Biotin

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It functions as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes, which are essential for converting nutrients into energy and facilitating the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. By supporting these enzymatic reactions, biotin helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as promote overall energy production and metabolic function.

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. Its chemical structure and properties are as follows:

• Molecular Formula: C10H16N2O3S
• IUPAC Name: 5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxohexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl]pentanoic acid
• Key Structural Features: Biotin has a complex ring system consisting of a thiophene ring fused to an imidazole ring. The molecule contains a valeric acid side chain, which is a 5-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at the end. The biotin molecule also has several chiral centers, with the 3a, 4, and 6a positions having specific stereochemistry.

Biotin's key structural features contribute to its biological activity and properties. The valeric acid side chain allows biotin to bind to enzymes, such as carboxylases, which are involved in various metabolic processes. The thiophene and imidazole rings are essential for biotin's role as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions.

Some of the key properties of biotin include:

• Molecular Weight: 244.31 g/mol
• Melting Point: 230-233°C
• Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in organic solvents
• Stability: Stable in acidic and neutral conditions, but unstable in alkaline conditions

Biotin plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. It serves as a coenzyme for several enzymes, including pyruvate carboxylase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. Biotin deficiency can lead to various health problems, including skin rashes, hair loss, and neurological disorders.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or H, is a B-complex vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including energy production, nerve function, and skin, hair, and nail health. It is commonly sourced from both natural and synthetic sources.

• Natural Sources:

  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are rich in biotin.
  • Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are good sources of biotin.
  • Egg yolks: Egg yolks are one of the richest sources of biotin in animal products.
  • Organ meats: Liver, kidney, and heart are good sources of biotin.
  • Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, and barley contain biotin.
  • Leafy greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, and kale are good sources of biotin.

• Extraction Methods:

  • Fermentation: Microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast can be used to ferment biotin-rich substrates, such as sugarcane or corn, to produce biotin.
  • Chemical synthesis: Biotin can be synthesized through a series of chemical reactions involving the condensation of urea, succinic acid, and other compounds.
  • Extraction from natural sources: Biotin can be extracted from natural sources, such as egg yolks or nuts, using solvents like ethanol or hexane.

• Synthesis Methods:

  • Microbial fermentation: Microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast can be engineered to produce biotin through fermentation.
  • Enzymatic synthesis: Enzymes can be used to catalyze the synthesis of biotin from precursor molecules.
  • Chemical synthesis: Biotin can be synthesized through a series of chemical reactions involving the condensation of urea, succinic acid, and other compounds.

• Quality Considerations for Supplements:

  • Purity: Look for supplements with a high purity level (≥98%) to ensure minimal contamination.
  • Stability: Biotin is sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen, so choose supplements with a stable formulation and packaging.
  • Bioavailability: Opt for supplements with a bioavailable form of biotin, such as d-biotin, which is more easily absorbed by