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• Riboflavin marginally enhances sessile cell growth of G. sulfurreducens ACL strain. • The strain with OMC gene deletion does not benefit from riboflavin addition. • c -Type cytochrome is linked to riboflavin acceleration of MIC pitting of 316L SS. • Electrochemical corrosion measurements support MIC acceleration observation. Microbes can cause or accelerate metal corrosion, leading to huge losses in corrosion damages each year. Geobacter sulfurreducens is a representative electroactive bacterium in many soils, sediments, and wastewater systems. It has been confirmed to directly extract electrons from elemental metals. However, little is known about the effect of electron shuttles in G. sulfurreducens corrosion on stainless steel. In this study, we report that exogenous flavins promote iron-to-microbe electron transfer, accelerating microbial corrosion. G. sulfurreducens caused 1.3 times deeper pits and increased electron uptake (with 2 times increase of i corr) from stainless steel when riboflavin was added to the culture medium. OmcS -deficient mutant data suggest that G. sulfurreducens utilizes riboflavin as a bound-cofactor in outer membrane c -type cytochromes. The finding that, in the presence of microbes, riboflavin can substantially accelerate corrosion highlights the role of flavin redox cycling for enhanced iron-to-microbe electron transfer by G. sulfurreducens and provides new insights in microbial corrosion. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent report from the Medical University of Silesia in Poland discusses the potential of riboflavin- and hypericin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as alternative treatments for oral candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. The study reviewed 16 eligible studies published between 2014 and 2024, highlighting the significant antifungal activity of both riboflavin and hypericin in reducing Candida infections. While these therapies show promise in managing antifungal resistance, further clinical trials and standardized protocols are needed to optimize outcomes and confirm efficacy in broader clinical settings. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Dhaka conducted a study on thiamine and riboflavin levels in common green leafy vegetables grown in Shariatpur, Bangladesh. The study found variations in the levels of these essential vitamins in different vegetables, emphasizing the importance of including a diverse range of leafy greens in the diet to meet recommended daily intake levels. The research utilized an HPLC method for accurate determination of thiamine and riboflavin levels in the vegetables, with good linearity and recovery percentages. This study provides valuable insights into the nutritional content of leafy vegetables in Bangladesh. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Messina in Italy have developed a novel electrochemical sensor for detecting riboflavin, a form of Vitamin B2. The sensor, made of tungsten disulfide (WS2) deposited on carbon nanotubes, showed superior electrochemical performance compared to traditional electrodes. This study highlights the potential for using core-shell heterostructures in sensor technology for improved detection of vitamins in biological samples. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Hamburg focused on Escherichia coli and its response to riboflavin analogs lacking methyl groups. Through an adaptive laboratory evolution experiment, researchers identified dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase as a critical factor for the activity of these analogs in E. coli. This research sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind riboflavin substitution and mutation hotspots in the genome of microorganisms under metabolic stress. For more information, the full article is available in Molecules journal, and the lead researcher can be contacted at the Hamburg School of Food Science, University of Hamburg. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing, China, conducted a study on the stability of water-soluble vitamins using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The study found that vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxal, and ascorbic acid were unstable at room temperature and 2-8 degrees Celsius, but remained stable when stored at -80 degrees Celsius for up to 7 days. The research emphasizes the importance of proper storage conditions for accurate vitamin measurements. This peer-reviewed study provides valuable insights for laboratories conducting vitamin testing. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have conducted a study on the role of riboflavin in promoting acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Their findings suggest that riboflavin depletion induces AML differentiation and apoptosis, highlighting a specific vulnerability in AML cells. The study also reveals an interplay between riboflavin, pyrimidine biosynthesis, and iron-sulfur metabolism, with potential implications for anti-leukemic strategies. This research provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AML development and potential treatment approaches. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Universitas Sebelas Maret focused on the accuracy of dietary assessment methods in measuring micronutrient intake in adolescents. The research highlighted the importance of detecting micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, vitamin A, B-12, and folic acid, which can impact adolescent health. The study identified the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) as a valid method for assessing certain nutrients, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment tools in adolescent nutrition research. For more details, the full article can be accessed through the Amerta Nutrition journal. