Riboflavin as a promising antimicrobial agent? A multi-perspective review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for human health, acting as a precursor to FMN and FAD, crucial for energy metabolism.
• Emerging evidence suggests riboflavin possesses antimicrobial properties against various pathogens.
• Riboflavin and flavins act as photosensitizers, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted role of riboflavin as an antimicrobial agent.
• To explore riboflavin's potential as a host immune-modulator.
• To discuss applications and challenges of riboflavin in photodynamic therapy against infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on riboflavin's antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.
• Analysis of riboflavin's mechanism of action, including ROS generation and immune response modulation.
• Examination of therapeutic applications in photodynamic therapy against microbial infections.

Main Results:

• Riboflavin exhibits direct antimicrobial activity and photoactivated bactericidal effects.
• Photoactivated riboflavin demonstrates efficacy against nosocomial, multidrug-resistant, and biofilm-associated infections.
• Riboflavin modulates host immune responses, enhancing pathogen clearance and reducing inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Riboflavin presents a dual therapeutic strategy by directly targeting pathogens and modulating host immunity.
• Its photosensitizing properties offer a promising avenue for photodynamic therapy against diverse microbial threats.
• Riboflavin is a potential candidate for novel antimicrobial interventions, addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.