Selenium is an essential trace element in human nutrition. Recent findings suggest that the biosynthesis of selenium nano particles (SeNPs) in plants might be a ubiquitous phenomenon. We investigated the potential of SeNP biosynthesis in food plants and our core objective was to explore the commonness and possible ubiquitousness of nano selenium in food plants and consequently in the human diet. By growing a variety of plants in controlled conditions and the presence of selenite we found strong evidence that SeNPs are widely present in vegetables. The shoots and roots of seven different plants, and additionally Brazil nuts, were analyzed with single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with a focus on edible plants including herbs and salads. SeNPs were found in every plant of our study, hence we conclude, that SeNPs are common ingredients in plant-based food and are therefore eaten daily by most humans. Considering the concerning worldwide prevalence of selenium deficiency and the great physiological properties of SeNPs, we see a high potential in utilizing this discovery.
Keywords: biosynthesis; crop science; nanoparticles; nutrition; plant; selenium; sp-ICP-MS.