A multi-step approach for the accurate screening and determination of Coenzyme Q₁₀ (Nano)micelles

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is a lipid-soluble compound naturally found in both animals and humans, which plays a key role as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. But, when administered in the form of an oil solution or in water and/or oil suspension or emulsion (traditional way), it presents a poor bioavailability. Hence the need to prepare different encapsulation systems presenting better bioavailability. Analytical strategies are needed to control CoQ₁₀ bioavailability or not forms in foods and pharmaceutical preparations.

A multi-step approach was developed for the screening of Coenzyme Q₁₀-loaded nanomicelles and its subsequent precise analytical determination. Due to the lack of available standards, ten different formulations of Coenzyme Q₁₀-loaded micelles were synthesized, and the screening process was carried out over the particle size, bioactive compound encapsulation and components identification by spectroscopic, microscopy and mass spectrometry techniques. Finally, the positive samples for all the screening steps were subjected to a quantitative analysis using LC/MS. The proposed quantification method showed excellent linearity in the concentration ranges of 0.5-10³ μg/L (R² = 0.9993) for Coenzyme Q₁₀ and 50.0-7.5·10³ μg/L (R² = 0.9991) for the selected surfactant Kolliphor® HS15. Additionally, low limits of detection and quantification, along with remarkable accuracy and precision were obtained. Thus, this approach would allow and adequate quality control of these nanomaterials.

The novelty lies in the synthesis and characterization of distinct CoQ₁₀-loaded micelle formulations, characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) to determine particle size and polydispersity index, ensuring the stability and reproducibility of the synthesis process. The innovative methodology developed addresses the lack of certified standards and provides a robust framework for the quality control of nanomaterials, significantly advancing the field of analytical nanometrology applied to CoQ₁₀ available forms.