Search Results (168)

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) enhances the nutritional profile of legumes. This study evaluated Rhizopus oligosporus-mediated SSF for selenium (Se) biofortification in soybean tempeh (a traditional Southeast Asian food), assessing the effects of selenate and selenite (0–60 mg kg⁻¹) on R. oligosporus growth, substrate consumption, mycelium morphology, and Se speciation in tempeh. Selenium supplementation at 18–24 mg kg⁻¹ reduced soybean protein content by 9.4~13.8% relative to the protein content of the Se-free fermented tempeh (control group, 19.85%) and significantly promoted proteolysis. Higher concentrations (48–60 mg kg⁻¹) restored protein levels to control values (19%), indicating concentration-dependent regulation of protein stability. Selenate at 42 mg kg⁻¹ significantly increased the levels of flavor amino acids (e.g., glutamate, aspartate), essential amino acids, and total amino acids in tempeh. In contrast, selenite showed no significant improvement in amino acid content and even reduced non-essential amino acids (e.g., alanine, glycine) at high concentrations (42 mg kg⁻¹). Selenium biofortification converted selenate to selenomethionine (SeMet) and Se(VI), but transformed selenite into methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys), selenocystine (SeCys₂), and SeMet. Fermented Se-tempeh demonstrated potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.66 ± 0.05 to 2.89 ± 0.03 mg mL⁻¹), suggesting Se-enriched soybean tempeh could be considered a promising blood-sugar-friendly food. Thus, developing soybean-based functional foods via co-inoculation of R. oligosporus with inorganic Se is a promising way to enhance tempeh bioactivity. Full article

This study investigated the effects of four selenium fertilizers (nano-Se, EDTA-chelated Se, organic Se, and microbial Se) at three concentrations (50, 25, and 12.5 mg·L⁻¹) on garlic (Allium sativum L. cv. ‘Xusuan 918’) through foliar application during critical growth stages. Comprehensive evaluation combining agronomic traits, yield components, nutritional quality (soluble sugars, vitamin C), and selenium accumulation revealed distinct fertilizer-specific responses. Organic Se at 50 mg·L⁻¹ (O1) maximized vegetative growth (21.83% increased plant spread), while 25 mg·L⁻¹ microbial Se (M2) showed optimal yield enhancement (10.04% higher bulb dry weight vs. CK). Notably, 50 mg·L⁻¹ nano-Se (N1) achieved simultaneous improvement in nutritional quality and selenium biofortification (29-fold bulb Se enrichment). Principal component analysis integrated with membership function method identified N1 treatment (D-value = 0.571) as the most effective protocol for selenium-enriched garlic production, demonstrating the importance of fertilizer selection for crop-specific selenium management strategies. Full article

Soil salinization and selenium (Se) deficiency threaten global food security. This study developed a composite bioinoculant combining ACC deaminase-producing Serratia liquefaciens and biogenically synthesized nano-selenium (SeNPs) to alleviate saline–alkali stress and enhance Se nutrition in rice (Oryza sativa L.). A strain of S. liquefaciens with high ACC deaminase activity was isolated and used to biosynthesize SeNPs with stable physicochemical properties. Pot experiments showed that application of the composite inoculant (S3: S. liquefaciens + 40 mmol/L SeNPs) significantly improved seedling biomass (fresh weight +53.8%, dry weight +60.6%), plant height (+31.6%), and root activity under saline–alkali conditions. S3 treatment also enhanced panicle weight, seed-setting rate, and grain Se content (234.13 μg/kg), meeting national Se-enriched rice standards. Moreover, it increased rhizosphere soil N, P, and K availability and improved microbial α-diversity. This is the first comprehensive demonstration that a synergistic bioformulation of ACC deaminase PGPR and biogenic SeNPs effectively mitigates saline–alkali stress, enhances soil fertility, and enables safe Se biofortification in rice. Full article

Microgreens, having short growth cycles and efficient nutrient uptake, are ideal candidates for biofortification. This study investigated the effects of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) on photosynthetic performance in four hydroponically grown Brassica microgreens (broccoli, pak choi, kohlrabi, and kale), using direct and modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence and chlorophyll-to-carotenoid ratios (Chl/Car). The plants were treated with Na₂SeO₄ at 0 (control), 2, 5, and 10 mg/L or ZnSO₄ × 7H₂O at 0 (control), 5, 10, and 20 mg/L. The results showed species-specific responses with Se or Zn uptake. Selenium enhanced photosynthetic efficiency in a dose-dependent manner for most species (8–26% on average compared to controls). It increased the plant performance index (PI_tot), particularly in pak choi (+62%), by improving both primary photochemistry and inter-photosystem energy transfer. Kale and kohlrabi exhibited high PSII-PSI connectivity for efficient energy distribution, with increased cyclic electron flow around PSI and reduced Chl/Car up to 8.5%, while broccoli was the least responsive. Zinc induced variable responses, reducing PI_tot at lower doses (19–23% average decline), with partial recovery at 20 mg/L (9% average reduction). Broccoli exhibited higher susceptibility, with inhibited Q_A re-oxidation, low electron turnover due to donor-side restrictions, and increased pigment ratio (+3.6%). Kohlrabi and pak choi tolerated moderate Zn levels by redirecting electron flow, but higher Zn levels impaired PSII and PSI function. Kale showed the highest tolerance, maintaining stable photochemical parameters and total electron flow, with increased pigment ratio (+4.5%) indicating better acclimation. These results highlight the beneficial stimulant role of Se and the dual essential/toxic nature of Zn, thus emphasizing genotype and dose-specific optimizations for effective biofortification. Full article

