Extraction and screening of Coenzyme Q from marine algae

Abstract

Coenzyme Q series are found in the membranes of endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, lysosomes, vesicles and notably the inner membrane of the mitochondrion where it is an important part of the electron transport chain. Apart from being a cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, Coenzyme Q in its reduced form serves as an important antioxidant in both mitochondria and lipid membranes, where it protects cells from free radicals. Coenzyme Q is essential in vitamin E regeneration. Ubiquinol, inhibits protein and lipid oxidation in cell membranes, and help to minimize oxidative injury to DNA. Coenzyme Q is an integral part of the respiratory chain and thereby located exactly where the free radicals are generated, in the mitochondria. So mass production of Coenzyme Q is needed. Coenzyme Q is currently producing by chemical synthesis. However, Coenzyme Q has high demand from natural source is required to date. In this research, we established the extraction and screening method for Coenzyme Q9 and Q10 from marine algae(6 species). Quantitative analysis of Coenzyme Q is carry out with HPLC, and the identity of Coenzyme Q was detected at 275 nm. Dunaliella salina CCAP 1918 contained higher amount of Coenzyme Q10 than Coenzyme Q9, while green laver has higher amount of Coenzyme Q9 than Q10. We will show the comparative study of amount of Coenzymes in marine algae and the results will be discussed.