SS-31 is one of the most striking research peptides within mitochondrial biology. In this guide we explain, research-only, what SS-31 is, how it is built and within which research themes it is studied. Without any health or performance claims.
SS-31 is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (also called elamipretide) that accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and associates with cardiolipin. In research it is studied around mitochondrial bioenergetics. It is not a medicine and is offered for research only, ≥99% pure with a COA per batch.
What is SS-31?
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide — a chain of four amino acids — belonging to the family of Szeto-Schiller peptides, which is what the "SS" abbreviation refers to. It also carries the research names elamipretide and MTP-131. Four amino acids, one clear characteristic: the molecule is designed to target the mitochondria. New to peptides? First read what peptides are.
Why is SS-31 mitochondria-targeted?
SS-31 selectively accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it associates with cardiolipin. Cardiolipin is a distinctive lipid that helps determine the structure and function of the mitochondrial membrane. Why does that matter? Because the mitochondria are the cell's power plants, and that targeted accumulation makes SS-31 a much-used tool in bioenergetics research. These descriptions come from preclinical research and are no proof of effect in humans.
SS-31 vs. MOTS-C
SS-31 and MOTS-C are both studied around the mitochondria, but via a completely different route. SS-31 is a short peptide that physically binds to the mitochondrial membrane. MOTS-C is a peptide that, uniquely, is encoded in the DNA of the mitochondria themselves. Read more in what is MOTS-C, or see the broader anti-ageing & longevity category. Within the same research direction, NAD+ and Epithalon are also studied.
How is SS-31 reconstituted?
SS-31 is supplied as a lyophilised powder and reconstituted in the lab with bacteriostatic water. The right ratio depends on the vial strength and the research design. Determine water, concentration and units with the reconstitution calculator, or read the step-by-step explanation in how to reconstitute peptides.
Purity and documentation
Reproducible mitochondrial research requires material with verified purity and full traceability. Every batch of SS-31 at Peptide Lab is tested by Janoshik Analytical at ≥99% purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The lot number on the label points to a public certificate per batch, so you can trace exactly what you have. Read more about our approach on the science page.
This information is general and intended solely for a research context. Peptide Lab supplies SS-31 for laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption, not a medicine and not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions about SS-31
What is SS-31?
SS-31 (also known as elamipretide or MTP-131) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds to cardiolipin. It is studied within mitochondrial bioenergetics research and is not an approved medicine.
Why is SS-31 called a 'mitochondrial peptide'?
Because SS-31 selectively accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it associates with cardiolipin — a lipid crucial to the structure of the cell's power plants. That targeted localisation makes it a distinctive object of study.
What is the difference between SS-31 and MOTS-C?
Both are studied around the mitochondria, but in different ways: SS-31 is a tetrapeptide that binds to the mitochondrial membrane, whereas MOTS-C is a peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA that is studied in metabolic signalling.
Is SS-31 pure at Peptide Lab?
Yes, SS-31 is lab-verified at ≥99% purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry, with a public Janoshik certificate per batch. For research purposes only.
