Merck, P5280-500G, Sodium pyruvate

Sodium pyruvate, derived from pyruvic acid, finds extensive use in cell biology, cell culture, and biochemical research. As the end-product of the glycolysis pathway, where glucose is converted into pyruvate with the energetic production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), pyruvate serves as an intermediary in numerous metabolic pathways, including sugar metabolism. While cells naturally synthesize sodium pyruvate as an intermediate metabolite in glycolysis, it isn′t universally necessary as a supplement for all cell cultures. However, if cells have been cultivated in a medium enriched with sodium pyruvate, it′s advisable to continue its use as cell growth may diminish without it.Sodium pyruvate is frequently incorporated into cell culture formulations to fortify broths and media, enhancing cell survival by providing an easily-accessible carbohydrate energy source alongside glucose. It′s often added to the growth medium, particularly for rapidly proliferating cells like tumor cells. Furthermore, it participates in amino acid metabolism and initiates the Krebs cycle. Cells can readily utilize sodium pyruvate as a carbon source for energy production and crucial metabolic pathways, eliminating the need for biosynthetic production from glucose or amino acids.Certain cell lines require supplemental pyruvate in the culture media due to their inability to convert glucose or amino acids into pyruvate. Additionally, sodium pyruvate serves as a free radical scavenger, effectively quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) and contributing to cellular health and viability.