Antimicrobial Photodynamic Activity of Hydrophilic Riboflavin Derivatives

The aim of this work was to investigate the antibacterial and antiviral properties of a riboflavin derivative (Vitamin B2), flavin mononucleotide and its derivative, synthesized by conjugation with polyethylene glycol (Rf–PEG). Flavin mononucleotide and conjugate of riboflavin with polyethylene glycol were investigated. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium were used as clinical isolates. Due to the growing number of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, it is necessary to search for new strategies aimed at inactivating pathogens and preventing them from becoming drug-resistant. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising approach to inactivate pathogens regardless of their antibiotic resistance status. The work investigated the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the derivative of riboflavin (Vitamin B2), flavin mononucleotide and its derivative synthesized by conjugation with polyethylene glycol (Rf–PEG). It has been shown that hydrophilic riboflavin derivatives are effective photosensitizers and provide inactivation of both gram-positive and -negative microorganisms during aPDT in vitro.