Optimization of nutraceutical coenzyme Q10 nanoemulsion with improved skin permeability and anti-wrinkle efficiency

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an insoluble, poorly permeable antioxidant with great biological value which acts as anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agent. To improve its permeability through topical application, the current study aimed at formulating oil/water (o/w) nanoemulsion (NE) as an efficient vehicle for delivering (CoQ10) through the skin barriers. The solubility of (CoQ10) was tested for various oils, surfactants (S), and co-surfactants (CoS). The NE region was determined by constructing pseudoternary phase diagrams. NE formulae containing 1, 2, and 3% w/w drug have been subjected to thermodynamic stability test. The formulae that passed thermodynamic stability tests were characterized by physical properties as pH, viscosity, refractive index, droplet size, zeta-potential, TEM, electroconductivity, in vitro release, and ex vivo permeation. The formula 'F2' containing 10% w/w isopropyl myristate (oil phase), 60% w/w of Tween 80: Transcutol HP mixture (S/CoS) at ratio 2:1, 30% w/w water and 2% w/w drug was evaluated for its anti-wrinkle efficiency using an animal model. The 'F2' formula showed 11.76 ± 1.1 nm droplet size, 1.4260 ± 0.0016 refractive index, 0.228 PDI, -14.7 ± 1.23 mv zeta potential, 7.06 ± 0.051 pH, 199.05 ± 0.35 cp viscosity, and the highest percentage of drug release in the selected dissolution media. About 47.21% of the drug was released in phosphate buffer 7.4 containing 5% w/v Labrasol and 5% w/v isopropyl alcohol through 24 h. It also showed the highest drug flux (J = 3.164 µg/cm/h), enhancement ratio (E = 8.32), and permeability coefficient (K = 22.14 × 10 cm/h). CoQ10 NE reduced the skin wrinkles and gave the skin smooth appearance. Our investigation suggests the potential use of NE as a vehicle for enhancing solubility and permeability of CoQ10 and thus improving its anti-wrinkle efficiency.

Topical Delivery of Coenzyme Q10-Loaded Microemulsion for Skin Regeneration

“…However, the SMEDDS still showed a low solubility of CoQ10 [37]. A nanoemulsion containing CoQ10 using Tween 80 was developed for alleviating the formation of wrinkles [38]. Another study reported that a CoQ10 microemulsion using glycosphingolipids demonstrated high CoQ10 solubility and improved bioavailability when orally administered, with CoQ10 used as a food ingredient and not a therapeutic agent [39].…”

The activity of topical coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) in burned rats: Results from an experimental study

“…Thus it may be beneficial to protect cells from reactive oxygen species-induced damage through improving local antioxidant activity in wounds (10). It is known that several numerous markers such as matrix metalloproteinases, SOD-1, CAT, reduced (11)(12)(13). In vitro models for studies investigating experimental burn injuries are limited.…”

Aging-Related Disorders and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Critical Review for Prospect Mitoprotective Strategies Based on Mitochondrial Nutrient Mixtures

“…In this area, a pre-existing—and current—literature has focused on the role of mitochondria in creating a prooxidant state since the early studies [ 78 , 79 ]. Hence, a line of studies has pursued MN-containing preparations [ 80 , 81 ], and a body of literature has reported the favorable effects of topical MN administration using ALA [ 82 , 83 ] or CoQ10 [ 84 , 85 ] or CARN [ 86 ], as evaluated in clinical trials. In several studies, MN administration was accompanied by other ingredients.…”