Preparation, Characterization, and Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Novel Coenzyme Q10 Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

Abstract

Background: Research proved that coenzyme Q10-loaded NLC effectively removes skin wrinkles, therefore, such a formulation with good characteristics is still the research goal. Objective: This study investigated the effect of solid lipids and surfactant type on the physical characteristics of Q10-NLC. We aimed to achieve the optimum formulation for producing NLC with long-term stability and high Entrapment efficiency (E.E.) %. We compared the experimental results with the output of the Molecular dynamic (M.D.) simulations. Methods: To develop Q10-NLC, various solid lipids, MCT oil, and surfactants were employed. The formulations were prepared by high-shear homogenization and ultrasound methods. Stability studies were carried out 1,3, and 6 months at 4, 25, and 40°C. The optimized NLC formulations were characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). E.E. % was determined by HPLC analysis. Atomistic M.D. simulations of two model systems were performed to gain insights into the self-assembled process of co-Q10 with other formulation components. Results: Statistical analysis (Two-way ANOVA) revealed that solid lipid and surfactant factors had a significant influence on particle size, PDI, and zeta potential (***p < 0.0001). According to the results, F1 and F6 formulations had desirable surface characterizations, physicochemical stability, and high E.E.%. The atomistic M.D. simulations confirmed that the F1 system (best) was more stable than the F31 system (worst). Conclusion: The solid lipids: tripalmitin and compritol, stabilized with 4% tween 80 and 1% span 80, have produced stable NLC with the best surface characteristics that could be a promising formulation for the delivery of Q10. Atomistic M.D. simulation has confirmed the stability of F1 in comparison to F31.