Optimization of wheat sprouting for production of selenium enriched kernels using response surface methodology and desirability function

© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. Response surface methodology and desirability function were used as tools to optimize wheat (Triticum aestivum L) germination conditions in the presence of SeO3Na2 to obtain selenium (Se)-enriched kernels. The effects of Se concentration (32.85-54.76 mg SeO3Na2/L), germination time (24-48 h) and germination temperature (18-25 °C) were investigated. The best Se-enriched wheats were selected based on selenomethionine (SeM) content, ¿-amylase activity (AC), and sprouting features such as kernel moisture (KM) content, germinated grains (GG) and radicle growth (RG). A second order polynomial model produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data considering the total kernel SeM content (R2 adj = 58.8, S = 14.29), AC (R2 adj = 59.80, S = 48.78), KM (R2 adj = 71.30, S = 2.94), GG (R2 adj = 66.70, S2 = 1.20) and RG (R2 adj = 84.60, S = 23.38). Total desirability (¿) value was 67.6% in operational conditions (35 mg Se/L, 25 °C and 24 h germination). Under these conditions sprouted kernels contained 41.8 g/100 g, 95.5% and 98% for KM, GG and RG respectively, and 54 mg Se/kg as SeM and 54.8 CU of AC. In conclusion, the generated models with desirability methodology could be useful to optimize SeM content and alpha amylase activity in Se-enriched sprouted wheat kernels.

Optimization of wheat sprouting for production of selenium enriched kernels using response surface methodology and desirability function Academic Article in Scopus