Abstract: The optimal formulation and preparation techniques of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) nanoliposomes were investigated. The nanoliposomes were prepared with ethanol injection and sonication method. The encapsulation efficiency (EE), retention rate (RR), average particle size (D0.5) and average particle size change (△D0.5)of CoQ10 nanoliposomes were taken as criteria,and the optimization of the formulation and preparation techniques of CoQ10 nanoliposomes were achieved by orthogonal array design. The optimum formulation consisted of phospholipid/cholestero/Tween 80/CoQ10 (2.5:0.4:1.8:1.2, W/W) with phosphate buffer solution (pH7.4, 0.01 mol/L) as hydration media. The optimum preparation parameters are as follows: ethanol (1ml), hydration time (10min), hydration temperature (45℃) and sonication power (450W). The CoQ10 nanoliposomes employing the optimal formulation and preparation parameters have homogeneous shape with particle sizes ranging from 20nm to 300nm, and with D0.5 about 68nm. The EE of CoQ10 nanoliposomes is greater than 95% with RR higher than 90 % and △D0.5 lower than 10% after stored at 4℃ for three months. The optimized formulation of CoQ10 nanoliposomes is reasonable in prescription, practicable in techniques, high in encapsulation efficiency and good in stability.

Key words: coenzyme Q10, nanoliposomes, orthogonal array design, preparation