The SS-31 mitochondrial peptide has become an important subject in mitochondrial biology, membrane biophysics, cellular bioenergetics, and peptide research. Also known as elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia, SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for its ability to interact with cardiolipin, a distinctive phospholipid associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Unlike conventional peptides that may be investigated primarily for receptor binding or signaling, SS-31 research focuses heavily on the relationship between a small peptide, mitochondrial membranes, cardiolipin, respiratory-chain organization, and cellular energy metabolism.
For laboratories evaluating SS-31 research material, the scientific identity of the material is only one part of the equation. Researchers may also need to examine HPLC purity, molecular weight, mass spectrometry, certificate of analysis (COA), lot identification, storage information, and analytical documentation.
This guide explains the scientific background of SS-31, its relationship with mitochondria and cardiolipin, analytical considerations, and appropriate research-use positioning.
Research Use Only: SS-31 research material described on this page is intended solely for laboratory and scientific research. It is not intended for human consumption, self-administration, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or cure of any disease.
What Is the SS-31 Mitochondrial Peptide?
SS-31 is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide. Scientific literature commonly identifies it as elamipretide, with additional names including MTP-131 and Bendavia.
Its peptide sequence is commonly represented as:
D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
where Dmt refers to dimethyltyrosine. PubChem lists the sequence as RXKF, with an expanded chemical description of D-arginyl-2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosyl-L-lysyl-L-phenylalaninamide. PubChem reports a molecular formula of C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅ and molecular weight of approximately 639.8 g/mol for elamipretide.
The structure is particularly relevant to mitochondrial research because SS-31 contains charged and aromatic residues that contribute to its interaction with mitochondrial membranes.
Research has focused especially on its interaction with cardiolipin, a phospholipid concentrated in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
SS-31 and Mitochondrial Research
Mitochondria are central to cellular metabolism and energy production. They contain specialized membranes and protein complexes responsible for oxidative phosphorylation and ATP generation.
The inner mitochondrial membrane is especially important because it contains the respiratory-chain machinery and a distinctive lipid environment enriched in cardiolipin.
This makes mitochondrial membranes an attractive research target for investigating:
- oxidative phosphorylation
- mitochondrial bioenergetics
- electron transport
- membrane organization
- cardiolipin biology
- mitochondrial morphology
- oxidative processes
- cellular energy metabolism
- mitochondrial protein interactions
SS-31 has been extensively studied in this context. Reviews describe elamipretide as a mitochondria-targeting peptide that localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane and interacts with cardiolipin.
For laboratory researchers, this makes SS-31 mitochondrial peptide a useful keyword and scientific concept connecting peptide chemistry with mitochondrial membrane research.
How SS-31 Interacts With Cardiolipin
One of the defining characteristics of SS-31 research is its relationship with cardiolipin.
Cardiolipin is an unusual phospholipid with four acyl chains and a major role in mitochondrial membrane organization. It contributes to the structure of mitochondrial cristae and interacts with proteins involved in respiratory-chain activity.
Research indicates that elamipretide binds selectively to cardiolipin through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. This interaction has been proposed as a major reason for its mitochondrial localization.
This creates several research opportunities.
Scientists can investigate SS-31 in relation to:
Cardiolipin membrane interactions
Researchers can examine how SS-31 interacts with cardiolipin-containing lipid systems and how these interactions influence membrane properties.
Mitochondrial cristae research
Cardiolipin is involved in maintaining the architecture of mitochondrial cristae. SS-31 has therefore been investigated in experimental systems examining mitochondrial ultrastructure and membrane organization.
Respiratory-chain research
Because cardiolipin is associated with mitochondrial respiratory complexes, SS-31 research can be incorporated into studies examining electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation.
Membrane biophysics
The interaction between peptide structure and lipid membranes provides an additional avenue for biochemical and biophysical investigation.
SS-31 Mitochondrial Peptide and Bioenergetics Research
Mitochondrial bioenergetics examines how mitochondria generate, transfer, and regulate cellular energy.
Common laboratory measurements include:
- oxygen consumption
- respiratory control
- ATP production
- membrane potential
- electron transport activity
- mitochondrial respiration
- reactive oxygen species
- substrate utilization
- respiratory-complex activity
Research reviews describe elamipretide as influencing mitochondrial bioenergetics through interactions involving cardiolipin and mitochondrial membrane organization.
Importantly, experimental findings can vary according to model, concentration, experimental conditions, tissue type, and study design. Laboratory observations should therefore be interpreted within the specific experimental system rather than generalized to all biological settings.
SS-31 Peptide Structure and Molecular Characteristics
For analytical laboratories, chemical identity is a fundamental part of peptide characterization.
SS-31 peptide sequence
The commonly reported sequence is:
RXKF
The expanded structure is:
D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
PubChem identifies elamipretide as an oligopeptide and reports the molecular formula C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅ with a molecular weight of approximately 639.8 g/mol.
