Oleoyl-hyaluronate nanoparticles for enhanced stability and bioactivity of encapsulated coenzyme Q10.

This study presents the successful encapsulation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) within sodium oleoyl hyaluronate (O-HA; Mw ∼12,000 Da) nanoparticles, creating a concentrated, liquid colloidal dispersion. The nanoprecipitation process achieved high encapsulation efficiency (up to 96%) and a loading capacity of 2.4-3.0 mg·mL-1. The physicochemical properties of these solid polymeric nanoparticles, including particle size (240-295 nm) and negative zeta potential (-50 to -53 mV), were optimized to ensure colloidal stability. Long-term stability assessments demonstrated unusual CoQ10 retention and colloidal integrity within this liquid system. The nanoparticles exhibited 90% chemical retention after six months at 40 °C, and maintained their initial particle size (∼273 nm) and zeta potential (∼-53 mV), with 92% chemical retention after one year and 83% after two years at 25 °C. Biological studies revealed that O-HAQ10 nanoparticles enhanced bioactivity, providing protection against reactive oxygen species and exerting anti-inflammatory effects (upregulation of HMOX1, downregulation of IL-6) at cellular exposure concentrations of 4-40 µg·mL-1. Increased expression of collagen types IV and VII suggested a role in reducing signs of aging. Due to CoQ10's extreme lipophilicity and high molecular weight, its effective partitioning into viable skin layers is severely restricted. Therefore, to facilitate dermal delivery, the aqueous nanoparticle dispersion was incorporated into a ∼40:60 water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion using sorbitan olivate as a non-ionic emulsifier. In vitro penetration studies demonstrated that W/O emulsion significantly enhanced skin absorption by 3.8-fold compared to unencapsulated CoQ10 and commercial liposomal formulations. These findings establish O-HAQ10 nanoparticles as a promising, stable delivery system for dermatological applications.