Selenium speciation in enriched Pleurotus mushrooms by mixed-mode HPLC-ICP-MS

Author(s)

de Oliveira, Aline Pereira ; Naozuka, Juliana ; Landero-Figueroa, Julio Alberto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis; v. 142, p. 10-pg., 2025-06-01.

Abstract

Selenium plays a crucial role in human health, with Se organic species being safer and more bioavailable than inorganic forms. This study aimed to develop a fast and reliable analytical method for Se speciation to evaluate the effectiveness of Pleurotus mushroom enrichment strategies. A reversed-phase cation-exchange bimodal mixed-mode high-performance liquid chromatography - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (RP/CEX HPLC-ICP-MS) method was optimized for the separation and quantification of SeMet, SeCys2, MSC, Se(IV), and Se (VI). Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using ultrasound-assisted extraction with pepsin and protease XIV in Tris-HCl, achieving high extraction efficiencies (67-102 %). Chromatographic separation was completed within 6.5 minutes under isocratic conditions. The method was applied to Se-enriched Pleurotus mushrooms, revealing effective bioconversion of inorganic Se into SeMet. However, mushrooms grown in Se(VI)-supplemented substrates retained higher levels of inorganic Se, raising potential safety concerns. These findings support the use of Se(IV) as a preferable supplementation strategy for improving the nutritional quality of edible mushrooms. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/05009-7 - Evaluation of antagonism between selenium and toxic elements in mushrooms: enrichment and remediation
• Grantee: Aline Pereira de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/06332-9 - Elemental enrichment: essentiality and toxicity
• Grantee: Juliana Naozuka
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/00663-6 - The role of selenium speciation in the antagonism of selenium and toxic metals in selenium enriched mushrooms
• Grantee: Aline Pereira de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate