Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin (B7/H) with a fused ring structure (ureido and tetrahydrothiophene) and a valeric acid side chain, functioning as a coenzyme in carboxylase enzymes that mediate key steps in metabolism (fatty acid synthesis, breakdown of amino acids, gluconeogenesis). Found in most tissues and synthesized by intestinal bacteria, biotin deficiency often leads to metabolic and neurological disorders. Biotin’s tight binding to proteins like avidin/streptavidin facilitates its extensive use in biotechnology. It is not itself a direct target for pharmaceuticals, but it is essential for normal cellular physiology and is commonly included in vitamin supplements.

Other names

Vitamin B7Vitamin HHexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazole-4-pentanoic acidBiotine (French, Dutch)Biotina (Italian)Vitamina H (Italian)Biotyna (Polish)Vitamine B8 (French)

As a coenzyme, biotin binds carboxylase enzymes, facilitating transfer of CO₂ in metabolic reactions Non-drug mechanism of action: carrier for carboxylation reactions in metabolism In laboratory applications: biotin’s high-affinity binding to avidin/streptavidin is used in assays and molecular biology