Microelement deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger”, represent a significant global health challenge. Optimal human health relies on adequate dietary intake of essential microelements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chlorine (Cl). In recent years, there has been a growing focus on vitality and longevity, which are closely associated with the sufficient intake of essential microelements. This review focuses on these nine elements, whose bioavailability in the food chain is critically determined by their geochemical behavior in soils. There is a necessity for an understanding of the sources, soil–plant transfer, and plant uptake mechanisms of these microelements, with particular emphasis on the influence of key soil properties, including pH, redox potential, organic matter content, and mineral composition. There is a dual challenge of microelement deficiencies in agricultural soils, leading to inadequate crop accumulation, and the potential for localized toxicities arising from anthropogenic inputs or geogenic enrichment. A promising solution to microelement deficiencies in crops is biofortification, which enhances nutrient content in food by improving soil and plant uptake. This strategy includes agronomic methods (e.g., fertilization, soil amendments) and genetic approaches (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering) to boost microelement density in edible tissues. Moreover, emphasizing the need for advanced predictive modeling techniques, such as ensemble learning-based digital soil mapping, enhances regional soil microelement management. Integrating machine learning with digital covariates improves spatial prediction accuracy, optimizes soil fertility management, and supports sustainable agriculture. Given the rising global population and the consequent pressures on agricultural production, a comprehensive understanding of microelement dynamics in the soil–plant system is essential for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate deficiencies and ensure food and nutritional security. This review specifically focuses on the bioavailability of these nine essential microelements (Se, Zn, Cu, B, Mn, Mo, Fe, Ni, and Cl), examining the soil–plant transfer mechanisms and their ultimate implications for human health within the soil–plant–human system. The selection of these nine microelements for this review is based on their recognized dual importance: they are not only essential for various plant metabolic functions, but also play a critical role in human nutrition, with widespread deficiencies reported globally in diverse populations and agricultural systems. While other elements, such as cobalt (Co) and iodine (I), are vital for health, Co is primarily required by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms rather than directly by all plants, and the main pathway for iodine intake is often marine-based rather than soil-to-crop. Full article

This review article is devoted to the use of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) in plant production. The review analyzes relevant literature data for the last 10 years, considering the effect of Se NPs application on morphometric and biochemical parameters of plants. A number of actual works demonstrating the efficiency of Se NPs use in the composition of nanocomposites based on synthetic and natural polymers are considered separately. Possible mechanisms of Se NPs absorption and transport and their further activity in plant cells of agricultural crops in the context of biostimulating, biofortification, nutraceutical, and antioxidant activities of Se NPs, as well as the efficiency of Se NPs application under stress factors are discussed. The review provides data demonstrating the antibacterial and antifungal activities of Se NPs in the context of their activity against a wide range of phytopathogens. Also, we conduct a detailed comparative analysis of the relative efficiency of Se NP application with mineral Se-containing compounds (SeO₃²⁻ and SeO₄²⁻), as well as organic forms of Se (SeCys and SeMet). Full article

