Selenium biofortification and its effect on multi-element change in Auricularia auricular.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Auricularia auricular (wood ear mushroom) is a popular edible fungus.
• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
• Investigating edible mushrooms for selenium biofortification is of interest for human nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of exogenous selenium (selenate and selenite) on the growth, yield, and nutritional value of Auricularia auricular.
• To analyze the mineral composition and the form of selenium accumulated in Se-enriched mushrooms.
• To determine the potential of A. auricular as a selenium biofortification candidate.

Main Methods:

• Cultivation of A. auricular on a substrate supplemented with varying concentrations of selenate or selenite (0.5–40.0 μg/g).
• Assessment of mycelium morphology and fruiting body yield.
• Analysis of polysaccharide, protein, and mineral content (including copper, iron, chromium, and selenium) in fruiting bodies.
• Identification and quantification of organic selenium compounds using chromatographic techniques.

Main Results:

• Exogenous selenium did not affect mycelium morphology or fruiting body yield.
• Selenium supplementation significantly altered the accumulation of certain inter-elements, decreasing copper, iron, and chromium concentrations.
• Polysaccharide and protein content remained unchanged in Se-enriched mushrooms compared to controls.
• A. auricular efficiently absorbed inorganic selenium and converted it into organic forms, primarily selenomethionine (≥91.9%), selenocystine (≥4.1%), and Se-methylselenocysteine (≥2.3%).

Conclusions:

• Auricularia auricular can be effectively enriched with organic selenium without compromising yield or major nutritional components.
• The mushroom converts inorganic selenium into bioavailable organic forms, suggesting its potential as a functional food for selenium supplementation.
• Further research is warranted to optimize selenium enrichment levels and assess potential interactions with other minerals.