Unlocking bactericidal potential of coenzyme Q10 through an optimized oral nano-system formulation approach: in-vitro characterization and antimicrobial evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections demand innovative therapies. Drug repurposing offers a faster, safer alternative to traditional development.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study investigates Coenzyme Q10, a safe antioxidant, using a novel proliposomal nano-delivery system to overcome its poor solubility and unlock antimicrobial efficacy.

METHODS

An optimized CoQ10 proliposomal formulation was developed via factorial design and characterized for size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, release, TEM, DSC, and FTIR. Antimicrobial activity against A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa was compared to free drug using the Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsThe optimized formulation showed 172.4 nm size, -24.4 mV zeta potential, 72.43% entrapment, and 69.06% release over 24h-an 11.27-fold enhancement over unformulated CoQ10. It transformed the drug into an amorphous state and formed spherical vesicles. It significantly potentiated activity (p<0.05), reducing MIC and MBC against both pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

10's A rationally designed proliposomal system markedly improves CoQ10 dissolution and revives its antimicrobial activity. This first report of nano-encapsulation-augmented efficacy against resistant Gram-negative bacteria offers a promising translatable strategy for clinical investigation.