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutrient for the maintenance of human health. In China, however, the population is more severely deficient in Se. Soybean is an important grain and oil crop in the world and serves as a major dietary source. The development of Se biofortification of soybeans may be an effective measure to address human Se deficiency. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous soil microorganisms that can enhance nutrient uptake in host plants. So, it is necessary to investigate whether soybean inoculated with AMF can biofortificate Se. In this experiment, we studied the impact of the exogenous application of three Se species (selenite, selenate, and selenomethionine) and two AMF species (Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus versiforme) on Se uptake in soybean seedlings. The results showed that the inoculation of AMF significantly (p < 0.05) improved biomass and P concentration in soybeans. Regardless of exogenous Se addition, the inoculation of AMF improved the Se transfer factor and significantly (p < 0.05) increased Se translocation to the soybean shoot. The inoculation of AMF also significantly (p < 0.05) increased the percentage of available Se in soil with selenite addition. Based on these findings, the combined application of exogenous Se and AMF inoculation represents a viable strategy for the Se biofortification of soybeans. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial crop for biofortification that is widely consumed and is cultivated in soils with low levels of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). The study evaluated how upland rice genotypes can increase Se and Zn in grains with foliar fertilization and analyzed the impact on agronomic characteristics and protein and amino acid contents. Experiments in Lambari and Lavras used a 5 × 4 factorial design with five genotypes (BRS Esmeralda, CMG 2188, CMG ERF 221-16, CMG ERF 221-19, CMG ERF 85-15) and four treatments (control, without Se; 5.22 g Se ha⁻¹; 1.42 kg Zn ha⁻¹; and combined Zn+Se) with three replicates. The study showed that CMG ERF 85-15, with Se fertilization, increased grain yield in Lambari. In Lavras, adding Zn to CMG 2188 and CMG ERF 85-15 improved grain yield. In Lambari, most variables were grouped with Zn+Se, except grain yield and free amino acids in the grain. In Lavras, variables associated with Se, proteins, free amino acids in the polished grain, hulling in whole and polished grain, and milling yield were grouped under the treatment Zn+Se. We recommend the genotype CMG ERF 85-15 based on the results for foliar biofortification with Zn+Se. Full article

The rhizosphere microbiome plays a critical role in promoting crop health and productivity. Selenium (Se), a beneficial trace element for plants, not only enhances resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses but also modulates soil microbial communities. Se biofortification of crops grown in seleniferous soils using selenobacteria represents an eco-friendly and sustainable biotechnological approach. Crops primarily absorb selenium from the soil in its oxidized forms, selenate and selenite, and subsequently convert it into organic Se compounds. However, the role of Se-oxidizing bacteria in soil Se transformation, bioavailability, and plant uptake remains poorly understood. In this review, systematic collection and analysis of research on selenobacteria, including both Se-oxidizing and Se-reducing bacteria, are therefore essential to elucidate their functions in enhancing crop growth and health. These insights can (i) deepen our mechanistic understanding of microbially mediated Se cycling and stress resilience and (ii) offer a novel framework for nanomicrobiome engineering aimed at promoting sustainable food production. Full article

Micronutrient malnutrition, often caused by the low bioavailability of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) in soil, poses serious health risks worldwide. To address these deficiencies, this study evaluated the efficacy of combined Se and Zn fertilization in durum wheat (Triticum durum) through a two-year field experiment conducted under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. The experimental design was a split-split-plot, considering the growing season (2017/18 and 2018/19) as the main plot, an initial soil application of Zn (50 kg ZnSO₄-7H₂O ha⁻¹ vs. no Zn) as the subplot, and different foliar treatments as the sub-subplot factor: no application (0F), 10 g Se ha⁻¹ (SeF), 8 kg ZnSO₄-7H₂O ha⁻¹ (ZnF), and a combination of ZnF + SeF. While Zn soil application resulted in a 16% increase in both grain and straw yields, the combined Zn and Se foliar application resulted in a significant 15% increase in grain yield, as well as for the highest concentrations of Zn (by 1.44- and 7.38-fold in grain and straw, respectively) and Se (by 3.41- and 4.41-fold in grain and straw, respectively). These results indicate that durum wheat is a promising crop for biofortification initiatives that could contribute to reducing Zn and Se deficiencies in human diets and livestock feed in the Mediterranean region. Full article

The soil application of essential trace elements, such as selenium and its various agrochemical species, presents a real challenge for modern agriculture. However, unknown exceeding threshold concentrations could target potential toxicity within the soil–plant–organism. When applied at optimal levels and combined with the common buckwheat—a crop of the future known for its high nutritional value—this poses a novel academic approach. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine the effect of three concentrations (150, 300, and 600 g/ha) of selenium species (sodium selenite and sodium selenate) on mobility and distribution within the common buckwheat plant, including its impact on the biofortification. The research was carried out during the 2022 and 2023 seasons through pot experiments in semi-regulated conditions located in the Central European agronomic region. Following manual harvesting, chemical analysis was conducted using methods such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), along with yield determination. The results confirmed the positive effect of Se⁶⁺ 150 g/ha and Se⁴⁺ 150 g/ha and 300 g/ha on seed yield. Oppositely, Se⁶⁺ 600 g/ha caused a decrease in seed yield of 23.87%. For biofortification of common buckwheat is most suitable Se⁶⁺ in a dose of 150 g/ha, where the Se content in seeds, 3.30 ± 0.46 mg/kg, was achieved. The soil fertility index, based on PCA, indicated that Se⁶⁺ at 150 g/ha exhibited the highest biofortification efficiency without compromising yield. Full article

