Novel hydroxyethyl derivative of Biochanin A induced by gamma irradiation increases water solubility and antioxidant activities in UVB-exposed HaCaT cells

Biochanin A (BA) is a plant-derived flavonoid isoflavone with promising pharmaceutical potential, hindered by poor water solubility. This study explored the use of gamma irradiation to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of BA. We found that gamma irradiation at doses ranging from 10 to 50 kGy induced hydroxyethylation at the C2 position of BA, producing a novel derivative, hydroxyethylated BA (HE-BA). HE-BA significantly improved water solubility and enhanced free radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, HE-BA exhibited enhanced protection against ultraviolet B-induced cell death in HaCaT cells by inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and preventing mitochondrial membrane loss compared to BA. These results suggest that HE-BA, derived from gamma-irradiated BA, is an effective antioxidant agent, overcoming the limitations associated with BA. Collectively, gamma irradiation could be a valuable tool for the molecular modification of flavonoids, beneficial for the drug discovery industry. • Gamma irradiation is effective molecular modification tool of natural compounds • Gamma irradiation introduce hydroxyethylation at C2 position of Biochanin A (BA) • Hydroxyethylated BA increased the radical scavenging activity and water solubility • Hydroxyethylated BA protects against UVB-induced cell death effectively than BA • Hydroxyethylated BA inhibits UVB-induced ROS and MMP loss effectively than BA