SS-31

Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide for Cardiolipin Protection & Energetics Research

SS-31 (developmental name Elamipretide, trade name Bendavia) is a synthetic, cell-permeable 4-amino acid peptide with a unique alternating aromatic-cationic motif (sequence: H-D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂). Its design features two key elements: 1) D-arginine and lysine residues providing a cationic charge, and 2) dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) and phenylalanine residues contributing aromaticity and radical-scavenging capacity. This structure enables SS-31 to selectively accumulate several hundred-fold within the mitochondrial inner membrane, where it interacts specifically with the phospholipid cardiolipin. In research settings, SS-31 serves as a highly targeted tool for investigating the protection of cardiolipin from oxidative damage, the stabilization of mitochondrial electron transport chain supercomplexes, the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at its source, and the preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis. Supplied as a lyophilized powder, this research-grade peptide is intended strictly for controlled, non-human laboratory studies exploring fundamental mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in disease models and potential protective interventions.

Complete Research Kit Contents & Verification

Each research order provides a complete experimental package designed for mitochondrial research:

• Primary Research Compound: 10 sterile glass vials containing 10mg of lyophilized SS-31 peptide powder per vial.

• Reconstitution Solution: 30ml vial of sterile Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol) for experimental use.

• Laboratory Administration Tools: Pack of sterile 1ml insulin syringes (29G x 1/2″) for precise measurement and transfer.

• Sterilization Supplies: Individually wrapped alcohol prep swabs.

• Research Protocol Documentation:

  • Dosing Schedule: Standardized administration protocol for research models, including common concentrations for cell culture studies (typically 1-100nM range) and in-vivo dosing regimens.

  • Usage Instructions: Comprehensive guide covering reconstitution, storage conditions (-20°C recommended), handling safety, and specific considerations for mitochondrial assays (e.g., JC-1 membrane potential, Seahorse extracellular flux analysis).

• Quality Verification: Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each batch, detailing:

  • Purity Analysis (>98% by HPLC)

  • Critical Structural Verification (Mass Spectrometry):

    • Confirmation of the tetrapeptide sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe

    • Verification of D-arginine (D-Arg) isomer

    • Verification of Dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) modification

    • Confirmation of C-terminal amidation

  • Molecular Weight: 639.8 Da Confirmed

  • Sterility Testing Results

  • Endotoxin Levels (<10 EU/mg) – Important for cell viability assays.

  • Residual Solvent Analysis

  • Net Peptide Content

  • Chiral Purity Assay (to confirm D-Arg)

Research Applications & Scientific Utility

In a laboratory setting, SS-31 enables precise investigation into mitochondrial membrane biology and oxidative stress at the organelle level. Primary research applications include:

• Cardiolipin Research: Studying the protection of cardiolipin from peroxidation and its role in maintaining mitochondrial architecture (cristae structure) and apoptosis regulation.

• Electron Transport Chain (ETC) Studies: Investigating the stabilization of ETC supercomplexes (e.g., respirasomes) and their impact on oxidative phosphorylation efficiency and ROS leakage.

• Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Models: Researching protective mechanisms in cardiac, renal, or cerebral ischemia models where mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of tissue damage.

• Neurodegenerative Disease Research: Exploring mitochondrial protection in models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

• Aging & Metabolic Disease: Investigating the role of mitochondrial membrane decay in age-related decline and metabolic syndrome.

• Comparative Studies: Serving as a benchmark mitochondria-targeted antioxidant in comparisons with untargeted antioxidants (e.g., MitoQ, SkQ1).

Laboratory Handling & Safety Protocol

• Storage: Store unopened lyophilized peptide vials at -20°C or below. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and stored at -20°C. The peptide is relatively stable.

• Reconstitution: Perform under sterile conditions. The peptide dissolves readily in bacteriostatic water or saline. Swirl gently.

• Laboratory Safety: Standard PPE is required.

• Assay Considerations: For functional mitochondrial assays, researchers should note that SS-31 works at very low (nanomolar) concentrations. Proper vehicle controls are essential.

⚠️ Critical Compliance & Intended Use Disclaimer:

THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY (RUO). NOT FOR HUMAN OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USE.

1. Intended Use: SS-31 is supplied as a biochemical reagent for laboratory research purposes only. It is intended for use by qualified researchers in controlled settings studying mitochondrial biology. The “dosing schedule” is for research models only.

2. Not for Human Consumption: Under no circumstances is this product intended for human or animal administration. It is not a drug, anti-aging compound, or energy supplement. While in clinical trials for specific diseases, THIS SPECIFIC PRODUCT IS NOT THE CLINICAL MATERIAL.

3. Regulatory Status: This product has not been manufactured under GMP conditions nor approved by the FDA or any health authority for any use. It is a research-grade compound.

4. Clinical Trial Context: Elamipretide has been in clinical trials for specific indications (e.g., primary mitochondrial myopathy, dry age-related macular degeneration). This research material is supplied to facilitate basic science understanding of its mechanism, not for therapeutic use.

5. Researcher Responsibility: The purchaser assumes full responsibility for compliance with all laws and for ensuring this compound is used exclusively for legitimate, non-human research.