GHK-Cu (100mg)

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. The GHK sequence occurs naturally in human plasma, where it was first isolated in 1973, and it binds copper(II) with high affinity through the imidazole nitrogen of its histidine residue and its N-terminal amine. The complex is one of the most widely used copper peptides in cell-culture research.

This listing is the 100 mg vial. Each vial contains 100 mg of lyophilized GHK-Cu; the 50 mg size is listed separately.

Note: GHK-Cu is for research use only. Not for human consumption.

GHK-Cu Mechanism of Action (Based on Research)

GHK-Cu has been characterized primarily through its copper coordination chemistry and the transcriptional changes observed in cultured cells exposed to it. The pathways below are the ones most frequently described in the published non-clinical literature; the full mechanism is not yet elucidated.

Copper Coordination Chemistry

The peptide chelates copper(II) in a square-planar geometry involving the histidine imidazole, the N-terminal amine, and the backbone amide nitrogen. A central question in the literature is how peptide-bound copper is presented to cells in culture compared with free copper salts, and GHK-Cu is the reference complex in that comparison.

Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression

In cultured human fibroblasts, exposure to GHK-Cu is followed by measurable changes in the transcription of extracellular-matrix genes, including collagen and metalloproteinase family members. Broad gene-expression profiling work describes shifts across a large set of matrix-remodeling transcripts, which is the most cited molecular observation for the compound.

Oxidative Stress Assays

In vitro studies have examined GHK-Cu in assays of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzyme activity, where the redox behavior of the bound copper centre is the variable under investigation.

Structure-Activity Comparison

GHK-Cu is the parent compound against which related copper tripeptides such as AHK-Cu are measured, making it a standard comparator in structure-activity research on the copper-peptide family.

GHK-Cu Research Applications

GHK-Cu is used as a reference copper peptide in fibroblast and keratinocyte culture, in extracellular-matrix and gene-expression studies, in copper-transport and redox chemistry work, and as the comparator in structure-activity studies of related copper tripeptides. The 100 mg vial is the high-content size, intended where a study design consumes larger quantities of material than the 50 mg vial covers.

GHK-Cu Peptide Characteristics

• Peptide Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (GHK), complexed with copper(II)
• Synonyms:
  • Copper tripeptide-1
  • Copper peptide GHK-Cu
  • Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex
• Appearance: blue lyophilized powder (copper complex)
• Vial Contents: 100 mg lyophilized powder
• Other Size Available: 50 mg vial, listed separately
• Storage Recommendations:
  • Lyophilized powder: store at -4 °F (-20 °C) for long-term storage (stable for up to 3 years); short-term storage at 39 °F (4 °C) (up to 2 years). Keep sealed, dry, and away from light.
  • In solution: store at 39 °F (4 °C) for short periods, or at -4 °F (-20 °C) for longer durations. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Use sterile technique when handling.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Every vial of GHK-Cu offered by Evolve Peptides comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify its identity, purity, and quality. These certificates are based on independent third-party testing, ensuring that each batch exceeds 99% purity and meets stringent analytical criteria for research applications.

Our COAs typically include:

• Purity analysis (e.g., HPLC or mass spectrometry)
• Identity confirmation
• Batch number and production date
• Storage conditions and solubility notes

You can access a sample COA PDF on each product page or request the specific COA for your batch after purchase. This documentation supports transparency and gives researchers confidence in the consistency and integrity of our products.

Legal Disclaimer

This product is intended strictly for laboratory research purposes only. It is not approved by the FDA or any other regulatory agency for human consumption, medical use, or veterinary application.

• • Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical use.
  • Not intended for resale or use in food, drugs, cosmetics, or household items.
• Not intended for ingestion, injection, or application to humans or animals, and should never be used in any form of self-experimentation.

By purchasing from Evolve Peptides, the buyer agrees to use it in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and research safety protocols.