Preparation of aqueous dispersions of coenzyme Q10 nanoparticles with amylomaize starch and its dextrin

An aqueous dispersion of CoQ10 nanoparticles could be prepared by using amylomaize starch or its dextrin (average DP 311). CoQ10 (100 mg dry solids) was dispersed in aqueous starch or dextrin solution (500 mg/5 mL) at 60-80 °C for 3 days, and then the solids were isolated by centrifuging in the dispersion (25,000× g, 30 min). The isolated particles consisted of CoQ10 and starch at an approximate weight ratio of 2:1. The presence of V-amylose complex with CoQ10 was confirmed under differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), but most of the CoQ10 in the particles existed as crystalline aggregates. The isolated particles, initially ranged in micrometer, could be re-dispersed in water at nano-sizes by treating with a mild ultrasonication. The aqueous dispersions of CoQ10 nanoparticles (100 mg/100 g) exhibited zeta potentials of −33.9 and −51.1 mV, respectively for starch and dextrin dispersions, and remained homogeneous for more than 3 weeks without forming precipitates during an ambient storage.

► CoQ10 could be homogeneously dispersed in aqueous media in the presence of starch. ► Ultrasonication reduced the size of CoQ10 particles to nano size. ► CoQ10 dispersions were stable without precipitation for over 3 weeks.