Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Coenzyme Q10 Binary Solid Dispersions for Enhanced Solubility and Dissolution

Phase solubility behavior of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) at 25 °C in various molar solutions of poloxamer 188 (P188) in water was observed and their binary solid dispersions (BSD) at different weight ratios were prepared by a simple, rapid, cost effective, uncomplicated and potentially scalable low temperature melting method. BSDs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and evaluated for improved solubility at 25 °C and 37 °C and in-vitro release of CoQ10 at 37 °C in distilled water. Solubility of CoQ10 increased with increasing concentrations of P188 in water. Gibbs free energy (ΔG°tr) values were all negative indicating the spontaneous nature of CoQ10 solubilization and decreased with increasing concentration of P188 demonstrating that the reaction conditions became more favorable as the concentration of P188 increased. DSC and SEM analysis indicated that the homogeneity of dispersion was not at the molecular level. However, BSDs exhibited a remarkably improved aqueous solubility and dissolution of CoQ10.