Tracing Selenium Uptake in Wheat Leaves via Liposome-Mediated Delivery : A Confocal Microscopy and Synchrotron Micro-X-ray Fluorescence Insight
Viltres Portales, Marcia (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Química)
Sánchez-Martín, María-Jesús (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Química)
Boada, Roberto (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Química)
Llugany i Ollé, Mercè (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia)
Valiente Malmagro, Manuel (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Química)

Date:	2026
Abstract:	The integration of nanoencapsulation techniques with foliar application presents a promising approach to enhance selenium (Se) biofortification in agriculture. This study examined the foliar uptake of liposome-encapsulated Se in wheat leaves (Triticum aestivum) using synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and confocal microscopy. μ-XRF mapping showed Se accumulation at leaf edges after 24 h, suggesting initial uptake via stomata, while free Se was absorbed and transported more rapidly, highlighting the slow-release effect provided by liposomal encapsulation, longer than the analyzed time. No immediate translocation of Se to the stem was observed, suggesting that more time is required for this internal movement. Micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (μ-XANES) speciation analysis demonstrated that Se was metabolized into organic forms within the plant. Finally, confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed liposome absorption through the plant surface within 24 h, corroborating the μ-XRF findings. These results are crucial for optimizing liposome formulation to maximize Se transfer to edible parts.
Grants:	European Commission 101007630 Generalitat de Catalunya 2020/FI_B-00653
Note:	Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Wheat ; Selenium ; Liposomes ; Confocal fluorescence microscopy ; Synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence
Published in:	ACS Agricultural Science & Technology, March 2026, ISSN 2692-1952

DOI: 10.1021/acsagscitech.5c01076

9 p, 6.0 MB

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