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Selenium-Sulfur Coupled Heat Treatment: A Strategy for Producing High-Quality Broccoli Sprouts
Xin Tian1, Weiming Fang1, Zhengfei Yang1
1College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|July 18, 2026
Summary
Selenium-sulfur coupled with heat treatment (HSS) significantly boosts antioxidant compounds and beneficial glucosinolates (GLs) in broccoli sprouts. This novel approach enhances the nutritional value of broccoli sprouts for functional food development.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Food Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Broccoli sprouts are recognized for their high antioxidant content and potential as functional foods.
- Understanding methods to enhance bioactive compounds in broccoli sprouts is crucial for nutritional improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of selenium-sulfur coupled with heat treatment (HSS) on antioxidant capacity and bioactive compound accumulation in broccoli microgreens.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying HSS-induced changes in broccoli sprouts.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of 4-day-old broccoli sprouts with HSS.
- Analysis of total phenolic content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase).
- Assessment of glucosinolate (GLs) and isothiocyanate (ITCs) biosynthesis, myrosinase activity, gene expression, and iTRAQ proteomics analysis.
Main Results:
- HSS treatment increased total phenolic content by 27.16% and anthocyanin content by 26.63%.
- Activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase increased by 27.97%, 30.54%, and 46.48%, respectively.
- HSS upregulated GLs and ITCs biosynthesis, with the GLs pathway identified as key for ITCs accumulation. Key proteins like MAM1, APS3, SULTR1;2, and CYP79B3 were identified.
Conclusions:
- HSS is an effective strategy to enhance the antioxidant capacity and bioactive compound accumulation in broccoli sprouts.
- The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of HSS action, particularly concerning GLs and ITCs formation.
- Findings support HSS for developing enhanced broccoli sprout-based functional foods.
