SS-31, also known as elamipretide, MTP-131, or Bendavia, is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide studied extensively in laboratory research involving mitochondrial membranes, cardiolipin interactions, cellular bioenergetics, oxidative stress models, and mitochondrial protein interactions. SS-31 is particularly relevant to researchers investigating how small cationic-aromatic peptides interact with mitochondrial membranes and influence molecular processes associated with mitochondrial structure and function. Research has identified interactions between SS-31 and cardiolipin-containing membranes, as well as several mitochondrial proteins associated with energy metabolism. Helix Bio supplies research peptides for laboratory and scientific applications. The company's website states that its products are research and laboratory materials rather than products intended for human or veterinary use.
HPLC certified
Independent analysis
Highest standard
Full traceability
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller family of mitochondria-targeted peptides. Its commonly used scientific name is elamipretide, and it is also referred to in research literature as MTP-131 and Bendavia.
Unlike conventional peptides that are designed primarily around a particular receptor or extracellular target, SS-31 has been investigated for its interaction with mitochondrial membranes. Research has focused particularly on cardiolipin, a distinctive phospholipid associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Experimental work indicates that SS-31 can associate with cardiolipin-containing membranes and alter membrane-surface electrostatics without destabilizing the lipid bilayer under the tested conditions. These properties have made SS-31 a useful research tool for investigating mitochondrial membrane biophysics and peptide-membrane interactions.
SS-31 is a short, synthetic tetrapeptide with alternating aromatic and positively charged residues. The peptide belongs to the Szeto-Schiller class of mitochondria-targeted peptides.
Its research relevance comes from several structural characteristics:
Studies comparing SS-31 with related tetrapeptide analogs have examined sequence-dependent differences in membrane binding, conformation, and interactions with cardiolipin-containing membranes.
Researchers may encounter several names for the same compound in scientific literature and databases:
| Name | Context |
|---|---|
| SS-31 | Common research designation |
| Elamipretide | Scientific/development name |
| MTP-131 | Alternative development designation |
| Bendavia | Developmental name used in research literature |
| Szeto-Schiller peptide | Peptide family classification |
| Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide | Functional structural description |
Researchers should verify the exact molecular identity and lot documentation rather than relying solely on a product name.
Mitochondria contain a specialized inner membrane that supports several processes involved in cellular energy metabolism. Cardiolipin is an important phospholipid within this membrane and has attracted considerable interest in mitochondrial research.
SS-31 has been investigated because of its interaction with cardiolipin and other components of the mitochondrial inner membrane. Research using biochemical, biophysical, and mass-spectrometry approaches has examined how the peptide associates with mitochondrial structures and proteins.
This makes SS-31 relevant to research models examining:
A Well-Characterized Research Target
SS-31 has been investigated across multiple areas of mitochondrial biology, giving researchers a substantial scientific literature base for understanding its molecular characteristics and experimental context.
Relevant to Mitochondrial Membrane Research
The relationship between SS-31 and cardiolipin-containing membranes is one of the most distinctive aspects of the compound. Research has examined how the peptide partitions into membrane interfaces and changes local surface electrostatics.
Suitable for Mechanistic Research
SS-31 has been investigated using approaches ranging from membrane biophysics to cross-linking mass spectrometry. Research has identified mitochondrial protein interactors associated with oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic pathways, providing useful context for mechanistic laboratory studies.
Useful for Comparative Peptide Studies
Because SS-31 belongs to the Szeto-Schiller peptide family, it can also be relevant to structure-activity research comparing peptide sequence, aromatic residues, charge distribution, membrane binding, and molecular conformation.
Documentation-Focused Supply
Helix Bio states that it provides third-party HPLC and mass-spectrometry testing and batch-specific certificates of analysis for its research peptide products. Researchers should review the COA associated with the specific SS-31 lot being considered.
SS-31 research material may be appropriate for qualified users working in:
It is not intended for consumers seeking treatment, supplementation, anti-aging intervention, disease management, or self-administration.
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
Cyclic peptides resist protease degradation and reach undruggable targets. Learn how peptide cyclization works and why stability improves. Explore the research.
How continuous flow, automation, enzymatic routes and AI are changing peptide synthesis technology, and what it means for research peptide purity and supply.
AI now designs peptides from scratch. How AlphaFold 3, RFdiffusion and protein language models reshaped peptide discovery in 2026 — research use only.
