MRS medium showed errors within 5% and 10%, respectively, compared to the experimental results. The final model, designated iMJ519, comprises 1 005 reactions, 1 047 metabolites, and 519 genes, providing a powerful tool for in-depth research on the growth and metabolic regulation of B. lactis BLa80.