Coenzyme Q10 nanoparticles prepared by a supercritical fluid-based method

A supercritical fluid-based method is proposed to produce coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) nanoparticles. First, CoQ10/polyethylene glycol 6000 composite particles are prepared by a modified PGSS (particles from gas-saturated solutions) process with controlling the flow rate of the gas-saturated solution. Then, CoQ10 nanoparticles are obtained by dissolving the composite particles into water. The effect of experimental variables of the modified PGSS process, including pressure, temperature, flow rate of the gas-saturated solution, and mass fraction of CoQ10, on the CoQ10 particle size and particle size distribution was investigated. Results show that CoQ10 slurry product with a median diameter of 190 nm and yield of 89.8% can be prepared at an optimum condition (operating pressure of 25 MPa, operating temperature of 80 °C, gas-saturated solution flow rate of 1.02 mL/min, CoQ10 mass fraction of 40% and nozzle diameter of 100 μm) via the supercritical fluid-based method.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► A process with controlled gas-saturated solution flow rate was proposed. ► Coenzyme Q10/PEG6000 composite particles were produced with the process. ► CoQ10 nanoparticles about 190 nm were formed from the composite particles. ► Gas-saturated solution flow rate and CoQ10 mass fraction are crucial factors.