Riboflavin derivatives are synthesized and evaluated for photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms as an alternative to antibiotics. This study analyzes their photostability and singlet-oxygen generation under visible blue light. Systems with these derivatives moderately affect Staphylococcus aureus growth under light irradiation, supporting the development of new photosensitizers from slightly modified natural products.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms is an alternative to the use of antibiotics in certain applications, reducing the proliferation of multidrug-resistant pathogens that hinder the control of infectious diseases. In this study we synthesize and evaluate riboflavin derivatives for PDI. The photostability of the compounds and their ability to generate singlet oxygen under visible blue light irradiation are also analyzed. Various homogeneous and heterogeneous systems containing riboflavin derivatives exhibit moderate efficacy in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus cultures. These results place the groundwork for designing and developing new photosensitizers based on slightly modified natural products.