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Duke University published a case report on a 72-year-old woman with very-late-onset multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency. The patient presented with weakness, paresthesias, and sensory deficits, and was found to have elevated GDF-15 and aldolase levels. Treatment with riboflavin led to significant improvement in her condition, highlighting the clinical heterogeneity of the disease. This research adds to the understanding of non-genetic triggers and potential treatments for this rare metabolic disorder. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Blood Weekly discusses research conducted at Hanyang University in Ansan, South Korea, on tissue engineering for bone regeneration. The study focuses on the development of innovative scaffolding materials using chitosan-alginate-riboflavin liquid-exfoliated molybdenum disulfide nanosheets. The findings suggest that the developed scaffold could be a suitable artificial graft for bone tissue engineering applications, showing biocompatibility and enhanced bioactivity. The research was supported by various funding sources and provides valuable insights into the field of biomedical engineering and biotechnology. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Federal University Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, explored the effects of neonatal high-dose riboflavin treatment on sensorimotor and somatic development in rodents. The research found that treatment with high doses of riboflavin stimulated sensorimotor and somatic development while reducing energy expenditure towards growth and weight gain. The study also highlighted the involvement of the NRF-1 gene modulation in the hypothalamus in these processes. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights into the impact of riboflavin on early life metabolic adaptations and physiological plasticity in the central nervous system. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, focused on a case of bilateral endotheliitis following riboflavin-assisted corneal cross-linking in a young male patient with progressive keratoconus. The research aimed to identify risk factors, treatment strategies, and outcomes, highlighting successful management with specific eye drops and regular follow-up examinations. The study emphasizes the need for further research to establish optimal treatment approaches for similar cases of endotheliitis following corneal cross-linking. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Federal University Paraiba in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, have conducted a study on the synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for the determination of ascorbic acid and riboflavin in vitamin supplements. The CQDs were characterized and found to exhibit stable optical properties suitable for this application. The study concluded that the synthesized CQDs could be used for the analysis of various analytes and matrices, offering a simple and cost-effective analysis technique. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Amsterdam University Medical Centers focused on data mining to identify undiagnosed cases of Riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD), an inborn error of riboflavin transport. The research aimed to detect patients with possible RTD by screening Electronic Health Records (EHR) of patients visiting the hospital between 2004 and 2021. While no new RTD patients were found in the study, the findings suggest that the prevalence of RTD may be low, and the likelihood of missing this diagnosis in a tertiary referral hospital is limited. The study highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of RTD to prevent progressive neurological symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study highlighted in Drug Week discusses the potential of targeting riboflavin metabolism and MEK as a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study utilized a Drosophila melanogaster model to identify riboflavin metabolism as a potential therapeutic target for PDAC, with promising results in suppressing proliferation in cultured PDAC cells. Combining the antimetabolite of riboflavin with the MEK inhibitor drug trametinib showed significant growth suppression of human PDAC xenografts, suggesting a dual targeting approach may be effective in treating PDAC. This research is available for further exploration on biorxiv.org. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Siena in Italy focused on the use of all-femtosecond laser-cut corneal allogenic intracorneal ring segments (AFXL CAIRSs) in clinical medicine. The research involved a pilot ex vivo study using human donor eye-bank corneas and the first clinical cases in Italy. The study found that pre-implantation crosslinking of the segments improved tissue stiffness and grip, leading to positive outcomes in patients' visual acuity and corneal thickness. The research concluded that functional data and corneal thickness significantly improved without adverse events, suggesting promise for this method in standardization. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Hohenheim in Germany focused on the physiological role, structure, and function of a redox-driven molecular machine known as Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NQR). The research revealed the arrangement of six subunits, the position of redox cofactors, and the electron transfer process within the machine. The study suggests that targeting the substrate binding sites of NQR could lead to the development of new antibiotics against bacterial pathogens. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have developed a low-cost, portable, and automated instrument called ARPA-CS for multi-cancer early detection (MCED) using ratio fluorometry of porphyrins. This device aims to provide inexpensive, rapid, non-invasive, and reasonably accurate cancer screening at primary clinics or point of care. The study validates the use of this instrument for ratio fluorometry of porphyrins as a biomarker for MCED, but emphasizes the need for large, well-designed clinical trials to further explore its potential. The research was published in Biosensors and can be accessed for free at https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14100482. