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Pleurotus spp.—an effective way in degradation mycotoxins? A comprehensive review

Summary

This review examines how oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) can break down mycotoxins—harmful compounds produced by molds in food and animal feed. These mushrooms produce special enzymes that can degrade toxins like aflatoxins and zearalenone, potentially reaching 30-100% degradation depending on conditions. This offers a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detoxification methods currently used in the food industry.

Background

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that contaminate food and feed globally, causing significant crop quality reduction and negative health effects on humans and animals. Current chemical and physical detoxification methods have limitations including potential negative impacts on food quality. Biological methods using fungi, particularly Pleurotus spp., have emerged as promising environment-friendly alternatives.

Objective

This comprehensive review examines the effectiveness of Pleurotus spp. mushrooms in degrading mycotoxins through mycoremediation. The study evaluates the role of ligninolytic enzymes produced by these fungi and their potential applications in food and feed detoxification.

Results

Degradation of mycotoxins by Pleurotus-derived ligninolytic enzymes reaches 30-100% depending on culture conditions, substrates, and mediators used. AFB1 shows highest degradation rates (86-100%), while other mycotoxins like DON prove more resistant. Laccase and manganese peroxidase demonstrate varying effectiveness, with mediators significantly enhancing enzyme activity.

Conclusion

Pleurotus spp. show significant promise for mycotoxin degradation through ligninolytic enzyme production and bioabsorption mechanisms. Further research is needed to optimize cultivation conditions, identify degradation products, evaluate toxicity profiles, and assess industrial-scale feasibility and economic viability.
  • Published in:Mycotoxin Research,
  • Study Type:Comprehensive Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39532821, DOI: 10.1007/s12550-024-00572-z
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