Biotin methyl ester is an intermediate in the synthesis of Biotin. It is used as an inhibitor of biotin transport and uptake in “in vitro” researches. Biotin and its methyl ester are equally active for the growth of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain M). Lactobacillus casei can utilize the methyl ester of biotin. However growth and fermentation are slower than with free biotin.

Biotin (also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin which is required for normal cellular functions, growth and development. Biotin is an important cofactor for many mitochondria and cytoplasm enzymes: acetyl-CoA carboxylase a (ACCa),7 ACCb, pyruvate carboxylase (PC), propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), and methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCC) and plays critical role in in the intermediate metabolism of gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid catabolism. The vitamin cannot be synthesized by humans and must be obtained from diet. If there is a lack of biotin, an organism starts suffering from biotin deficiency, a condition which is very common among pregnant women, for example. The vitamin deficiency effects hair, nail growth and skin health. For preventing measures, biotin should be taken as a dietary supplement (in a form of vitamin complex or as a pure biotin) which are marketed worldwide under different names. Biotin is a part of many formulations which were approved by FDA.