Particle Size Matters: How Dynamic Light Scattering Guarantees Maximum CoQ10 Absorption

Think about taking a CoQ10 supplement every day, thinking it’s giving all your cells energy like a racecar; instead, it’s incinerating away in your gut like rain on the Sahara Desert! That is frustrating. CoQ10 is also an essential part of the energy-producing machinery within the body’s cells, specifically the mitochondria, to make ATP, and is a powerful antioxidant that supports the body’s defence against oxidative damage. The bad news is that standard CoQ10 is very poorly absorbed—less than 5%—because it does not dissolve well in water; instead, it forms large crystals that float and repel each other like oil and water during a bad party [1].

The good news is that liposomal CoQ10 has a solution to the solubility problem! Liposomes are tiny “bubbles” that wrap around CoQ10 and act like a lipid for CoQ10 so that when they are absorbed through the intestinal lining, they are absorbed into your body as if they were a part of the normal cell membrane of all your cells!

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) for CoQ10 is the “detective” that determines the size and distribution of crystals that make up CoQ10 [2]. This blog will explain the advantages of using dynamic light scattering to determine that small, uniform-sized particles increase the absorption of liposomal CoQ10. It will provide scientific evidence, relevant graphs, and tips for identifying high-quality, pharma-grade liposomal CoQ10. So if you want your CoQ10 supplement to work like a “bioavailable” accumulator and battery, you need to use the DLS method.

Key Takeaways:

• Standard CoQ10 is poorly absorbed (less than 5%) due to its poor solubility and tendency to form large crystals (around 3000 nm), but liposomal CoQ10 encapsulates it in small lipid “bubbles” for superior absorption.
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is the gold standard quality control method that measures two critical factors for bioavailability: an optimal average particle size (ideally sub-200 nm, such as the tested 150.2 nm) and a low Polydispersity Index (PDI, ideally under 0.3) for particle uniformity.
• To select a high-quality supplement, consumers should look for pharma-grade liposomal CoQ10 brands that publicly provide DLS-tested data confirming a small particle size, low PDI, and a high zeta potential (e.g., greater than -30 mV) for product stability.

Understanding CoQ10 Bioavailability: The Absorption Challenge

Imagine the intestines as a door for nutrients (in the form of food). A Regular (mother) CoQ10 product may be too large, bulky and collide with the wall created by solubility issues. As a result, the average nanoparticle (3000 nm) has virtually no chance of entering the intestines and will be excreted (mocking your wallet and wellness) [3].

The composition of liposomes allows them to operate as stealth missiles. With a double layer of phospholipids, they envelop the CoQ10 product in a protective aqueous core, and the fatty tails form a surrounding layer. By reviewing the Liposome Characterisation of many formulations, this characteristic shape allows liposomes to be much smaller than regular CoQ10, increasing liposomal CoQ10 absorption. Liposomes can protect against and be compatible with the acids and enzymes available in the gastrointestinal tract. It is not a coincidence (or Magic). Instead, it is a perfect imitation, as liposomes resemble cell membranes and are emptied directly into the bloodstream [4].

Dynamic Light Scattering has confirmed that CoQ10 liposomes perform superiorly (in terms of product stability and consistency) compared with regular emulsified CoQ10 and stPEG-CoQ10 micelles. Dynamic Light Scattering reveals that nanoparticles in solution are constantly in motion. Consequently, this indicates that liposomes have a better advantage than other fat-based CoQ10 emulsions. Thus, while other forms of liposome products still face absorption challenges, liposomes make those challenges roadblocks (or highways) to create energy and support the development of a robust defence system for their users.

The Scientific Proof: Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) Explained

Dynamic light scattering for CoQ10 is like a cosmic strobe light at a particle rave—shining laser beams through a suspension to catch the frantic Brownian dance of molecules. Developed in the 1960s, DLS remains the gold standard for size measurement in nutraceuticals, from CoQ10-NLCs to our liposomal stars.

