AI-Driven Precision Biofortification of Oyster Mushroom for Enhanced Selenium Enrichment, Yield, and Nutritional Quality

Background and Objective: Global micronutrient deficiencies, particularly selenium (Se), represent a major public health concern known as hidden hunger. Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) serves as an efficient biological system for mineral biotransformation; however, the biofortification process is constrained by a metabolic trade-off between selenium accumulation and biomass yield. This study proposes an Artificial Intelligence-Guided Precision Biofortification (AI-PB) framework to optimize selenium enrichment in oyster mushroom while maintaining yield and nutritional quality. Materials and Methods: Pleurotus ostreatus was cultivated under controlled indoor conditions using selenium-fortified substrates over a six-month experimental period. Amino acid composition and lipid metabolites were characterized using PTH amino acid analysis and GC-MS, respectively. Experimental data were integrated into a multi-task deep learning framework with SHAP-based explainable AI and Pareto optimization to predict and optimize biomass yield, selenium biofortification, and nutritional quality. Model performance was validated using k-fold cross-validation, R², and RMSE metrics. Results: A protein dilution effect was observed at elevated selenium concentrations, reflected by a 5.15% reduction in total nitrogen and significant decreases in glutamic and aspartic acid levels. The AI-PB model identified a Pareto-optimal Na₂SeO₃ concentration of 54.3 mg/kg. At this level, essential amino acids increased by 15.2%, while selenium incorporation was maximized and biological efficiency remained above 82%. The model also confirmed the preservation of bioactive compounds, including squalene, despite selenium-induced oxidative stress. Conclusion: The AI-PB framework effectively resolves the metabolic trade-off between selenium enrichment and yield in oyster mushroom. This approach provides a scalable Agri-Tech 4.0 strategy for precision biofortification and supports the development of functional foods for sustainable mineral nutrition delivery.