Reduced Coenzyme Q10 Form II Crystal for Oxidation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reduced coenzyme Q10 is prone to oxidation, necessitating improved oxidation stability for use in tablet forms and formulations, particularly due to its susceptibility to air oxidation.

Innovation Solution

Development of a reduced coenzyme Q10 crystal (Form II) with a melting point of 52.0°C or more, characterized by specific X-ray diffraction peaks and controlled crystallization methods to enhance oxidation stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reduced coenzyme Q10 is used in tablet or hard capsule form, then application versatility is improved, but oxidation stability deteriorates due to exposure to air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication formVSAvoidoxidation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inert atmosphere by replacing air (oxidizing environment) with nitrogen gas during storage and handling of reduced coenzyme Q10 tablets and hard capsules. This prevents oxidation by creating an oxygen-free environment, allowing the use of reduced coenzyme Q10 in various solid dosage forms without compromising its stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses nitrogen gas as an intermediary substance between the reduced coenzyme Q10 and oxygen. The nitrogen atmosphere acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the reduced coenzyme Q10 and oxidizing agents, thereby maintaining stability while enabling diverse formulation options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If reduced coenzyme Q10 is stored in soft capsules with fat, then oxidation stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation stabilityVSAvoidformulation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex fat-based soft capsule formulation with a simpler solid formulation (tablet or hard capsule) stored in a nitrogen atmosphere. This eliminates the need for lipid matrices and soft capsule manufacturing processes while maintaining oxidation stability through the inert gas environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If reduced coenzyme Q10 is increased in oxidation stability through coating, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation stabilityVSAvoidcoating process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for complex coating processes (such as shellac, gelatin, or gum arabic coatings) by storing the reduced coenzyme Q10 in a nitrogen atmosphere. This provides oxidation stability through environmental control rather than through additional material layers or processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 Form II crystal exhibits reduced oxidation rates of 0.40% or less when stored at 40°C and 75% RH for a month, maintaining stability for extended periods.

Implementation Method 1

a reduced coenzyme Q10 crystal (Form II) with a melting point of 52.0°C or more, characterized by specific X-ray diffraction peaks and controlled crystallization methods to enhance oxidation stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

reduced coenzyme Q10 is easily oxidized by oxygen in the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

The Form II crystal exhibits reduced oxidation rates of 0.40% or less when stored at 40°C and 75% RH for a month, maintaining stability for extended periods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20260008739A1Crystal and formulation of reduced coenzyme q10
Publication Date: 2026.01.08 KANEKA CORP
  • US20260008739A1 patent drawing
  • US20260008739A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A reduced coenzyme Q10 crystal having excellent oxidation stability is provided. The crystal 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), where the melting point is represented by a temperature at which a cumulative calorific value becomes 50%.