Response of Bacteria, Yeast and Rats to Peroxide-Treated Biotin. Intestinal Synthesis of Biotin in the Rat

Abstract

Lactobacillus casei and the rat cannot utilize biotin that has been oxidized by mild treatment with hydrogen peroxide (0.3% for 24 hours at room temperature). However, yeast does utilize biotin treated in this manner. In the assay of biological materials for biotin oxidizing conditions should be avoided in the preparation of the sample. Biotin syntheses varied with different rations. It was highest on the stock ration (1960 mµg. per day per rat) and very low on a riboflavin deficient ration (152). When the sulfaguanidine was added to a biotin-low ration, the lowest value (80) was reached. The preparation of a biotin-low ration has been described. The synthesis of biotin in voided feces has been studied.