SS-31 FAQ: Your Questions Answered
The questions below are the ones that come up specifically about SS-31, rather than general peptide questions that apply to everything.
Overview
People ask what cardiolipin is, how it targets mitochondria, whether it is Elamipretide (yes), and why it needs low-bind tubes.
What SS-31 actually is
A tiny four-part peptide that homes in on the powerhouse of the cell, sticking to a lipid (cardiolipin) found only in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Studied around cellular energy, oxidative stress, and aging. Also called Elamipretide.
Supplied for laboratory research use only — not for human or animal use.
Third-party tested by HPLC and LC-MS, ≥99% purity, with a Certificate of Analysis on every order. Ships across Canada.
Technical detail below
SS-31 — common questions
What is cardiolipin and why does it matter?
Cardiolipin is a lipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. SS-31 binds it, which is how the peptide concentrates at the mitochondrion rather than acting diffusely.
How does it target mitochondria?
Its alternating aromatic-cationic structure drives accumulation in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binding to cardiolipin, giving it mitochondrial specificity that general antioxidants lack.
Is SS-31 the same as Elamipretide?
Yes. SS-31, Elamipretide and MTP-131 are names for the same aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide.
Why does it need low-bind labware?
It is strongly cationic, so it adsorbs to ordinary plastic surfaces at low concentration. Low-bind consumables limit that loss.
What SS-31 is studied for
Studied for selective association with cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, the basis of its mitochondrial targeting.
Examined for effects on mitochondrial energy production in research models of mitochondrial dysfunction.
Investigated around reactive-oxygen-species handling at the mitochondrion.
Summarizes published preclinical literature. Provided for research reference only; not a claim of efficacy or a description of human use.
More SS-31 reference
Lyophilized and reconstituted storage conditions, plus the practical working window.
Diluent selection, dissolution behaviour, and the calculator preset for this compound.
Which solvents work, why, and what abnormal dissolution behaviour indicates.
The specific chemical routes by which this molecule breaks down, and how to limit each.
Which assays are informative for this molecule, and what to actually check on its COA.
Compound-specific bench practices, and the errors most often made with this molecule.
What to inspect on arrival, and which conditions actually warrant rejecting a vial.
FAQ reference for other compounds
SS-31 is supplied strictly as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory and research use only. It is not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. This page is educational laboratory-handling reference information — not medical advice, not usage guidance, and not a protocol.