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Updated: Sep 25, 2025

Inactivation of Pathogens via Visible-Light Photolysis of Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate
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Inactivation of Pathogens via Visible-Light Photolysis of Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate

Published on: April 6, 2022

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Inactivation of Pathogens via Visible-Light Photolysis of Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate

Chien-Wei Cheng1, Shwu-Yuan Lee2, Tang-Yu Chen3

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University; ochien@gmail.com.

Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|April 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Flavin mononucleotide (FMN) photolysis under visible light generates reactive oxygen species that effectively deactivate Staphylococcus aureus. This photochemical method offers a simple and safe approach for sanitary applications.

Area of Science:

  • Photochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Riboflavin-5'-phosphate (flavin mononucleotide; FMN) is photosensitive.
  • FMN photolysis generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon visible light exposure.
  • ROS are detrimental to microorganisms, including pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a protocol for deactivating S. aureus using FMN photolysis.
  • To evaluate the generation of superoxide radical anion (ROS) during FMN photolysis.
  • To determine the effectiveness of FMN photolysis for microbial inactivation.

Main Methods:

  • Irradiation of FMN with visible light to induce photolysis.
  • Quantification of superoxide radical anion using nitro blue tetrazrazolium (NBT) reduction.
  • Assessment of S. aureus viability to determine inactivation rates.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial inactivation rate is directly proportional to FMN concentration.
  • Violet light is more effective for S. aureus inactivation than blue light.
  • Red and green light do not effectively drive FMN photolysis.

Conclusions:

  • FMN photolysis is a viable photochemical method for inactivating S. aureus.
  • The efficiency of inactivation depends on light wavelength and FMN concentration.
  • This method presents a simple, safe, and effective approach for sanitary processes.

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