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Impact of Interactions Between Zn(II) and Selenites in an Aquatic Environment on the Accumulation of Se and Zn in a Fungal Cell

Summary

Researchers studied how Shiitake mushrooms accumulate selenium and zinc from growth media, finding that these two elements form chemical complexes that interfere with absorption. When both elements are present together in the culture medium, they bind to each other instead of being taken up by the mushroom cells, reducing the final content of both nutrients. Understanding this interaction is important for developing enhanced mushroom-based dietary supplements containing both selenium and zinc.

Background

Fungi have unique abilities to accumulate trace elements from their environment, which can be utilized for bioremediation or enrichment of functional foods. Previous research demonstrated that Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom) effectively accumulates selenium and zinc when cultured in enriched media, with most selenium converted to organic compounds like selenomethionine and selenocysteine.

Objective

To investigate how interactions between zinc(II) and selenite ions in culture medium affect their biosorption and accumulation in fungal cells. The study aimed to determine whether the formation of zinc-selenite soluble complexes explains the previously observed inhibitory effects on simultaneous accumulation of both elements.

Results

Job’s method revealed formation of two predominant zinc-selenite complexes: [Zn3(SeO3)2]2+ and [Zn(SeO3)3]4-, with maximum stability at zinc mole fraction 0.6 (3:2 ratio). Biosorption of both elements was most strongly inhibited at a 1:1 molar ratio. A strong linear correlation (R²=0.87) was found between free selenite concentration and selenium content in cell walls.

Conclusion

The formation of zinc-selenite soluble complexes with charge-dependent properties significantly inhibits the biosorption stage of ion transport into fungal cells, explaining the reduced accumulation of both elements when cultured together. These findings suggest that optimizing zinc-selenite ratios or using separate enriched cultures may improve the development of dual-element dietary supplements.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMC12298642, PMID: 40733281, DOI: 10.3390/molecules30143015
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