Improved photostability and cytotoxic effect of coenzyme Q10 by its association with vitamin E acetate in polymeric nanocapsules

Abstract

The present study showed the development of nanocapsules containing the association of the coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E acetate and the evaluation of their effect on in vitro cells culture of malignant glioma and melanoma. In order to investigate if nanocapsules are able to protect coenzyme Q10 from degradation under UVC radiation, a photostability study was carried out. For this, three concentrations of vitamin E acetate were evaluated (1%, 2%, or 3%). Nanocapsules presented suitable physicochemical characteristics and were able to protect coenzyme Q10 from photodegradation. In addition, this protection was influenced by higher vitamin E acetate concentrations, attributing to this oil an important role on coenzyme Q10 photostabilization. Regarding to in vitro citotoxicity assay, nanocapsules containing coenzyme Q10 and 2% vitamin E significantly reduced glioma and melanoma cell viability in 61% and 66%, respectively. In this sense, these formulations represent interesting platforms for the delivery of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E acetate, presenting effect on the reduction of malignant cells viability.

Keywords:

• Coenzyme Q10
• vitamin E
• antioxidants
• nanocapsules
• cell culture
• in vitro cytotoxicity
• glioma
• melanoma

Acknowledgements

The authors thank C. B. da Silva for ZetaSizer access. NSP thanks CAPES/Brazil for master fellowship.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.