Investigating the Role of Antioxidant Compounds in Riboflavin-Mediated Photo-Oxidation of Methionine: A H-NMR Approach.

Riboflavin (RF) is a well-known photosensitizer, responsible for the light-induced oxidation of methionine (Met) leading to the spoilage of wine. An NMR approach was used to investigate the role of gallic acid (GA) and sulfur dioxide (SO) in the RF-mediated photo-oxidation of Met. Water solutions of RF and Met, with and without GA or SO, were exposed to visible light for increasing time in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. Upon light exposure, a new signal appeared at 2.64 ppm that was assigned to the S(O)CH moiety of methionine sulfoxide. Its formation rate was lower in a nitrogen atmosphere and even lower in the presence of GA, supporting the ability of this compound in quenching the singlet oxygen. In contrast, SO caused relevant oxidation of Met, moderately observed even in the dark, making Met less available in donating electrons to RF. The competition of GA versus Met photo-oxidation was revealed, indicating effectiveness of this antioxidant against the light-dependent spoilage of wine. A pro-oxidant effect of SO toward Met was found as a possible consequence of radical pathways involving oxygen.