Selenium-enriched broccoli sprouts. Certified reference materials in a PhD thesis | Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology

Young green leaves and sprouts can be a valuable element of the human diet. One such nutrient-rich product is broccoli sprouts, which are characterized by a high content of essential elements and bioactive compounds. Microgreens not only provide essential nutrients, but are also a natural source of selenium - a key trace element with significant health benefits.

– The aim of my doctoral dissertation was to develop a new certified reference material for selenium species and total selenium content in broccoli sprouts rich in this element. The study also included an analysis of the total content of ultra-trace, trace and macroelements in the seeds, as well as the determination of selenium content. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that enriching broccoli sprouts with sodium selenite did not affect the concentrations of other elements. Meeting the specified criteria, CRM was produced in cooperation with Uniflora Corporation. As part of further research, 6 kg of the obtained material will undergo the certification process for selenium speciation and total selenium content to meet the CRM market requirements for accurate and reliable results.

– Stability is a key feature of every CRM. Therefore, the long-term stability of CRMs must be assessed in accordance with ISO guidelines (ISO 33405:2024). The “Make it Easier” method for assessing the long-term stability of CRMs, developed as part of the dissertation, using a linear extrapolation model, can be successfully applied to assess the long-term stability of selenium speciation and the total selenium content in the newly produced reference material. This approach aims to facilitate the assessment of stability for CRM producers, which will contribute to ensuring the long-term stability of reference materials. – explains Dr. Eng. Chintankumar Padariya.

The supervisor of the doctoral dissertation is Prof. Piotr Konieczka, and the reviewers were Prof. Beata Godlewska-Żyłkiewicz from the University of Białystok, Prof. Anna Białk-Bielińska from the University of Gdańsk and Prof. Wojciech Hyk from the University of Warsaw.

During the doctoral studies, Chintankumar Padariya, PhD, Eng., participated as a scholarship holder in the OPUS project "Characteristics of the suspended fraction present in the indoor environment of elderly care and childcare facilities" under the supervision of prof. Bożena Zabiegała, PhD, DSc, Eng. at the Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology. His scientific achievements include six peer-reviewed publications, three of which were published as the first author in high-impact journals. He also presented the results of his research at two international conferences.