Characterization and bioavailability of a novel coenzyme Q10 nanoemulsion used as an infant formula supplement

GARCIA BECERRA; ROJAS A.; HOCHT C.; BERNABEU EZEQUIEL; CHIAPPETTA D.; TEVEZ S.; LUCANGIOLI S.; FLOR S.; TRIPODI V.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2023 vol. 634

0378-5173

Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), in patients with its deficiency, has greater odds of success if thetreatment is carried out early with an appropriate formulation. For neonatal CoQ10 deficiency, infant formulasupplementation could be an attractive option. However, solid CoQ10 cannot be solubilized or dispersed in milkmatrix leading to an inefficient CoQ10 dosage and poor intestinal absorption. We developed and characterized ahigh-dose CoQ10 oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion suitable to supplement infant formula without modifying itsorganoleptic characteristics. CoQ10 powder and soy lecithin were solubilized in an oil phase consisted of Labrasol® and LabrafacTM. The aqueous phase was Tween 80, TPGS, methylparaben and propylparaben. O/Wnanoemulsion was prepared by adding dropwise the oil phase to the aqueous phase under stirring to a finalconcentration of CoQ10 9.5 % w/w followed by ultrasonic homogenization. Pharmacotechnical parameters weredetermined. This formulation resulted to be easily to be dispersed in milk matrix, stable for at least 90 days, withno cytotoxicity in in vitro assays, and higher bioavailability than CoQ10 powder. CoQ10 nanoemulsion supplementation in the infant formula facilitates the individualized administration for the child with accurate dosage,overcome swallowing difficulties and in turn could increase the treatment adherence and efficacy