Pharmacokinetic profile and sub-chronic toxicity of coenzyme Q10 loaded whey protein nanoparticles

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a crucial endogenous lipophilic antioxidant, and encapsulation is often used to improve its solubility and stability. However, information about the bioavailability and safety assessment of constructed formulations is limited. In this study, in vivo pharmacokinetics profile and sub-chronic toxicity of CoQ10 loaded whey protein concentrate (WPC) and polymerized whey protein concentrate (PWPC) nanoparticles were evaluated. Pharmacokinetics data showed that CoQ10 concentrations in the plasma of rats fed with nanoparticles were higher than that of the free counterpart. CoQ10 concentration reached its maximum level after 12 h when orally administered with WPC and PWPC based encapsulation, which was delayed compared with free CoQ10 (8 h). Sub-chronic toxicity evaluation for PWPC-CoQ10 was conducted with 28-day feeding test. Results indicated that no adverse toxicological reactions in term of physical examination, body weight, food intake, hematology, serum chemistry, organ weight or histopathology excepted for blood potassium were observed after oral administration of feed with incorporated PWPC-CoQ10 nanoparticles. The maximum concentration of nanoparticle powder in diet of no adverse effect on the male and female rats was up to 2% (w/w). Results denoted a potential application of whey protein as a safe natural polymer to fabricate delivery systems to enhance bioavailability of nutritional supplements like CoQ10.