A simple, rapid and efficient method for essential element supplementation based on seed germination

Benliang Deng; Shan Tian; Shipeng Li; Mingxin Guo; Hongxia Liu; Yueyue Li; Qianjin Wang; Xusheng Zhao

doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126827

A simple, rapid and efficient method for essential element supplementation based on seed germination

Food Chem. 2020 Apr 25:325:126827. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126827. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Benliang Deng¹, Shan Tian², Shipeng Li², Mingxin Guo², Hongxia Liu², Yueyue Li², Qianjin Wang², Xusheng Zhao³

Affiliations

¹ Life Science College, Luoyang Normal University, 471934 Luoyang, Henan, China. Electronic address: benliangdeng@163.com.
² Life Science College, Luoyang Normal University, 471934 Luoyang, Henan, China.
³ Jujube Research and Applied Center, 471934 Luoyang, Henan, China. Electronic address: xushengzhao2018@163.com.

PMID: 32387939
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126827

Abstract

Fertilizer application is typically used to increase the availability of essential elements. In this study, an improved method for essential element supplementation based on seed germination was established. Solutions of essential elements (Fe²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, SeO₃²⁺, or I^- or their combination) were applied to germinating soybean seeds, and the contents of the essential elements in the soybean sprouts were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Compared with the control (seeds treated with water), the contents of iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and iodine in soybean sprouts produced by germinating seeds treated with solutions containing 10 mM essential elements were approximately 10-2000 times higher. Moreover, treatment with essential element solution increased the total antioxidant capacity and content of total thiols in the soybean sprouts. This rapid and simple technique can be used to improve nutrition for humans and livestock in regions deficient in essential elements.

Keywords: Essential elements; Seed germination; Soybean sprouts; Thiol content.