Research Overview
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia, is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2 and a molecular weight of 639.79 g/mol. The peptide was originally developed to selectively localize within the inner mitochondrial membrane through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with cardiolipin. Origin Research supplies SS-31 as a sterile lyophilised powder in 10 mg vials with HPLC-verified purity and batch-specific analytical documentation.
SS-31 has been investigated extensively in mitochondrial biology research because of its interaction with cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Researchers use the compound in laboratory models examining mitochondrial bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species production, membrane-potential stability and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction. The peptide has been studied in isolated mitochondrial systems, cultured-cell models and preclinical investigations involving cardiac, skeletal-muscle, neurological and ophthalmic research pathways.
Each batch is accompanied by analytical verification including HPLC purity testing and mass spectrometry confirmation. The material is supplied strictly for laboratory research use and is not intended for human consumption, clinical administration or veterinary application.
Mechanism Studied in Research
SS-31 has been studied in research models investigating mitochondrial membrane stability and cardiolipin-dependent bioenergetic processes. The peptide accumulates within the inner mitochondrial membrane where cardiolipin is concentrated, allowing researchers to evaluate mitochondrial structural integrity under experimental conditions.
Published studies have examined the influence of SS-31 on mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, oxidative-stress markers and electron-transport-chain efficiency. Researchers have investigated whether cardiolipin stabilization affects downstream mitochondrial signaling pathways and cellular energy metabolism in aging and disease-model systems.
Additional work has focused on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, membrane-potential preservation and bioenergetic adaptation under cellular stress. The compound remains a frequently referenced research tool in mitochondrial-function studies due to its selective intracellular localization and extensive characterization in laboratory models.
Research Applications
Mitochondrial biology research. SS-31 is commonly used in experimental models evaluating mitochondrial structure, respiration and energy-production pathways. Researchers frequently investigate the compound in studies involving oxidative stress, age-related mitochondrial decline and cardiolipin-associated membrane dynamics.
Cardiovascular and skeletal-muscle research. Published laboratory studies have examined SS-31 in models of mitochondrial dysfunction affecting cardiac and muscular tissues. Researchers use the compound to investigate bioenergetic efficiency, ATP generation and mitochondrial signaling responses under controlled experimental conditions.
Neuroscience and ophthalmic research. SS-31 has also been studied in laboratory models involving neuronal metabolism, retinal biology and mitochondrial adaptation. Research protocols frequently assess mitochondrial performance markers alongside oxidative-stress measurements and membrane-potential indicators.
The compound is supplied exclusively for research use and continues to be evaluated as a mitochondria-focused tool compound across multiple experimental disciplines.
Reconstitution Reference
SS-31 is supplied as a sterile lyophilised powder, 10 mg per vial. The standard reconstitution protocol uses bacteriostatic water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, although sterile water for injection may also be used when required by the experimental design.
Researchers commonly add 2 mL of diluent to the vial, producing a working concentration of 5 mg per mL. The diluent should be introduced slowly down the inner wall of the vial rather than directly onto the lyophilised material. The vial should then be gently swirled until completely dissolved.
Vigorous shaking should be avoided. After reconstitution, researchers typically record the reconstitution date, diluent used and final concentration on the vial label and within laboratory documentation systems. The material is intended solely for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research.
Storage and Handling
Store lyophilised SS-31 sealed at −20°C, protected from light and moisture. For long-term storage, the original vial should remain unopened until required for laboratory use. Short-term storage at 2–8°C during transit is generally acceptable when exposure is limited.
Once reconstituted, working solutions should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within approximately 28 days. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles should be avoided because they may affect peptide stability and experimental consistency.
Researchers handling SS-31 should document storage conditions, reconstitution dates and working concentrations in accordance with institutional laboratory procedures. Any solution showing visible particulate matter or discoloration should be discarded.
References
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