Abstract: Consumable biotech strain improvement products are presented, as well as methods of preparation and using them. The technology is based on reversible, single-crossover insertion vectors, such as plasmids or phage. Because the single crossover event is reversible in the absence of drug selection, the products cannot be maintained in a useful form without knowledge of the drug selection agent. Consumable strain improvement products can be constructed with 1st generation reverse engineering protections, having at least 25%-75% of the effectiveness of the equivalent traditional (permanent) strain improvement product under laboratory condition.

Abstract: A process of increasing the cellular production of secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, is provided. The process is particularly useful for increasing antibiotic production by bacterial cells, especially erythromycin. The process includes the step of increasing the activity of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase.

Abstract: A process of increasing the cellular production of biologically active compounds is provided. The process is particularly useful for increasing antibiotic production by bacterial cells. The process includes the step of inhibiting the activity of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase.