Objective: To develop coenzyme Q10 (co-Q10) nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using stearic acid (SA) and various liquid lipids with different lipophilicity as well as highlights the use of in silico studies for predicting and elucidating the interaction of drug-lipid used as carries in NLCs, at the molecular level. Methods: The co-Q10 NLCs were prepared using SA as solid lipid and oleic acid (OA), isopropyl myristate (IPM), as well as isopropyl palmitate (IPP) as liquid lipids by the high shear homogenization method. Firstly, the formulas were optimized by the appropriate required HLB (rHLB). The optimized NLCs were characterized in the particle size, distribution of particle size, zeta potential, crystallinity behavior, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, morphology, entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), and pH value. The interaction of drug-lipids in silico was studied using the AutoDock Vina program. Results: The co-Q10 NLCs using SA and the various liquid lipid possessed the mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, EE, DL, and pH values were 180 to 350 nm,<0.5,<-30 mV, 83 to 88%, 10 to 11%, and 5.0 to 5.6, respectively. The EE and DL of co-Q10 NLCs increased with decreasing in binding energy (∆G) in silico. Conclusion: The co-Q10 NLCs using SA as solid lipid and OA, IPM, as well as IPP as liquid lipids were developed successfully. Furthermore, in silico study by molecular docking is a potential approach in predicting and elucidating the interaction of drug-lipid in the development of NLCs formulation.

Context: Nanostructured lipid carriers can enhance skin penetration of active substances. Coenzyme Q10 is a lipophilic antioxidant, that has poor skin penetration. This limitation is overcome by nanostructured lipid carriers. Aims: To developed coenzyme Q10 nanostructured lipid carriers using myristic acid with various liquid lipids as lipid matrix by in vitro studies and in silico approach for explaining the interaction of coenzyme Q10-lipid at the molecular level. Methods: The coenzyme Q10 nanostructured lipid carriers were prepared using myristic acid as solid lipid with oleic acid, isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate as liquid lipids using the high shear homogenization method. Then, they were evaluated in physicochemical characteristics by dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transforms infrared, scanning electron microscopy, spectrophotometry ultraviolet-visible, and pH meter. Furthermore, the in silico studies were conducted using AutoDock 4.2. Results: The coenzyme Q10 nanostructured lipid carriers using myristic acid-oleic acid, myristic acid-isopropyl myristate, and myristic acid-isopropyl palmitate as lipid matrix had the mean particle size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, and pH value were less than 300 nm, less than 0.3, more than 80%, about 10%, and about 5.0, respectively. Moreover, molecular docking of coenzyme Q10 and lipid showed hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. These results supported differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transforms infrared results. Conclusions: The coenzyme Q10 nanostructured lipid carriers were successfully prepared using myristic acid-oleic acid, myristic acid-isopropyl myristate, and myristic acid-isopropyl palmitate as lipid matrix as well as in silico study could be used for explaining of coenzyme Q10-lipid interaction.