Preparation, characterization and evaluation of coenzyme Q10 binary solid dispersions for enhanced solubility and...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vital biomolecule with poor aqueous solubility, limiting its bioavailability.
• Poloxamer 188 (P188) is a non-ionic surfactant known for its solubilization capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the phase solubility of CoQ10 in aqueous P188 solutions.
• To prepare and characterize binary solid dispersions (BSDs) of CoQ10 and P188.
• To evaluate the enhanced solubility and in-vitro release of CoQ10 from BSDs.

Main Methods:

• Phase solubility studies of CoQ10 in various P188 concentrations at 25°C.
• Preparation of CoQ10:P188 binary solid dispersions (BSDs) via a low-temperature melting method.
• Characterization of BSDs using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
• Evaluation of CoQ10 solubility at 25°C and 37°C and in-vitro release at 37°C.

Main Results:

• CoQ10 solubility significantly increased with rising P188 concentrations.
• Negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG°tr) values indicated spontaneous CoQ10 solubilization, becoming more favorable with increased P188 concentration.
• SEM and DSC analyses suggested that dispersion homogeneity was not at the molecular level.
• BSDs demonstrated markedly improved aqueous solubility and dissolution rates of CoQ10.

Conclusions:

• The low-temperature melting method is a simple, scalable approach for preparing CoQ10:P188 BSDs.
• P188 effectively enhances the aqueous solubility and dissolution of CoQ10.
• CoQ10:P188 BSDs show potential for improving CoQ10 bioavailability in pharmaceutical formulations.