Effect of germination with sodium selenite on the isoflavones and cellular antioxidant activity of soybean (Glycine max)

Isoflavones profiles and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) of soybeans (Glycine max) germinated for different times with several sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) concentrations were assessed. The experiments were performed using central composite design and isoflavones evaluated by HPLC–UV and HPLC-MS-TOF. Malonylated genistein and malonylated daidzein glycosides were the main isoflavones associated to the soybean sprouts. Soybeans germinated for 48 h at 20 °C with a frequent spraying of water containing less than 32 mg/L of Na2SeO3 per liter contained the optimal concentrations of selenium (Se), total isoflavones and cellular antioxidant activity. This research demonstrated that Se-enriched soybean sprouts are a good source of both dietary Se and isoflavones and potentially can be used to formulate new functional foods.