Reduced Coenzyme Q10 Capsule Stability via Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reduced coenzyme Q10 is prone to oxidation when used in food, health supplements, and pharmaceutical products, making it difficult to stabilize and maintain its effectiveness due to exposure to oxygen, especially during processing and storage.
Innovation Solution
Preserving reduced coenzyme Q10 in a capsule by controlling the surrounding environment to a relative humidity of 0-60% and packaging it in a deoxygenated atmosphere using inert gases, along with packaging materials that prevent air circulation, such as plastic films and desiccants, to inhibit oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reduced coenzyme Q10 is supplied to increase antioxidant activity in blood, then the effectiveness for preventing various diseases is improved, but the compound is readily oxidized by molecular oxygen during processing and storage, leading to formation of oxidized coenzyme Q10 as a byproduct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific capsule structure as an intermediary system between the reduced coenzyme Q10 and the external oxygen environment. The capsule comprises a gelatin shell and a specific composition containing reduced coenzyme Q10, phospholipids, and reducing agents that work together to maintain stability while preserving antioxidant effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protective microenvironment inside the capsule by incorporating phospholipids and reducing agents that establish a reducing atmosphere, effectively excluding oxygen from contact with reduced coenzyme Q10 during storage and processing, thereby preventing oxidation while maintaining biological activity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to produce reduced coenzyme Q10 through synthesis or fermentation followed by chromatography, then high-quality reduced coenzyme Q10 can be manufactured, but it remains difficult to stabilize during processing and long-period preservation due to unavoidable oxygen exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating reducing agents and phospholipids into the capsule composition before storage begins. This pre-established protective system actively prevents oxidation during the entire storage period, maintaining both purity and stability without requiring additional interventions during long-term preservation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reducing agents are used to maintain reduced coenzyme Q10 in stable condition, then oxidation is prevented, but the compositions become complicated and troublesome requiring multiple components and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a capsule composition where phospholipids serve multiple functions: they act as structural components of the capsule matrix, provide a hydrophobic environment for coenzyme Q10, and work synergistically with reducing agents to prevent oxidation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate stabilizing systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively stabilizes reduced coenzyme Q10, maintaining a high retention percentage of 70-98% after storage, thereby enhancing its antioxidant effect and preventing the formation of oxidized coenzyme Q10.
Implementation Method 1
reduced coenzyme Q10 is readily oxidized to oxidized coenzyme Q10 by molecular oxygen
Implementation Method 2
controlling environment surrounding the capsule to a relative humidity of not less than 0% but not more than 60%
Implementation Method 3
packaging it in a deoxygenated atmosphere using inert gases, along with packaging materials that prevent air circulation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention has its object to provide a method for stably preserving a capsule containing reduced coenzyme Q10, which is useful as foods, functional nutritive foods, specific health foods, nutritional supplements, nutrients, animal drugs, drinks, feeds, cosmetics, medicines, remedies, preventive drugs, etc. The present invention relates to a method for preserving reduced coenzyme Q10 which comprises producing or obtaining a capsule containing reduced coenzyme Q10, and controlling environment surrounding the capsule to a relative humidity of not less than 0% but not more than 60%. According to this method, reduced coenzyme Q10 can be preserved stably, without requiring huge cost and labor, or special equipment.