OptFlux

OptFlux is a detailed tool designed to assist users in running metabolic simulations. The application can load various types of files containing source data, including Systems Biology Markup Language documents.

The tool is useful for professionals that need adequate resources for modeling biological changes at the genome level. It might also be valuable for Biology enthusiasts, in a general sense; however, the high degree of knowledge required in order to interpret the resulting data might make it an inaccessible tool for anyone not specialized in the field.

Given its complex nature, OptFlux features a surprisingly intuitive and simple to grasp interface. The GUI is very clean and is comprised of several frames that store the analysis data. Numerous tabs control the information that users can view. This setup allows one to quickly switch from different simulations, in order to make the necessary correlations.

Source documents for the software can take many forms, but their internal structure must be consistent with that of a genome-scale model of the studied organism. The resource supports SBML documents, as well as CSVs and TSVs with adequately stored raw data.

The source data is vital because it is the backbone of the simulations generated by the application. This is the where the real power of the resource resides. There are multiple tools employed, among which one can mention Flux-Balance Analyses, Minimization of Metabolic Adjustment solutions or Regulatory Minimization of Metabolic Fluxes.

Simulations can further be improved with the available optimization processes, such as Evolutionary Algorithms, Simulated Annealing scripts or Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithms. Employing all these tools and methods ensures simulations are accurate and carry scientific weight.

In conclusion, OptFlux is comprehensive and powerful simulation tool that can be of great use to anyone in the business of modeling metabolic fluxes.