Lactate oxidases

Lactate oxidases (EC 1.1.3.2) are flavin (FMN-dependent) enzymes that oxidise lactate — typically L-lactate into pyruvate — producing hydrogen peroxide. They are widely used in biosensors and clinical test strips for rapid lactate measurement, where the peroxide is detected electrochemically; food laboratories apply the same principle to monitor lactic-acid fermentation progress, assess silage quality and check freshness in meat and fish (lactate rises with bacterial spoilage). Their high specificity for lactate, operation at ambient temperature and compatibility with disposable electrodes give fast, reliable readings in process control and at-line testing, complementing slower titrimetric methods.