Bacteria are used widely among research laboratories for their ability to secrete large quantities of recombinant proteins that are purified from the bulk of bacterial proteins. However, the bacteria used often build up acetic acid/acetate, which is toxic to the bacteria. While current methods used to remove acetic acid are costly, researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have discovered a cost efficient method for the control of acetic acid production by manipulating activity of pyruvate oxidase (involved in acetic acid production). This technology may be useful for enhancing bacterial survival in stationary phase and enhancing product yield.