As an essential mineral element, selenium (Se) must be consumed by organisms through food and beverages. A method used to raise the amount of Se in food made from plants is biofortification, which is the process that increases the bioactivity and content of Se in the edible parts of plants. Foliar fertilization is the most feasible method of introducing selenium into the food chain. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of foliar biofortification with Selenium on various quality attributes of fruit species suitable for fruit-based beverage production, with the main goal of verifying the incorporation of Se into plant tissues. During the growing season in 2023, sodium selenate was applied in an equivalent of 150 g/ha Se in professional raspberry, blueberry, redcurrant, honeysuckle and apple plantings, from which fruit-based juice was later produced and analyzed. There was significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the Se content in the fruit’s juice, which was the main goal. Furthermore, after the application of Se under the mentioned conditions, there was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in nutritionally valuable parameters, such as antioxidant activity, ferulic acid and resveratrol, but also the content of glucose, fructose, malic acid, total acids, Mn, Ba, Ca, Li, myricetin and chlorogenic acid content. On the other hand, a decrease in some valuable indicators, but also heavy metals (Al, Cu, Cr), were noticed in some fruit juices. Full article

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a globally cherished beverage, valued for its flavor and health benefits, largely attributed to bioactive compounds like polyphenols and amino acids. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element for humans and animals, plays a dual role in promoting plant growth and enhancing human health, yet its impact on tea quality remains underexplored. In this work, the effects of selenium application rate (with 0, 150, 225, and 300 g·ha⁻¹ of Se) on soil selenium availability, enzyme activity, and the biochemical composition of spring tea, including chlorophyll, polyphenols, free amino acids, and polysaccharides, were studied. Results show that selenium application significantly increased soil selenium availability, with higher rates promoting its conversion into bioavailable forms. Soil enzyme activities, such as sucrase and urease, were notably influenced by selenium. In tea leaves, selenium content and glutathione peroxidase activity increased, while chlorophyll content initially rose but declined at higher application rates, with the Se225 treatment (225 g·ha⁻¹ of Se) yielding optimal results. Selenium reduced polyphenol content, increased free amino acids, and lowered the phenol-to-amino acid ratio, improving tea sensory quality. Polysaccharide content also peaked at the Se225 treatment. These findings highlight the potential of selenium-enriched tea as a functional food and provide a scientific basis for optimizing selenium application in tea cultivation. Full article

Selenium-enriched sweet maize is an important product to alleviate selenium deficiency in the human body. In this study, the effects of the basal application of selenium fertilizer on the selenium content and yield of maize were analyzed in a 2-year field trial using a two-factor, five-level, split-area experimental combination design with a different selenium fertilizer application rate (150–750 kg ha⁻¹) and depth (1–20 cm). It was found that the selenium application rate and depth significantly affected dry matter mass, selenium content, and selenium accumulation in maize. In particular, the Se3D4 treatment combination (a selenium application rate of 450 kg ha⁻¹ and depth of 15 cm) performed the best in increasing the selenium content and yield of the maize grain. The 2-year data showed that the selenium content of maize grain under Se3D4 treatment reached 3.59 mg kg⁻¹ and 3.24 mg kg⁻¹, which were 13.63 and 13.70 folds as the control, respectively, and the yield reached 6.28 t ha⁻¹ and 6.07 t ha⁻¹, which were 24.35% and 33.30% higher than the control, respectively. Therefore, by optimizing the application rate and depth of selenium fertilizer, the selenium content and yield of maize can be significantly increased. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the precise application of selenium fertilizer in the biofortification of sweet maize. Full article

Micronutrient deficiency (hidden hunger) is one of the serious health problems globally, often due to diets dominated by staple foods. Genetic biofortification of a staple like wheat has surfaced as a promising, cost-efficient, and sustainable strategy. Significant genetic diversity exists in wheat and its wild relatives, but the nutritional profile in commercial wheat varieties has inadvertently declined over time, striving for better yield and disease resistance. Substantial efforts have been made to biofortify wheat using conventional and molecular breeding. QTL and genome-wide association studies were conducted, and some of the identified QTLs/marker-trait association (MTAs) for grain micronutrients like Fe have been exploited by MAS. The genetic mechanisms of micronutrient uptake, transport, and storage have also been investigated. Although wheat biofortified varieties are now commercially cultivated in selected regions worldwide, further improvements are needed. This review provides an overview of wheat biofortification, covering breeding efforts, nutritional evaluation methods, nutrient assimilation and bioavailability, and microbial involvement in wheat grain enrichment. Emerging technologies such as non-destructive hyperspectral imaging (HSI)/red, green, and blue (RGB) phenotyping; multi-omics integration; CRISPR-Cas9 alongside genomic selection; and microbial genetics hold promise for advancing biofortification. Full article