Why molecular weight matters
Molecular-weight information can support:
- identity confirmation
- mass-spectrometry interpretation
- batch characterization
- analytical method development
- documentation review
- comparison of expected and observed molecular ions
Researchers should distinguish the molecular weight of the active peptide from any salt, counterion, solvent, or formulation-associated mass when reviewing analytical data.
SS-31 10mg Research Material
SS-31 10mg is a commonly searched research-product format and can be incorporated into laboratory workflows where a defined quantity of peptide material is required.
The quantity itself does not establish peptide quality.
A professional research-material evaluation should consider:
- Product identity
- Lot or batch number
- Stated quantity
- HPLC purity
- Mass-spectrometry identification
- COA availability
- Molecular-weight information
- Storage recommendations
- Manufacturing or testing documentation
- Research-use labeling
This distinction is important for SEO and for scientific communication: 10mg describes quantity, not purity or analytical quality.
SS-31 Purity Testing
SS-31 purity is an important analytical consideration when evaluating research-grade peptide material.
A purity result should ideally be connected to a defined analytical method rather than presented as an unsupported number.
For peptide research, laboratories commonly consider chromatographic and mass-spectrometric methods as complementary tools.
HPLC analysis
High-performance liquid chromatography can be used to separate peptide-related components based on their chromatographic properties.
A laboratory report may include:
- retention time
- chromatographic peaks
- integrated peak area
- purity percentage
- analytical method
- test date
- sample or lot identification
For an SS-31 research product page, an HPLC chromatogram can visually demonstrate the type of analytical documentation researchers may review.
Mass spectrometry
Mass spectrometry provides information about the molecular mass of detected species.
For SS-31, mass-spectrometry analysis can help support molecular-identity assessment by comparing observed signals with expected molecular characteristics.
HPLC and mass spectrometry therefore serve different but complementary purposes:
HPLC → chromatographic purity assessment
Mass spectrometry → molecular-mass/identity assessment
SS-31 COA: Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) provides documented analytical information associated with a particular research-material lot.
For SS-31 research material, a useful COA may include:
- product name
- lot number
- test date
- HPLC purity
- molecular-weight information
- mass-spectrometry results
- analytical method
- laboratory identification
- specification or acceptance criteria
Researchers should connect the COA to the actual lot being evaluated whenever possible.
A generic certificate or unrelated analytical report does not provide the same level of batch-specific documentation.
What to look for in an SS-31 COA
Before purchasing or using research material, laboratories can review:
1. Lot traceability
The lot number on the COA should correspond to the material being evaluated.
2. Analytical method
The document should identify the method used to generate the reported result.
3. HPLC information
Look for a stated purity value and supporting chromatographic information where available.
4. Mass-spectrometry information
The report may provide observed and expected mass information.
5. Testing date
The date helps establish when the analytical measurement was performed.
SS-31 HPLC and Analytical Testing
The phrase SS-31 HPLC is relevant to researchers investigating peptide quality and chromatographic characterization.
A high-quality analytical workflow may combine multiple techniques rather than relying on one measurement.
For example:
Sample → HPLC separation → purity assessment → mass spectrometry → identity confirmation → COA documentation
This approach helps separate two questions:
- How chromatographically pure is the material?
- Does the observed molecular mass support the expected peptide identity?
For SEO purposes, these concepts also naturally support semantic keywords such as SS-31 purity, SS-31 COA, SS-31 mass spectrometry, and SS-31 analytical testing without excessive keyword repetition.
Research Applications of SS-31 Mitochondrial Peptide
The scientific literature describes extensive investigation of elamipretide/SS-31 across mitochondrial and cellular research models.
Potential laboratory research categories include:
1. Mitochondrial membrane research
Studies can investigate peptide interactions with mitochondrial membrane components and model lipid systems.
2. Cardiolipin research
SS-31 provides a research tool for investigating cardiolipin-associated processes and peptide-lipid interactions.
3. Mitochondrial respiration
Experimental systems can examine relationships between SS-31 exposure and mitochondrial respiration.
4. Oxidative-stress research
SS-31 has been studied in experimental models involving mitochondrial oxidative processes.
5. Cellular bioenergetics
Researchers can investigate ATP-related measurements, respiratory activity, membrane properties, and related cellular parameters.
6. Mitochondrial morphology
Because cardiolipin contributes to mitochondrial membrane architecture, SS-31 has also been studied in relation to mitochondrial structural characteristics.
7. Protein-lipid interaction research
The relationship between SS-31, cardiolipin, cytochrome c, and respiratory-chain proteins has been an important research area.
SS-31, Elamipretide, MTP-131 and Bendavia
Researchers may encounter several names for the same scientific compound.
| Name | Research context |
|---|---|
| SS-31 | Common research designation |
| Elamipretide | Generic/development name |
| MTP-131 | Development designation |
| Bendavia | Earlier development/trade designation |
Scientific literature commonly uses these names in connection with the same mitochondria-targeting peptide.
