Physicochemical properties of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) (RF), in Dextran 70 (Dx70) (a biological relevant glucidic type macromolecule) and Human Serum Albumin (HSA) (a carrier/transport protein) based system, have been studied by absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism and electrochemistry. No significant changes on the fluorescence of RF in Dx70/HSA systems with and without the influence of temperature (30-60 °C range) were observed. No changes on the intrinsic Tryptophan fluorescence in Dx70/RF/HSA system, have been evidenced. HSA secondary structure when RF binds in Dx70/RF/HSA systems, with a renaturation effect of Dx70, was found. In Dx70/RF/HSA system the major process which RF undergoes is the proton transfer, Ered = -0.43 V. Using the chemiluminescence method, an improvement of the antioxidant activity of RF into the Dx70/RF/HSA system, was also found. RF concentration in Dx70/RF/HSA systems is important in RF oxidative damages when it reacts with target molecules and thus promotes their oxidation. The results have relevance in the oxidative stress process and in pharmaceutical formulations containing RF.
Keywords: Antioxidant activity; Dextran70; Fluorescence spectroscopy; Proteins; Riboflavin.