GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-1
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with a long dermal and matrix research history. Assayed for both peptide purity and copper stoichiometry.
Current lot verified
CP-GHKCU-2607A · tested Jul 3, 2026
99.53 %
HPLC purity
About GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with copper(II). The free tripeptide occurs in human plasma and its concentration declines measurably with age, which is the observation that started the research programme decades ago. The copper complex is the biologically interesting form: the histidine imidazole and the N-terminal amine chelate Cu(II) in a square-planar arrangement, and it is that complex, not the bare peptide, that shows activity in matrix remodelling and fibroblast assays.
The quality question specific to this compound is stoichiometry. A lot can be 99 % pure by peptide HPLC and still be badly under-complexed with copper, which would make it a different reagent than the one you ordered. We assay copper content by ICP-MS on every lot and report the molar ratio on the certificate alongside the peptide purity — a figure most suppliers in this category simply do not publish.
Published research areas
- Extracellular matrix remodelling
- Fibroblast and collagen synthesis models
- Copper homeostasis
- Dermal research
Specifications
- CAS number
- 89030-95-5
- Molecular formula
- C14H24N6O4Cu
- Molecular weight
- 403.94 g/mol
- Release specification
- ≥ 99.0 % by HPLC
- Appearance
- Deep blue lyophilised powder — colour is the copper complex and is expected
- Solubility
- Freely soluble in water, producing a characteristic blue solution
- Storage
- -20 °C lyophilised, protected from light. Copper complexes are photosensitive.
- Format
- lyophilized vial
Sequence
H-Gly-His-Lys-OH · Cu(II)
Handling and reconstitution
Use non-chelating diluent. EDTA or citrate buffers will strip the copper and leave you with the free tripeptide.
Storage: -20 °C lyophilised, protected from light. Copper complexes are photosensitive.
Full reconstitution and storage referenceLot history
Every released lot of this compound, oldest kept on file. Average across 2 lots: 99.50 %.
| Lot | Strength | Purity | Tested | Laboratory | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP-GHKCU-2607A | 50 mg | 99.53 % | Jul 3, 2026 | Aurum Bioanalytics | Certificate → |
| CP-GHKCU-2605B | 100 mg | 99.46 % | May 12, 2026 | Colmaric Analyticals | Certificate → |
Questions about this compound
That is the copper(II) complex and it is exactly what you want to see. A GHK-Cu vial containing white or pale powder is either uncomplexed free peptide or badly under-complexed. Colour is a genuine first-pass identity check with this compound.