Using these related terms naturally throughout an SEO article can improve topical coverage while helping readers understand the terminology used in scientific publications.
SS-31 and Current FDA Context
An important distinction is necessary between research-grade SS-31 material and an FDA-approved pharmaceutical product.
On September 19, 2025, the U.S. FDA granted accelerated approval to Forzinity (elamipretide) for improving muscle strength in adults and children with Barth syndrome weighing at least 30 kg.
This regulatory development does not mean that every product described as SS-31, elamipretide, or research peptide is the FDA-approved pharmaceutical product.
Research material should therefore be clearly differentiated from prescription pharmaceutical products in website copy, product descriptions, labeling, and customer communications.
For a research-focused website, the safest and clearest positioning is:
Research Use Only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Research-Use-Only Statement
SS-31 research material should be presented strictly for scientific and laboratory applications.
Research Use Only.
This product is intended solely for qualified laboratory and scientific research. It is not intended for human consumption, self-administration, diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, cure, or prevention of any disease or medical condition.
Information on this page describes scientific research and analytical characteristics and should not be interpreted as medical advice, therapeutic guidance, or instructions for human use.
Storage and Handling Considerations
Peptide research materials should be handled according to the supplier’s current documentation and the requirements of the laboratory’s quality system.
Researchers should pay attention to:
- product labeling
- storage temperature
- moisture exposure
- light exposure
- container integrity
- lot identification
- expiration or retest information
- handling procedures
- laboratory documentation
Avoid relying on generic storage assumptions when a product-specific specification is available.
For long-term research programs, laboratories should maintain appropriate records connecting the material, lot number, COA, analytical results, and experimental use.
How to Evaluate a High-Purity SS-31 Research Peptide
A practical evaluation checklist can include:
Identity
Does the product clearly identify SS-31/elamipretide?
Quantity
Is the stated quantity clearly documented?
Purity
Is HPLC purity reported using a defined analytical method?
Molecular identity
Is mass-spectrometry information available?
COA
Is there lot-specific analytical documentation?
Traceability
Can the material be connected to a specific production or testing lot?
Research-use labeling
Is the product clearly identified as laboratory research material?
Documentation
Are analytical and handling details available before purchase?
These criteria provide a stronger quality framework than evaluating a peptide based solely on a marketing purity percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SS-31 mitochondrial peptide?
SS-31 is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide also known as elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia. Research has focused extensively on its interaction with cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
What is another name for SS-31?
SS-31 is commonly referred to as elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia in scientific and development literature.
What is the SS-31 peptide sequence?
The sequence is commonly represented as RXKF, corresponding to D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂.
What is the molecular weight of SS-31?
PubChem lists elamipretide with a molecular weight of approximately 639.8 g/mol and molecular formula C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅.
What is cardiolipin?
Cardiolipin is a specialized phospholipid strongly associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane. It contributes to mitochondrial membrane organization and respiratory-chain function.
What is SS-31 HPLC testing?
SS-31 HPLC testing refers to chromatographic analysis used to characterize the peptide and assess chromatographically detectable components, including reported purity.
Why is an SS-31 COA important?
A lot-specific COA can provide analytical information such as HPLC purity, mass-spectrometry data, testing date, and lot identification.
Is SS-31 the same as Forzinity?
Forzinity is the FDA-approved pharmaceutical product containing elamipretide. Research-grade SS-31 material should not automatically be considered equivalent to the approved pharmaceutical product. The FDA approved Forzinity in September 2025 for improving muscle strength in patients with Barth syndrome weighing at least 30 kg.
Is SS-31 research peptide intended for human use?
Research-grade SS-31 should be clearly labeled Research Use Only and should not be represented as a product for human consumption, diagnosis, or treatment.
What should researchers look for when evaluating SS-31 purity?
Researchers can review HPLC methodology, reported purity, mass-spectrometry information, COA documentation, lot traceability, and product identity rather than relying on a single marketing claim.
Conclusion
The SS-31 mitochondrial peptide occupies an important position in modern mitochondrial research because of its distinctive interaction with cardiolipin and its extensive investigation in mitochondrial membrane, bioenergetics, and cellular research.
SS-31 is also known as elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia, and its commonly reported structure is D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂. PubChem reports a molecular weight of approximately 639.8 g/mol for elamipretide.
For laboratories evaluating SS-31 research material, scientific identity should be accompanied by appropriate analytical documentation. HPLC, mass spectrometry, COA documentation, lot traceability, molecular-weight information, and clear research-use labeling can all contribute to a more transparent research-material evaluation process.
As interest in mitochondrial biology, cardiolipin, membrane biophysics, and cellular bioenergetics continues, SS-31 remains a significant subject for laboratory investigation.
Research Use Only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
