Reduced Coenzyme Q10 Form II Crystal for Oxidation Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing formulations of reduced coenzyme Q10 supplements lack sufficient oxidation stability, particularly in tablet forms, necessitating further enhancement to ensure stability during processing, distribution, and storage.

Innovation Solution

Development of a reduced coenzyme Q10 crystal, specifically Form II, with a melting point of 52.0°C or more, exhibiting characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks, and a formulation that satisfies the equation y ≥ 0.1762x + 51.327, where y is the melting point and x is the amount of the crystal, to enhance oxidation stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reduced coenzyme Q10 is used in tablet formulations, then oral absorbability is improved, but oxidation stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation stabilityVSAvoidoxidation by oxygen
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of melting point to improve oxidation stability. Specifically, it selects reduced coenzyme Q10 crystals with a melting point of 52.0°C or more (measured by DSC at 1°C/minute), which have been proven to exhibit higher oxidation stability compared to crystals with lower melting points. This parameter change allows the supplement to maintain reduced form stability during processing, distribution, and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transition property of reduced coenzyme Q10 crystals, specifically their melting point characteristics. By selecting crystals with specific melting point ranges (52.0°C or more), the patent leverages the phase transition behavior to enhance oxidation resistance. The crystal structure and its thermal properties are exploited to protect the reduced form from oxidation during storage and handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Ease of manufacture

If reduced coenzyme Q10 is stored under normal conditions, then ease of storage is improved, but oxidation resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidoxidation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the melting point parameter of the crystal to enable storage under normal conditions while maintaining oxidation stability. By selecting crystals with a melting point of 52.0°C or more, the invention achieves a balance where the supplement can be stored under ordinary conditions (40°C and 75% RH for 1 month) without significant oxidation, as demonstrated by the oxidizing rate of 0.40 or less.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional Form I crystal is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but oxidation stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystal production simplicityVSAvoidoxidation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the melting point parameter from conventional Form I crystal characteristics to Form II crystal characteristics with a melting point of 52.0°C or more. This parameter change results in superior oxidation stability while maintaining manufacturability through established crystallization processes. The invention specifically identifies Form II crystal with characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks at 11.5°, 18.2°, 19.3°, 22.3°, 23.0°, and 33.3° (Cu-Kα) as the desired form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The developed crystal and formulation demonstrate excellent oxidation stability, maintaining a low oxidizing rate of 0.40 or less when stored at 40°C and 75% RH for 1 month, suitable for various supplement forms.

Implementation Method 1

reduced coenzyme Q10 is easily oxidized by oxygen in the air... a crystal having a higher melting point exhibits higher oxidation stability... an oxidizing rate of the crystal is 0.40 or less when the crystal is stored in a condition of 40°C and 75% RH for 1 month

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a reduced coenzyme Q10 crystal called a Form II crystal has a range of melting points depending on the manufacturing condition or the like, and that a crystal having a higher melting point exhibits higher oxidation stability... having a melting point of 52.0°C or more, as measured at a heating rate of 1°C/minute by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

which exhibits characteristic peaks at diffraction angles (2θ ± 0.2°) of 11.5°, 18.2°, 19.3°, 22.3°, 23.0°, and 33.3° in powder X-ray (Cu-Kα) diffractometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4692037A1Crystal and preparation of reduced coenzyme q10
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KANEKA CORP
  • EP4692037A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692037A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692037A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a crystal of reduced coenzyme Q10, the crystal having excellent oxidation stability. The crystal of reduced coenzyme Q10 has a melting point of 52.0°C or more, as measured at a heating rate of 1°C/minute by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wherein the melting point is represented by a temperature at which a cumulative calorific value becomes 50%.