Comparative analysis of selenium biotransformation in broccoli sprouts via two extraction methods using HPLC-ICP (iCRC)MS

Selenium (Se) biofortification enhances human nutrition and plant resilience. Broccoli sprouts were used to study Se uptake and metabolism using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and enzymatic extraction (EE), followed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma (integrated collision reaction cell)–Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICP (iCRC)MS). Total Se content was determined by ICP (iCRC)MS with detection and quantification limits of 0.035 and 0.12 mg kg −1 , respectively. Three selenium species, selenite (Se(IV)), selenomethionine (SeMet), and selenomethylselenocysteine (MeSeCys) were identified. Recovery rates were 102.0 ± 4.6%, 90 ± 20%, and 97.0 ± 2.4% for acetate-assisted UAE, and 99.0 ± 5.5%, 117.0 ± 7.2%, and 111 ± 18% for EE. Distinct Se speciation patterns between methods highlight differences in extractability and metabolism. These findings advance understanding of Se transformations in plants and support the development of Se-enriched functional foods, contributing to improved nutrition, agricultural biofortification, and food safety. • In-depth study of broccoli sprouts for selenium speciation in different parts. • This study employs two extraction methods for extraction of selenium species. • Identified MetSeCys as the vital selenium specie, advancing nutritional knowledge. • Detailed qualitative and quantitative results on selenium species abundance. • For both methods, total extractable selenium concentrations are presented.