Why? Rapid, live measurements of hydrodynamic diameter without drying or staining means you can measure delicate liposomes, and this is their mechanism, using an analogy: Picture a large jar full of particles as fireflies, illuminated by a laser. Smaller particles fly around like a bee on caffeine (rapid fluctuations in scattered light), while bigger particles will be more like a sloth (slow, gradual changes). The software calculates the intensity fluctuations by means of the autocorrelation analysis, creating the distribution of sizes for the particles measured through dynamic light scattering (DLS). For example, the DLS results for CoQ10 provide two different metrics: average particle size (nanometers) and polydispersity index (PDI).

Average particle size is the “gatekeeper” for bioavailability; smaller particles (<220 nanometers) can pass through the intestinal barrier with little resistance, while larger particles (>220 nanometers) are considered too large and will not be absorbed [5].

Polydispersity index (PDI) is analogous to an orchestra; an orchestra with a perfect PDI of zero (perfectly uniform particle size) provides for the best absorption of liposomal CoQ10 products, while a PDI of 1 signals a large size distribution, or “clumping,” that will reduce the product’s efficacy.
The zeta potential is also a consideration when determining if a CoQ10 product is stable, as this parameter measures the charge of the surface of the particles in the liposome and therefore will determine its stability. The DLS test conducted on CoQ10 usually looks at stability at the same time as the zeta potential test, usually using instrumentation such as a Malvern Zetasizer [6].

The DLS and zeta potential tests will provide evidence to support either stability (35 mV or greater) or instability, which means the liposomes will not aggregate or clump together like ‘flipped magnets.’

But wait—dynamic light scattering for protein aggregation?

It’s the same principle, spotting rogue clumps in biologics. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) allows for the analysis of CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) from an entirely new perspective [7]. For example, DLS has shown how particle sizes of nutraceuticals and liposomal CoQ10 formulations differ and are more effective than their competitors. So what’s the best method for dissolving coenzyme Q10? Through liposomes! No need for solvents.

How about testing for CoQ10?

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) in your lab gives reliable information to identify purity by identifying the sizes’ signatures. If you are characterising the formulation of CoQ10, dynamic light scattering will not only help you, but it will also be your compass while you overcome any obstacles encountered during the dissolution of CoQ10. When comparing liposomal CoQ10 particle sizes to rates of absorption, smaller is always better. So what should the ideal PDI and zeta potential values be for liposomal CoQ10? Keep PDI under 0.3 and zeta potential greater than -30 mV, as they are two of the highest benchmarks of quality. Dynamic light scattering will help you find product consistency by turning “raw” into “gold”; specifically, the absorption of CoQ10.

Analysing the Data: The DLS Results Comparison

Now, let’s geek out over the charts—like forensic detectives poring over clues in a bioavailability heist. The comparison between CoQ10 API and liposomal CoQ10 is the topic of our experience paper, and the results were compared with a CoQ10 particle size from DLS as the benchmark. The results are shown in Figure 1; the height of the CoQ10 API is close to 3000 nm, while the liposomal CoQ10 is 150.2 nm tall. The liposomal CoQ10 has shrunk in size substantially (20X smaller), which is the ideal size for optimal CoQ10 absorption by the intestinal tract (it is able to ‘squeeze’ through the intestinal pore like grains of sand) [8].

Why does this matter? 

CoQ10 liposome size vs absorption rate is linear: larger particles (like CoQ10 API’s giants) crash against mucus barriers, and are excreted 95% untouched. The dynamic light scattering for CoQ10 demonstrated that the nanosized edges of liposomes increase mucosal permeability [9].

As stated in the quote, “Smaller particles… improved mucosal permeability and increased cellular uptake.” Dynamic light scattering provides consistent bioavailability of CoQ10 because it accurately quantifies the extent of CoQ10 delivered to the body.

In Figure 2, PDI for the CoQ10 API has an approximate value of ~1, which indicates the presence of very inconsistent particles clumping together to create a less-than-desirable condition, like bumps and dips on a gravel road, creating an unpleasant ride. In comparison, liposomal CoQ10 has a PDI of a silky 0.3286. That difference represents the level of product consistency that is seen across batches of liposomal CoQ10.