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the role of riboflavin biosynthesis in mycobacteria in relation to the activation of Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, which play a crucial role in recognizing and responding to microbial infections. By deleting specific genes involved in riboflavin biosynthesis pathways in Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, researchers found that 5-amino-6-D-ribitylaminouracil (5-A-RU) is a key precursor of MAIT cell agonists. The study highlights the importance of 5-A-RU in generating mycobacterial MR1 ligands and reveals differences in MAIT cell activation between the two mycobacterial species. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Saga University in Japan has investigated the pH-responsive behavior of collagen hydrogels prepared using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation with riboflavin as a photosensitizer. The researchers found that by varying the UV exposure time, they were able to modulate the crosslinking density of the hydrogels, which influenced their mechanical properties and pH responsiveness. The hydrogels demonstrated biocompatibility and potential applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. The study was funded by the Japan Society For The Promotion of Science (Jsps) Kakenhi. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examined the effect of thermal processing on key micronutrients in fortified almond-based beverages. The study found that high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization treatments did not significantly alter the levels of vitamin A, vitamin D2, riboflavin, and total vitamin B6 in the beverages. However, thiamin levels decreased by 17.9% after HTST treatment at 116°C, while total vitamin B3 content increased by 35.2% under the same conditions. The study concluded that fortification of plant-based milk alternatives could be a viable way to enhance the micronutrient content of these products. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia, investigated the use of photoactivated riboflavin-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) nanospheres in orthodontic adhesives. The study aimed to assess the bond strength, degree of conversion, microleakage, antibacterial efficacy, and adhesive remnant index of orthodontic brackets to enamel with different concentrations of nanospheres. The results showed that the use of riboflavin-doped nanospheres improved bond strength, microleakage, degree of conversion, and antibacterial scores. The study provides valuable insights into the potential use of nanotechnology in orthodontics. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the National University of Cordoba in Argentina discusses the incorporation of riboflavin into soy protein isolate films to create functional packaging material. The films were characterized for their morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties, as well as their effectiveness as light barriers, antimicrobial potential, and biodegradation properties. The research found that the films exhibited improved mechanical properties and acted as a barrier for oil passage. They also showed great protection capacity against high-intensity UV light and demonstrated antibacterial action. The study contributes valuable insights to the field of sustainable food packaging materials. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) using natural photosensitizers and LED irradiation against multispecies biofilms on an acrylic denture base model. The study found that PDT with natural photosensitizers and LED devices effectively reduced the viability and eradicated the biofilm of microorganisms responsible for causing denture infections. The research suggests that this therapy could be a potential treatment option for denture-related infections. [Extracted from the article]

New research conducted at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has provided updated knowledge about rare diseases and conditions. The research focuses on the role of membrane transporters in drug disposition and their influence on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Specifically, the study examines the transporters for water-soluble B vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin, and biotin, which are essential for metabolic enzymes. Mutations in these transporters are linked to severe neurological disorders due to their role in the blood-brain barrier. The research suggests the potential development of pharmacologic treatments for rare disorders associated with mutations in these transporters. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Leon discusses the impact of the ABCG2 membrane transporter on the bioavailability and milk secretion of lumichrome, a natural derivative of riboflavin. The researchers found that lumichrome was efficiently transported by both murine and human variants of ABCG2. In mice, the absence of ABCG2 resulted in higher lumichrome levels in the liver, testis, and small intestine, as well as a 4.1-fold higher accumulation in milk. These findings suggest that ABCG2 plays a crucial role in the plasma levels, tissue distribution, and milk secretion of lumichrome, potentially affecting its biological activity. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Safe IV Ltd. for a method of preventing the inadvertent administration of residual drugs left in intravenous cannulae. The patent describes a visual method of assessing if a residual drug product remains in the cannulae by passing a colored liquid through the device after drug administration. This method aims to provide a positive visual indication to medical staff that the drug has been flushed from the cannulae and administered to the patient. The patent addresses the potential harm caused by the inadvertent administration of residual drugs and proposes a solution to increase awareness and prevent future incidents. