In recent years, PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) has gradually become the new favorite in the global functional nutrition market due to research progress in mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidation, and cognitive support. From improving fatigue and enhancing memory to delaying aging, PQQ is entering the public health consumer spotlight.
However, many R&D personnel are also well aware that in actual product applications, PQQ has its “tricky” side:
❗ PQQ is unstable in aqueous solution and prone to oxidative degradation;
❗ Color changes occur after light exposure, affecting formula appearance and sensory attributes;
❗ It is hygroscopic, discolors when heated, and is difficult to incorporate into broad-spectrum food dosage forms such as liquid beverages, instant powders, and gummies.
To address these pain points, Nugene Pharma has launched a new generation of microencapsulated PQQ products. Using microencapsulation technology, it achieves three major breakthroughs — water-soluble stability, light stability, and sensory improvement — helping brand owners unlock PQQ’s nutritional potential in a wider range of food applications.
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What key problems does microencapsulated PQQ solve?
Microencapsulation is a modern food processing technology that encloses active substances within tiny particles, significantly enhancing raw material stability, controlling release characteristics, and improving sensory experience. Nugene Pharma’s microencapsulated PQQ was developed based on this principle, aiming directly at the three major application pain points of traditional PQQ:
Enhanced water-soluble stability
PQQ in water is easily affected by pH, metal ions, and oxygen, leading to degradation and inactivation. Microencapsulated PQQ uses a food-grade embedding system, providing stability in aqueous environments far superior to ordinary PQQ raw materials.
This means it can be directly used in powder sachets, solid beverages, and liquid drinks without the need for complex protective measures.
Significant improvement in light stability
PQQ naturally appears brick red and tends to discolor under ultraviolet or strong light, which can cause poor sensory perception or even be mistaken for quality issues.
Through formulation synergy and microencapsulation coating technology, Nugene Pharma significantly slows down PQQ’s fading and oxidation under light exposure, improving sensory stability during the product’s shelf life.
Softer color, higher compatibility
Many brand R&D personnel have reported: “PQQ’s color is too dark, making the product reddish or brownish and difficult to blend with other ingredients.”
The color of microencapsulated PQQ has been adjusted to a softer orange-red powder, making it easier to blend with mainstream raw materials such as protein powder, whey powder, functional sugar powder, and prebiotic powder. This significantly improves consumer acceptance of the product’s color and taste.
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Who is paying attention to microencapsulated PQQ?
✔ Multiple domestic brands producing instant powders, energy powders, and functional beverages
✔ Overseas sports nutrition and cognitive health customers
✔ Functional nutrition brands focused on mitochondrial nutrition and deep anti-fatigue
✔ Innovators seeking to free PQQ from “capsule-only” formats
In the U.S. and Japanese markets, PQQ has been widely used in brain health, cardiovascular protection, sports recovery, and sleep support. With the stability guaranteed by microencapsulation technology, its applications in beverages, gummies, nutrition bars, and other forms are expected to further expand.
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Want to request samples or review formulation data?
Nugene Pharma can provide the following support:
- Microencapsulated PQQ COA and MSDS
- Thermal stability and light exposure simulation test reports
- Ready-made formula suggestions (such as gummies, instant powders, and instant beverages)
- Formula matching and pilot trial services for OEM/ODM enterprises
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Microencapsulated PQQ opens the door to multi-scenario PQQ applications
PQQ is a functional ingredient with broad scientific backing, but its sensitivity and sensory characteristics have long made it difficult to enter food channels on a large scale. Today, Nugene Pharma’s microencapsulated PQQ will help the industry break through barriers, allowing more “non-capsule” end products to benefit from mitochondrial nutrition.
If you are developing high-end functional beverages, cognitive nutrition snacks, or portable energy supplements, feel free to leave a message with “Microencapsulated PQQ” to get detailed information and samples.
📩 Contact us to unlock more possibilities with microencapsulated PQQ.
Nugene Pharma – Dedicated to the development and application solutions of mitochondrial nutrition ingredients.
