Exploring Riboflavin Derivatives in the Photodynamic Inactivation of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms is an alternative to the use of antibiotics in certain applications, reducing the proliferation of multidrug‐resistant pathogens that hinder the control of infectious diseases. In this study we synthesize and evaluate riboflavin derivatives for PDI. The photostability of the compounds and their ability to generate singlet oxygen under visible blue light irradiation are also analyzed. Various homogeneous and heterogeneous systems containing riboflavin derivatives exhibit moderate efficacy in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus cultures. These results place the groundwork for designing and developing new photosensitizers based on slightly modified natural products.