GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine • Copper)
Identification
| Property |
Value |
| Common Names |
GHK-Cu, Copper Tripeptide-1, L-Alanyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-copper(II) |
| Sequence |
Gly-His-Lys (GHK) complexed with Cu²⁺ |
| Molecular Formula |
C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄·Cu |
| Molecular Weight |
~340.38 Da (free peptide); ~401.9 Da (copper complex) |
| Appearance |
Deep blue to blue-violet lyophilized powder or crystalline solid |
| Discovery |
1973 (Pickart & Thaler), isolated from human plasma |
| Natural Occurrence |
Human plasma peptide; declines with age (~60% reduction by age 60 vs age 20) |
Biological Context
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide present in human plasma at approximately 200 ng/mL (age 20), declining to ~80 ng/mL by age 60. It possesses high affinity for copper(II) ions (Kd ~10⁻¹⁶ M) and functions as a copper transport and delivery peptide. The GHK-Cu complex is the biologically active form responsible for most of the peptide's documented regenerative effects.
Research Applications
| Research Domain |
Description |
| Wound Healing |
Accelerates wound contraction and closure; enhances collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan deposition in dermal tissue |
| Collagen Synthesis |
Stimulates type I, III, and IV collagen production; upregulates MMP-2/TIMP-2 balance for orderly ECM remodeling |
| Skin Regeneration |
Promotes keratinocyte proliferation; improves skin elasticity and reduces fine-line appearance in photoaged skin models |
| Hair Growth |
Stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation; extends anagen phase and increases follicular size in preclinical models |
| Angiogenesis |
Promotes new capillary formation via VEGF and basic FGF upregulation |
| Anti-inflammatory Activity |
Modulates TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-1 expression; promotes M2 macrophage polarization during wound resolution |
| Neuroprotection |
Chelates redox-active copper, reducing oxidative stress in neuronal tissue models |
Mechanisms of Action
| Mechanism |
Description |
| Copper Delivery |
Transports copper(II) ions into cells; copper is an essential cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen crosslinking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant), and cytochrome c oxidase |
| Gene Expression Modulation |
Resets gene expression patterns in damaged/aged tissue toward a younger profile; upregulates ~50% of genes suppressed with age |
| ECM Remodeling |
Increases collagen, elastin, proteoglycan, and GAG synthesis while selectively activating MMPs for orderly matrix turnover |
| Iron Chelation |
Suppresses ferritin release and Fenton chemistry, reducing oxidative tissue damage at wound sites |
Quality Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
Method |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥98.0% (free GHK peptide) |
RP-HPLC, 214 nm |
| Copper Complexation |
≥95.0% (GHK-Cu complex confirmed) |
UV-Vis (λmax ~590–610 nm), HPLC-MS |
| Mass Identity |
MW ±1.0 Da |
ESI-MS |
| Water Content |
≤5.0% |
Karl Fischer titration |
| Peptide Content |
≥80.0% |
Amino acid analysis |
| Acetate Content |
≤1.0% (acetate salt) |
Ion chromatography |
| Endotoxin |
≤1.0 EU/mg |
LAL kinetic chromogenic |
| pH (1 mg/mL) |
4.5–7.0 |
Potentiometric |
Available Configurations
| Format |
Size |
Vials per Kit |
| Standard Research Kit |
50 mg × 10 vials |
10 |
| Extended Research Kit |
100 mg × 10 vials |
10 |
| Bulk Research Package |
Custom |
Per scope |
| Custom Salt Forms |
Acetate, hydrochloride |
Per order |
Storage & Stability
| Condition |
Requirement |
| Short-term Storage |
2–8°C, lyophilized form, protect from light |
| Long-term Storage |
−20°C, desiccated, protect from light |
| Reconstituted |
Use within 24 h at 2–8°C; aliquot and freeze at −20°C |
| Light Sensitivity |
Protect from prolonged light exposure; the copper complex may photodegrade under intense UV |
| Hygroscopicity |
Hygroscopic; ensure container is tightly sealed after each use |
Documentation
- COA provided per batch with HPLC, MS, and UV-Vis copper complexation data. See our COA & Purity Analysis Guide.
- MSDS supplied with each shipment.
- Copper Content Verification by ICP-MS or AAS available upon request for research requiring precise stoichiometric data.
Special Notes
- FOR LABORATORY RESEARCH USE ONLY.
- The characteristic blue color of lyophilized GHK-Cu is a visual indicator of successful copper complexation. Color intensity correlates with copper loading and should be uniform across vials within a batch.
- Care should be taken during reconstitution to ensure complete dissolution; the copper complex may form micro-aggregates in alkaline buffers (pH > 7.5).
- GHK-Cu is stable to autoclaving (121°C, 20 min) in lyophilized form, but heat sterilization of reconstituted solutions is not recommended.
Key Research References
| Reference |
PMID |
Key Finding |
| Pickart L et al. "GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration." Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. |
26236730 |
GHK-Cu resets gene expression in aged/damaged tissue toward a younger profile; upregulates ~50% of suppressed genes; stimulates collagen, elastin, and GAG synthesis |
| Siméon A et al. "Expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu²⁺." J Invest Dermatol. 1999;112(6):957–964. |
10383745 |
GHK-Cu modulates MMP-2/TIMP-2 balance for orderly ECM remodeling during wound healing |
| Pollard JD et al. "The effects of copper tripeptide on wound healing." Wound Repair Regen. 2005;13(2):A12–A27. |
— |
Comprehensive review of GHK-Cu in wound healing models including angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory activity |
Stability & Storage
| Condition |
Degradation Profile |
| Light Exposure |
Highly photosensitive; the copper complex photodegrades under UV and intense visible light. Always store in amber vials or opaque containers protected from light |
| Neutral pH (6.0–7.5) |
Stable; optimal pH for copper complexation integrity and biological activity |
| Alkaline pH (>7.5) |
Copper complex may dissociate or form micro-aggregates; avoid reconstitution in alkaline buffers |
| Metal Ion Chelation |
EDTA and other strong chelators strip Cu²⁺ from the GHK-Cu complex, abolishing biological activity. Do not co-formulate with chelating agents |
| Temperature |
Lyophilized: stable 24 months at 2–8°C (protected from light). Reconstituted: 24 h at 4°C; freeze at −20°C in single-use aliquots |
| Freeze-Thaw |
Avoid repeated cycles; hydrolysis risk increases with each thaw cycle |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What purity specifications apply to GHK-Cu?
≥98.0% by HPLC for the free GHK peptide, with ≥95.0% copper complexation confirmed by UV-Vis (λmax ~590–610 nm) and HPLC-MS. Each batch includes peptide content (≥80.0%), water content (≤5.0%), and endotoxin testing. The characteristic blue-violet color is a visual indicator of successful copper loading.
Q: How should GHK-Cu be stored to maintain copper complex integrity?
Store lyophilized GHK-Cu at 2–8°C or −20°C in tightly sealed, light-protected containers (amber vials or opaque packaging). After reconstitution, use within 24 hours at 2–8°C or aliquot into single-use portions and freeze at −20°C. Critical: protect from light at all times — the copper complex photodegrades. Never co-formulate with EDTA or strong metal chelators, as they strip the essential Cu²⁺ ion from the complex.
Source & Purchase
For researchers requiring GHK CU with full analytical documentation including HPLC and LC-MS traces, visit the PeptideSourceHub product page for bulk pricing and specifications.
Purchase GHK CU with COA →
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