Preparation and characterization of coenzyme Q10 loaded solid lipid-based formulations for enhancement of gastrointestinal solubilization

Abstract

The aim of current research was to develop two types of solid lipid-based formulations to enhance solubility and stability of poorly water-soluble coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). The powders of solid self-microemulsifying delivery system (SMEDS) were produced by rotational evaporation with magnesium aluminum silicate. And silica lipid hybrid (SLH) microparticles were developed by lyophilization of oil-in-water emulsions with Aerosil 300 silica nanoparticles as solid carrier. The in vitro dissolution experiment indicated that the dissolution behavior of solid SMEDS and SLH microparticles could be explained by Rigter-Peppas and Weibull model respectively. The in vitro lipolysis study revealed that compared with pure CoQ10, solid SMEDS and SLH microparticles significantly enhanced the solubility of CoQ10 in the aqueous medium under fasted and fed conditions. During a 30-day stability study, solid formulations showed good stability and high retention rate of CoQ10 (above 80%) after stored at three different temperatures. Besides, CoQ10 in solid formulations also exhibited good photostability. These results demonstrated that solid lipid-based formulations could be identified as appropriate strategies to improve solubility and stability of CoQ10.