Release time：2025-09-02 Click:
PQQ is a quinone compound containing pyrrole and tetrahydroquinoline rings, previously known as Methoxatin.In 1979, Durine and other researchers separated the coenzyme from bacteria, and then its structure was confirmed.For practical applications in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and research, PQQ is most commonly stabilized as its disodium salt. Here delineates the key physicochemical properties of both the free acid form (PQQ Acid) and the disodium salt (PQQ Disodium Salt).
◎ Key Comparative Summary
Property | PQQ Acid | PQQ Disodium Salt |
Chemical Formula | C₁₄H₆N₂O₈ | C₁₄H₄N₂Na₂O₈ |
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Molecular Weight | 330.21 g/mol | 374.17 g/mol |
PQQ powder Appearance | Dark brownish-red | Reddish-brown powder |
Solubility in Water | Very low | Very high (>50 mg/mL) |
Dominant Form in H₂O | Precipitated/Protonated | Dissolved/Deprotonated |
pH (1% solution) | Acidic | Neutral to Slightly Basic |
◎ Bioavailability and Absorption
PQQ (Acid Form)
Free PQQ has low oral absorption rate (<10%) due to its poor water solubility.It may be partially degraded in the intestine or metabolized by microbes.Delivery in liposomal or microencapsulated forms can improve absorption.
PQQ Disodium Salt
High water solubility, dissolves rapidly in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to significantly improved absorption (up to 30-50%).Sodium ions may promote absorption mediated by intestinal sodium-dependent transporters (e.g. SGLT1).Peak blood concentration is faster compared to free PQQ (approx.1-2 hours vs.3-4 hours).
◎ Stability and Storage
PQQ (Acid Form): Sensitive to light and heat; requires storage protected from light in a dry environment. Long-term storage may lead to inactivation due to oxidation or polymerization.
PQQ Disodium Salt: Higher stability; suitable for storage at room temperature. Maintains activity for months in aqueous solutions at pH 7-9, making it suitable for formulating liquid supplements.
◎ Application Scenarios
PQQ (Acid Form): Not yet approved as a raw material for food or health products; limited to laboratory research. Mostly used for in vitro experiments (e.g., enzymology studies), requiring organic solvents for dissolution or for special formulations (e.g., liposome-encapsulated).
PQQ Disodium Salt：the primary form used in dietary supplements. Its solubility allows direct addition to beverages or functional foods. It serves as a core raw material for capsules, tablets, and functional beverages (PQQ disodium salt dosage about 0.01%-0.1%).
◎ Safety Differences
Toxicological Data:
Both forms show low toxicity (LD50> 1000 mg/kg). However, PQQ disodium salt may cause transient gastrointestinal discomfort more readily at high doses due to its rapid absorption.
Regulatory Status:
The US FDA lists PQQ disodium salt as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), while free PQQ has less regulatory approval.
◎ Cost and Production
Cost Comparison: PQQ disodium salt requires additional purification steps to remove sodium ion residues, making its cost about 20%-30% higher than free PQQ, though mass production can reduce this difference.
Production Process Comparison:
PQQ Disodium Salt: Mainly produced by: 1) Chemical synthesis: Using catechol derivatives as starting materials, followed by condensation, oxidation, and salt formation reactions. 2) Microbial fermentation: Using genetically engineered bacterial strains for fermentation production, followed by purification and salt formation.
PQQ(Acid Form):In China,its production is only permitted as a pharmaceutical intermediate.
◎ Core Advantages
PQQ Disodium Salt
Good Stability and Compatibility: Remains stable within the pH range of 7-9. Can be compounded with ingredients like Acetyl Glutathione and Coenzyme Q10, and is suitable for various dosage forms (e.g., softgels, effervescent tablets, solid beverages).
Market Dominance: Holds a dominant market position due to regulatory advantages (GRAS status).
PQQ(Acid Form)
Research Value: Used as a model free radical scavenger in anti-aging mechanism studies.
Exploration in Emerging Fields: Exploration of applications in the cosmetics field.
Summary
The core functions of PQQ and PQQ disodium salt (e.g., antioxidant activity, mitochondrial activation) are essentially the same. PQQ disodium salt is preferred for formulations requiring high water solubility and high bioavailability (e.g., oral supplements). Free PQQ is chosen when sodium ion interference must be avoided in experiments or when non-aqueous solvents are used.
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