RETRACTED: Interaction between zinc and selenium bio-fortification and toxic metals (loid) accumulation in food crops

Abstract

Biofortification is the supply of micronutrients required for humans and livestock by various methods in the field, which include both farming and breeding methods and are referred to as short-term and long-term solutions, respectively. The presence of essential and non-essential elements in the atmosphere, soil, and water in large quantities can cause serious problems for living organisms. Knowledge about plant interactions with toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb), is not only important for a healthy environment, but also for reducing the risks of metals entering the food chain. Biofortification of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) is very significant in reducing the effects of toxic metals, especially on major food chain products such as wheat and rice. The findings show that Zn- biofortification by transgenic technique has reduced the accumulation of Cd in shoots and grains of rice, and also increased Se levels lead to the formation of insoluble complexes with Hg and Cd. We have highlighted the role of Se and Zn in the reaction to toxic metals and the importance of modifying their levels in improving dietary micronutrients. In addition, cultivar selection is an essential step that should be considered not only to maintain but also to improve the efficiency of Zn and Se use, which should be considered more climate, soil type, organic matter content, and inherent soil fertility. Also, in this review, the role of medicinal plants in the accumulation of heavy metals has been mentioned, and these plants can be considered in line with programs to improve biological enrichment, on the other hand, metallothioneins genes can be used in the program biofortification as grantors of resistance to heavy metals.

Optimization of Se- and Zn-Enriched Mycelium of Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler as a Dietary Supplement with Immunostimulatory Activity

“…The results obtained via immunological tests suggest that the highest biological activity occurs in L. edodes water extracts not supplemented with Se or Zn (Sample 0) or those where mycelium was enriched with a Se concentration of 0.2 mM and Zn at a concentration of 0.8 mM (Sample Zn/Se). Both analyzed T cell populations are essential with regard to protective immunity against viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 [ 53 , 54 ] In our previous study, we demonstrated that the direction of L. edodes polysaccharides biological activity depends on the type of cell stimulation [ 43 ]. The present study confirms these observations.…”

Current Status of Biotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in India—A Review

“…due to accumulation [105]. Despite being a necessary element, selenium (Se) is harmful in greater amounts and is thus regarded as a worldwide contaminant [106]. Dimethyl selenide (DMSe), for example, is created by plants from selenium (Se).…”