Controlled introduction of selenium into Chlorella cells.

Selenium (Se) is an important element in the antioxidant system of the human body, and Chlorella, well-known for its therapeutic effects, is the ideal carrier to offer it in the wanted organic form. The kinetics of Se absorption by growing algal cells and its distribution in the cells are studied using radioactive 75Se labelled solutions. There is a rapid Se absorption within the first few minutes at the cell surfaces where it is irreversibly fixed and cannot be absorbed by the human body. In the final state, reached after 24-48 hr, about 40% of the total fixed Se is inside the cells in the wanted organic-bound form.