Abstract

Pleurotus species are considered white-rot fungi for their ability to degrade lignocellulosic residues due to their enzymatic complex. The most studied enzymes in these fungi are lignin-degrading, such as laccases, Mn-peroxidases and veratryl alcohol oxidases; however, these fungi also have the ability to degrade cellulose, hemicellulose and other carbohydrates present in agro-industrial waste; so these fungi are a potential source of production of hydrolytic enzymes, which have been studied a little in these organisms. This review highlights the few studies on hydrolytic enzyme production by the fungusPleurotus species.

Key words: Pleurotus, hydrolytic enzymes, culture conditions