Mushrooms of the Pleurotus genus - properties and application

Mushrooms of the Pleurotus genus are found naturally in forests in almost all latitudes where they are responsible for the decomposition of wood. These fungi are valuable to cultivate and eat, as they are source of valuable nutrients and healing ingredients. Mycelium of white rot is known for its bioremediation abilities, including the accumulation of heavy metals and chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons. Mushrooms of the Pleurotus genus have also been found applicable in the biotransformation of unsaturated terpenoid compounds. These reactions involve hydroxylation at the allyl position and subsequent oxidation of the introduced hydroxyl group. The article presents a number of applications of various strains of fungi of the Pleurotus genus.