Understand the source comparison
SS-31 Quality Real vs Fake: Research-Grade Comparison
The following table summarizes the distinguishing characteristics between authentic research-grade SS-31 and counterfeit or low-quality product across synthesis, purity, documentation, and supplier transparency. HPLC Purity ≥98% verified by third-party analysi
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- The following table summarizes the distinguishing characteristics between authentic research-grade SS-31 and counterfeit or low-quality product across synthesis, purity, documentation, and supplier transparency.
- HPLC Purity
- ≥98% verified by third-party analysis with chromatogram showing single dominant peak
- 70–85% or unreported; multiple peaks indicating deletion sequences and impurities
- Research requires ≥95% minimum; anything below compromises reproducibility
- Mass Spectrometry
- Molecular weight 640.4 Da confirmed within ±0.5 Da by independent lab
- No mass spec data, or reported value deviates by >1.0 Da indicating incorrect sequence
- Mass spec is non-negotiable for sequence verification—absence is disqualifying
- Endotoxin Level
- <1.0 EU/mg verified by LAL assay, documented in batch COA
- Untested or exceeds 10 EU/mg, introducing inflammatory variables into research
- Endotoxins confound in vivo and cell culture data; testing must be batch-specific
- Certificate of Analysis
- Batch-specific, dated, issued by accredited third-party lab with contact details
- Generic COA with no batch number, outdated, or in-house only with no verification
- Third-party verification is the only trustworthy standard—in-house reports are unverifiable
- Acetate Content
- <15% by weight, reported in COA with peptide content adjusted accordingly
- Unreported or exceeds 20%, distorting dose calculations and experimental concentrations
- Excess acetate isn't dangerous but falsifies peptide content—dose accuracy depends on this
- Amino Acid Sequence
- D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 confirmed by amino acid analysis showing correct molar ratios
- Deletion sequences present (missing one or more residues), or incorrect analogs substituted
- Sequence fidelity determines mitochondrial targeting—truncated peptides don't function
- Lyophilization Quality
- Sterile process producing dry, stable powder; reconstitutes clear within 60 seconds
- Non-sterile or moisture present; sticky residue, discoloration, or cloudy reconstitution
- Visual degradation indicates compromised synthesis or storage—reject immediately
- Price Positioning
- $180–$280 per 50mg depending on volume; reflects purification and testing costs
- $80–$120 per 50mg—below cost of research-grade synthesis and purification
- Unrealistic pricing signals skipped steps; legitimate synthesis has fixed cost floors
- Supplier Transparency
- Provides batch COA before purchase, responsive to analytical questions, discloses synthesis location
- No COA unless requested, evasive about testing, no third-party lab named
- Transparency correlates directly with product quality—evasion is a red flag