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University explored the potential therapeutic effects of riboflavin on alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The researchers used mice models and analyzed the polymorphism of intestinal microbiota and the transcriptome heterogeneity. They found that riboflavin reversed the progression of ALD and regulated alcohol-induced intestinal microbiota alteration. The study suggests that riboflavin may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of ALD by modulating inflammatory cell infiltration. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Zhejiang Gongshang University in China have conducted a study to enhance the production of riboflavin, a water-soluble vitamin. They used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to mutate key amino acid residues of FAD synthase, an enzyme involved in riboflavin synthesis. The engineered strains produced higher levels of riboflavin compared to the wild-type strain. This study contributes to the understanding of riboflavin production in recombinant E. coli BL21. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' in Italy have conducted a review exploring the impact of flavin homeostasis on cancer cell metabolism. Flavins, including flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), are coenzymes involved in various cellular processes. The review highlights the extended role of flavins in cancer, including their influence on cancer cell energetics, their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, and their implications in drug resistance and apoptosis. The researchers suggest that targeting flavins and related processes could offer new strategies for diagnosing and treating cancer. [Extracted from the article]

The article details a study conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examining how ultraviolet (UV) light and riboflavin affect red blood cell (RBC) integrity in vitro and in a guinea pig transfusion model. Topics discussed include the potential limitations of using in vitro tests alone for assessing modified RBCs, the impact of UV light and riboflavin on RBC morphology and function, and the use of guinea pig models to better understand RBC injury and processing effects.

Researchers at Pellegrini Hospital in Naples, Italy have conducted a study comparing the therapeutic efficacy of a novel ophthalmic solution called HAr(R) to hyaluronic acid eye drops in patients with dry eye disease (DED). The study found that HAr(R) effectively reduced DED symptoms and improved photophobia within 2 hours of instillation, with the effects lasting up to 8 weeks. The research suggests that HAr(R) may be a promising treatment option for individuals with DED. The study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT06122428. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at South Ural State University in Chelyabinsk, Russia, has developed a sensor for detecting vitamin B2-riboflavin (RF) using hierarchically structured zinc oxide (ZnO) particles. The ZnO particles, which have a star-shaped morphology, were obtained through hydrothermal treatment of a zinc peroxocomplex. The sensor demonstrated excellent charge mobility and low resistivity, allowing for improved detection of riboflavin. The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Tehran University of Medical Sciences have conducted a study on Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium associated with dental caries. The study aimed to investigate the use of riboflavin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) enhanced by postbiotic mediators derived from Lactobacillus species to eradicate S. mutans planktonic and biofilm cells. The results showed that aPDT combined with postbiotic mediators from Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum significantly reduced the growth of S. mutans and its biofilms. These findings suggest that aPDT combined with Lactobacillus postbiotic mediators could be a potential treatment to combat S. mutans and prevent biofilm development. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Shandong University in China has explored the use of a riboflavin photodynamic method to inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria in whole blood. The researchers isolated and cultured four strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and tested their inactivation effectiveness using ultraviolet irradiation. The results showed that the inactivation effectiveness increased with higher doses of ultraviolet irradiation, and the combination of riboflavin photodynamic treatment and antibiotics enhanced the antibacterial effect. The study suggests that this method could be a promising strategy for treating bacteremia caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria while preserving the function of whole blood. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Haute Alsace in Mulhouse, France have developed a new method for creating gelatin gastroretentive oral dosages that provide controlled release of riboflavin and propranolol. The dosages are formed by rolling up thin self-adhesive gelatin films, with the drugs contained in reservoirs formed by casting. The gelatin is stabilized against dissolving in the stomach by enzymatic cross-linking, and the dosages are mechanically robust to resist stomach contractions. Eventually, the dosages are degraded by the release media and can be expelled from the stomach. This research was supported by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR). [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research on keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to become thin and bulge outwards. The study aimed to evaluate the rate of corneal swelling induced by a specific treatment in patients with progressive keratoconus. The researchers found that the treatment, which involved using hypoosmolar riboflavin, was safe and effective in thinner corneas. They also discovered associations between the rate of swelling, the severity of keratoconus, and the thickness of the cornea before treatment. This information can help predict the duration of the treatment procedure. