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Selenium-Enriched Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes Mycelium: Biosynthesis, Chemical Characterisation, and Assessment of Antioxidant Properties

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Selenium–polysaccharides possess antioxidant properties, making them promising materials for functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and clinical applications. This study examines the incorporation of selenium into polysaccharides via mycelial biosynthesis and its effects on structure and antioxidant activity. Polysaccharides obtained from Lentinula edodes-submerged cultures grown in Se-supplemented and non-supplemented media were analysed for Se content (RP-HPLC/FLD), structure (FT-IR, HPLC, and HPGPC-ELSD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging, reducing power, and Fe2+ chelation). Two low-molecular-weight Se–heteropolysaccharides (Se-FE-1.1 and Se-FE-1.2) containing ~80 and 125 µg/g Se were isolated, primarily composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose with β-glycosidic linkages. Se incorporation into polysaccharides selectively enhanced their antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with minimal effects observed in iron chelation and reducing power assays. Crude Se–polysaccharides displayed the highest antioxidant activity, suggesting an additional contribution from protein components. Our findings demonstrate that Se is effectively incorporated into polysaccharides, altering monosaccharide composition while preserving glycosidic linkages. The selective enhancement of radical scavenging suggests that selenium plays a specific role in antioxidant activity, primarily influencing radical scavenging mechanisms rather than interactions with metal ions. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of selenium incorporation, the nature of its bonding within the polysaccharide molecule, and its impact on biological activity.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym17060719

Authors: Eliza Malinowska, Grzegorz Łapienis, Agnieszka Szczepańska, Jadwiga Turło

Institutions: Medical University of Warsaw, Centrum Badań Molekularnych i Makromolekularnych Polskiej Akademii Nauk, Polish Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Fungal Biology and Applications

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funder: Narodowym Centrum Nauki