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.