General descriptionPyruvate, a key intermediate within cellular metabolism, arises predominantly from glucose via glycolysis, but can also derive from specific amino acids and lactate. The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex aids its conversion into acetyl CoA, channeling it into the citric acid cycle to generate ATP. The resulting NADH participates in mitochondrial electron transport and β-oxidation. When adequate oxygen is available, pyruvate can be converted back into glucose through gluconeogenesis, but under oxygen-deprived conditions, it transforms into lactate. Further, Pyruvate′s accumulation characterizes pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, an inborn metabolic disorder stemming from gene mutations, leading to various metabolic and neurological issues. Moreover, pyruvate metabolism disturbances are implicated in several health conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart failure
. The lactate-to-pyruvate ratio reflects cellular redox status, reliant on lactate and pyruvate interconversion via lactate dehydrogenase. Therefore, anomalies in pyruvate metabolism are detected by elevated blood lactate levels alongside a normal lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, while mitochondrial electron transport defects manifest as an increased lactate-to-pyruvate threshold. This comprehensive understanding of pyruvate′s role extends from cellular intricacies to applications in the food, beverage industry and its significance in metabolomics research.
Application
In the beverage industry, monitoring pyruvate levels is crucial during alcoholic fermentation for beer, wine, and spirits production. Some brewers enhance beer flavor and body by adding sodium pyruvate. In regards to health, abnormal levels of pyruvate have been linked to various metabolic disorders including liver diseases. Sigma-Aldrich′s Pyruvate Quick Test Strips are versatile and can be employed to measure Pyruvate levels in a wide range of substances, including wine, beer, fruit juices, soft drinks, cheese, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and various materials such as biological cultures and samples.
This kit is suitable for the detection of pyruvate in food and beverage samples.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Pyruvate Quick Test Strips are based on pyruvate oxidase catalyzed oxidation of pyruvate in which peroxidase reduces the formed peroxide and oxidizes a chromogenic reagent. The intensity of the blue product is directly proportional to pyruvate concentration in the sample.
Features and Benefits
Fast and Sensitive: Offers rapid results with the flexibility to use 50, 100, or 400 µL of sample for semi-quantitative measurement within the range of 0-131 mg/L (undiluted) Pyruvate.
Quick Results: Sample treatment and assay can be completed in under 15 minutes, ensuring efficiency.
User-Friendly Design: Convenient test strip design eliminates the requirement for a plate or cuvette reader, simplifying the testing process.
Other Notes
For additional information on our range of Biochemicals, please complete this form. 
