Biotin: DNA to diet

Abstract

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an essential cofactor in many cellular metabolic processes, including fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, amino acid metabolism, and gluconeogenesis. Biotin is not synthesized by human cells; they take it up from intestinal gut bacteria or dietary sources. The estimated average requirement (EAR) for biotin is uncertain, but people of different ages require biotin between 5 and 35 mcg/d. Interestingly, the chemical structure and involvement of biotin in metabolic pathways in all three domains of life have opened the possibilities of drug development against pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, biotin is a small molecule with high and robust affinity towards avidin, which makes it suitable for use as a biochemical sensor for the diagnosis of diseases. A substantial adsorption and affinity of biotin towards proteins implicated in lipid or fatty-acid synthesis directs its potential to interact with and dismantle the extracellular matrix (ECM) of bacterial biofilm. This review explores the genesis, structural outlook, and multifaceted role of biotin in genetics, healthcare, diet, and future research. This aims to provide a holistic view of biotin research, ranging from cellular and molecular levels to the dosage and food supplements.