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Selenium Uptake, Tolerance and Reduction in Flammulina velutipes Supplied with Selenite

Summary

This research explored how the common mushroom Flammulina velutipes processes and transforms selenium, an essential nutrient many people lack in their diet. The study shows how these mushrooms can safely absorb selenium and convert it into more beneficial forms, including nanoparticles. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a natural way to produce selenium-enriched foods for better nutrition • Offers a sustainable method for producing selenium nanoparticles that could have medical applications • Helps determine safe levels of selenium supplementation in mushroom cultivation • Demonstrates how mushrooms can be used to create healthier food products • Shows potential for developing new nutritional supplements

Background

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals, with Se deficiency affecting 500-1,000 million people worldwide. Selenized mushrooms have emerged as a potential dietary Se supplement source. However, knowledge about the metabolic processes during Se enrichment in mushrooms remains incomplete.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the uptake mechanisms, tolerance levels, and reduction capabilities of selenite in Flammulina velutipes, a widely cultivated mushroom. The research sought to understand optimal selenite concentrations for cultivation and explore the mushroom’s potential for producing selenium nanoparticles.

Results

The study found that pH variation, metabolic inhibitors, and P or S starvation led to 11-26% decreases in selenite uptake rate. Growth inhibition began at 0.1 mM selenite (11% decrease in growth rate) with complete inhibition at 3 mM. F. velutipes demonstrated ability to reduce selenite to elemental selenium, including nanoparticles, as a possible detoxification mechanism. This reduction process was dependent on both selenite concentration and metabolic activity.

Conclusion

A carrier-mediated passive transport appears crucial for selenite absorption by F. velutipes. The optimal selenite concentration for balancing Se enrichment and mycelial productivity is between 0.03-0.1 mM. The mushroom can transform selenite to elemental selenium nanoparticles through metabolism-dependent processes, highlighting its potential for both selenium supplementation and nanoparticle production.
  • Published in:PeerJ,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.7717/peerj.1993
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