SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂), also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia, is a synthetic cell-permeable tetrapeptide designed to selectively target and concentrate at the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its alternating aromatic-cationic motif facilitates electrostatic interaction with cardiolipin, a phospholipid that plays a critical structural and functional role in electron transport chain organization. In preclinical research environments, SS-31 is employed as a molecular probe for studying mitochondrial bioenergetics, including electron transport chain efficiency, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, membrane potential dynamics, and ATP production. Experimental models utilize the peptide to investigate how cardiolipin-targeted intervention affects cytochrome c interactions and oxidative phosphorylation coupling. Published preclinical literature describes SS-31 in studies of cardiac mitochondrial function, skeletal muscle bioenergetics, renal tubular cell metabolism, and neuronal mitochondrial signaling. The peptide’s ability to penetrate cell membranes and accumulate at the inner mitochondrial membrane makes it a unique tool for studying organelle-specific pharmacology in controlled laboratory systems. Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂ Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₄₉N₇O₅ Molecular Weight: 615.78 g/mol CAS: 736992-21-5 Supplied exclusively for non-clinical laboratory research. Not for human consumption.