Abstract: In order to explore the influence of chitosan soaking on the growth and the contents of major bioactive substances of soybean sprouts, soybean was soaked in chitosan solutions at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 g/100 mL and then cultured until sprouts came out. Hypocotyl length and fresh mass were measured, and the contents of bioactive substances were determined by spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography. The results showed that chitosan treatment could increase the hypocotyl length and fresh mass and simultaneously affect the contents of major bioactive substances of soybean sprouts. After being soaked with 0.8 g/100 mL chitosan and cultured for 5 days, the hypocotyl length and fresh mass of soybean sprouts significantly increased (P < 0.05); the total flavonoid content reached the highest level (0.64 mg/g), and the phytic acid content was at the lowest level (1.56 mg/g). Meanwhile, the contents of total ascorbic acid and total phenols were at the appropriate level. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of chitosan soaking to produce low-cost functional foods.

Key words: chitosan, soybean, germination, bioactive substances