Encapsulation of coenzyme Q₁₀ in Ferula asafoetida and almond gums: Characterization, release behavior and bioaccessibility

The aim of this investigation was encapsulation of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) in Ferula asafoetida gum (FAFG) and almond gum (AlG) with different ratios. In addition to evaluating the release profile, their bioaccessibility was determined and the capsule with the highest value was considered as the optimal sample for characterization by analytical instruments. The toxicity against normal and cancer cells and antioxidant activity of the selected encapsulated CoQ₁₀ were evaluated. The highest bioaccessibility belonged to the coenzyme encapsulated by two gums in equal proportions. The zeta potential of the complex indicated its stability. The FTIR results provided evidence of interactions between the components. Based on XRD results, the loaded gums showed peaks that were not present in the unloaded counterparts and were only observed in the CoQ₁₀ graph, confirming successful encapsulation. Encapsulated CoQ₁₀ showed improvement in thermal stability due to the protective effects of the wall materials. In toxicity evaluation against 4T1 cell line, IC₅₀ on a net CoQ₁₀ weight basis in encapsulated form was lower than that of its free counterpart, implying increased cytotoxicity. Encapsulation of CoQ₁₀ resulted in a 1.7-fold increase in antioxidant activity. The present study highlighted the efficacy of these gums as carrier. This finding is significant for various sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.