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Tufts University focused on the metabolism of riboflavin (vitamin B2) in the human parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. The researchers found that schistosomes, like all animals, need to import riboflavin to survive. They discovered that live schistosomes can cleave exogenous flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) to generate flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and that they can also cleave exogenous FMN to generate riboflavin. The study also identified enzymes involved in intracellular vitamin B2 metabolism in schistosomes. This research provides valuable insights into the biochemistry of riboflavin and its metabolites in Schistosoma mansoni. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Hefei University of Technology in China explores the potential of harnessing the endogenous riboflavin biosynthesis pathway for the development of functional foods and enhanced mucosal immunity. The study highlights the advancements made in comparative genomics and experimental strategies in this field. The researchers also discuss the untapped potential of this pathway for host immunity mediated by mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. The study concludes that understanding the recognition of microbial-derived riboflavin metabolites by MAIT cells can provide insights into immunotherapeutic strategies against resilient microbial infections. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Zagreb in Croatia have conducted a study on the riboflavin content in kombucha, a traditional fermented tea beverage. The study aimed to determine the concentration of vitamin B2 in kombucha during fermentation using spectrofluorimetry. The results showed that the vitamin B2 concentrations ranged from 7.6 x 10-8 to 3.3 x 10-7 mol dm-3 during the 10-day fermentation period. This research provides valuable insights into the nutritional composition of kombucha and its potential health benefits. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan has found a connection between gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease (PD). The researchers discovered a decrease in gut bacteria responsible for synthesizing essential B vitamins, as well as a correlation between the lack of these genes and low levels of agents that maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This barrier prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream and causing inflammation, which is seen in PD. The study suggests that treating these deficiencies with B vitamins could be used to treat PD. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences explores the engineering of Bacillus subtilis to enhance riboflavin production. Previous studies have shown that targeted mutagenesis of a specific enzyme in B. subtilis can increase riboflavin production. The researchers in this study focused on the conversion steps from inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP) to 2,5-diamino-6-ribosylamino-4(3 H)-pyrimidinone-5'-phosphate (DARPP) and found that overexpressing the genes involved in these reactions led to a significant increase in riboflavin production. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of these overexpression strategies in enhancing riboflavin production in B. subtilis. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for the approval of pre and postnatal compositions that include carotenoids. These compositions aim to increase the levels of carotenoids in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as well as in breastmilk, to provide infants with essential nutrients. The dietary supplement may also include other vitamins and minerals. The supplement contains a xanthophyll carotenoid, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, in specific weight percentages, along with other ingredients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and more. It may be used as a prenatal or postnatal supplement and may include additional consumables such as iron, choline, zinc, and copper. For more information, please refer to the full patent application. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the potential impact of antibiotic use in early life on the development of Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, which play a role in immune response. The study found that antibiotics that deplete riboflavin-synthesizing commensals can impair the development of MAIT cells, making mice more susceptible to pneumonia. However, the administration of a riboflavin-synthesizing commensal alongside antibiotics was able to restore MAIT cell development and immunity. It is important to note that this research has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

Hemanext Inc. has filed a patent application for a method of storing blood and inactivating pathogens to improve blood safety. The method involves using a photosensitizer-based system or a system without photosensitizers to cross-link and inactivate DNA in pathogens. It also includes the use of an alkylating agent to inactivate infectious bacteria and other pathogens. Additionally, the method involves anaerobic storage of packed red blood cells in an additive solution to reduce storage lesions and extend the shelf life of blood. The patent application provides detailed claims and examples of the method, which aims to improve the quality and safety of stored blood products. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at University Hospital Dusseldorf in Germany has explored the potential of using blue light and riboflavin to enhance the effectiveness of gemcitabine, a chemotherapy drug, in treating bladder cancer. The researchers found that exposing bladder cancer cells to non-toxic doses of blue light in the presence of riboflavin significantly increased the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine. This combination therapy could potentially reduce the side effects of treatment and improve the success of local treatment for bladder cancer. Further research is needed to validate these findings. [Extracted from the article]