The document discusses the zeta potential of liposomal CoQ10 and the API’s zeta potential. The liposomal CoQ10’s zeta potential is -37.21 mV, whereas the API’s zeta potential is less: -34.06 mV. What does an increased zeta potential of liposomal CoQ10 imply about the stability of liposomes? [10] The zeta potential creates an electrostatic charge shield around the particle, causing them to repel each other and therefore preventing them from combining and destroying each other. Thus, this electrostatic repulsion also helps preserve shelf stability and therefore increases bioavailability to liposomal CoQ10 in liquid formulations.

What is the encapsulation efficiency?

81.51% (p3), an improvement on the industry standard, which is 70% (NLT) [11]. The assay of 40.25% shows the successful incorporation of CoQ10 within the liposome by FTIR (p7-8): C=O at 1655 cm⁻¹, and hydrophobic C-H at the same 2923 and 2853 cm⁻¹ confirmed this was a stable, integrated product. Elemental Analysis shows the elemental analysis performed with EDAX. The only elements detected by EDAX are the shell elements; the core (CoQ10) was hidden perfectly.

The amount of attained leakage???

Out of 3 Years: (approx.) 40 Deg C/75% RH. Encapsulation at over 82% Stability over time due to heat and ambient environment [12]. Efficiency decreased slightly (NO MORE Than 4%) due to thermal stress (105 Deg C). The assays remained the same (i.e. stable over time), exhibiting 40% thermal robustness of the liposomal materials as recorded [12].

DSC thermal data indicates that the DSC peak temperatures have shifted (liposomal melting peaks — 84.81 °C, 153.99 °C, 225.67 °C; API sharp peaks — 81.72 °C, 157.95 °C); The results indicate that the bilayer has led to a reduction of crystalline structure and an enhanced level of stability as evidenced in the comparison above (lower melting point). This process is analogous to having a layer of thermal insulation over the embers of an open flame.

Finally, the capacity of the liposomal nutraceutical product to load the liposomal coil is represented by the numerator of the nutraceutical loading ratio, with a high ratio of the nutraceutical to the lowest ratio of the liposomal bulk.

Dynamic light scattering for CoQ10 synthesises it all: from solubility challenge to peak performance. Compared to CoQ10-NLCs or CoQ10 emulsions, liposomes, as validated by dynamic light scattering, shine in DLS particle size analysis for nutraceuticals. Does a smaller CoQ10 particle size improve absorption? Unequivocally yes—data screams it. What is the ideal particle size for liposomal CoQ10? Sub-200 nm, nailed here.
This evidence? Undeniable proof: dynamic light scattering for CoQ10 engineers superior liposomal CoQ10 absorption, outpacing stPEG-CoQ10 micelles in every metric.

What This Means for You: Choosing a High-Quality Supplement

Using dynamic light scattering, you can obtain important information about CoQ10 supplementation. This allows you to be confident about what you are taking rather than simply playing a ‘game of chance’ with the label of CoQ10. If you are considering a product that states “Liposomal CoQ10,” make sure the claims made are supported by DLS Testing. Also, most companies that create liposomal formulations will provide you with the size of their particles (around 150 nm), PDI (< 0.4) and zeta potential (> 30 mV) [13]. It is best to avoid combining CoQ10 with blood thinners such as warfarin; thus, consult your physician before doing so. To achieve optimal absorption of bioavailable liposomal CoQ10, you should consume it with a source of fat, instead of on an empty stomach.

Prioritise pharma-grade CoQ10 liposomal formulations; they invest in dynamic light scattering to overcome CoQ10’s solubility challenge [14]. Skip generics sans proof—your energy deserves product consistency. Interactive tip: Scan QR codes for lab reports. Transform “hope” into “know” with science.

Conclusion

Particle size matters when it comes to the bioavailability of Co-Q-10. The large size of raw Co-Q-10 acts as an absorption roadblock compared to the small size of liposomal, which has been validated through DLS to have much higher bioavailability than raw Co-Q-10 [15]. You should be empowered to ask for supplements that are tested for particle size using DLS so you will have the happiest cells possible and the biggest benefit to an active, healthy life. Share any of your experiences with your use of Co-Q-10 below.