Description
Product overview
GHK-Cu is a tripeptide-copper complex (Gly-His-Lys bound to Cu²⁺) first isolated by Loren Pickart in 1973. Supplied as 100mg lyophilised per vial — the standard high-content vial size for sustained research protocols. Recognised as the dominant blue-tinted lyophilisate due to its bound copper centre.
Sequence and complex
Gly-His-Lys tripeptide complexed with Cu²⁺ via histidine imidazole nitrogen and adjacent backbone atoms. The complex is the physiological form in which copper is shuttled between cells.
Research mechanism
- Dermal fibroblast activation — type I collagen, decorin, elastin upregulation
- Bidirectional matrix metalloproteinase modulation (MMP-2 with TIMP induction)
- Antioxidant activity through the copper centre
- Anti-inflammatory cytokine dampening (TNF-α, IL-1β)
Research applications
- Dermal regeneration and ECM remodelling studies
- Wound healing and tissue repair research
- Hair follicle and dermal papilla cell research
- Skin aging and gene expression profiling
See our comprehensive GHK-Cu research review for full mechanism literature.
Reconstitution and storage
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water at 3–5 mL for working concentrations of 20–33 mg/mL. The copper centre is sensitive to reducing conditions — avoid reducing agents in buffers. Refrigerate (2–8°C), stable approximately 4 weeks after reconstitution. Store lyophilised vial at –20°C, protected from light.
Quality and analytics
HPLC purity ≥98%. Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis with mass spectrometry confirmation available on request.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
