GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) Analytical Reagent

GHK-Cu is a high-purity, naturally occurring copper-complexed tripeptide, provided as a stable lyophilized powder strictly for in vitro laboratory investigation. Structurally defined as Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine complexed with Cu²⁺, this compound is extensively documented in peer-reviewed literature for its pivotal roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation, copper coordination chemistry, and diverse cellular signaling pathways.

• Quantity: Supplied at 50 analytical mass units.

• Quality Control: Uncompromising quality guaranteed, with ≥99% purity verified by RP-HPLC and molecular identity confirmed via LC-MS.

• Regulatory Warning: This product is an analytical research reagent. It is strictly prohibited for human or animal consumption, parenteral administration, or any application outside a controlled laboratory setting.

Technical Specifications

• Chemical Class: Copper-Complexed Tripeptide Reagent

• INCI Name: Copper Tripeptide-1

• Physical Format: Lyophilized Powder, Hermetically Sealed Sterile Container

• Net Reagent Content: 50 analytical mass units per sealed container

• CAS Registry: 89030-95-5

• PubChem CID: 378611

• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄

• Molecular Weight: 340.4 Da (peptide backbone) + Cu²⁺ coordination

• Analytical Purity: ≥99% by RP-HPLC

• Identity Confirmation: LC-MS (Molecular weight and sequence verified)

• Endotoxin Screening: <0.25 EU (LAL assay)

• Copper Stoichiometry: Cu:peptide ratio verified by ICP or colorimetric method

• Reconstitution Buffer: Aqueous laboratory buffer (pH 4–6 recommended for complex stability)

• Storage (Lyophilized): 2–8°C, desiccated, light-protected

• Storage (In Solution): −20°C, single-use aliquots advised

• Regulatory Class: Research Use Only (RUO)

Copper Coordination Chemistry & Research Mechanisms

Unlike single-mechanism research tools, GHK-Cu operates across multiple documented signaling pathways simultaneously, making it uniquely valuable for investigating the intersection of copper coordination chemistry, ECM remodeling, and inflammatory pathway modulation.

Coordination Chemistry Profile

• Cu²⁺ Coordination Sites: Imidazole N (His) + alpha-amino N (Gly) + deprotonated amide N

• Log Stability Constant: ~16.44 (PMC3359723)

• Conditional Kd at pH 7.4: Picomolar range (PMC7503498)

• Complex Stability: Most stable between pH 4–6; dissociation occurs at extreme pH levels.

• Redox Chemistry: Cu(II)GHK is reduced by glutathione via thiolate intermediates (PMC8653159).

2026 Laboratory Applications

1. ECM Remodeling & Collagen Synthesis: Investigated for the stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures at pico-to-nanomolar concentrations, and differential regulation of small proteoglycans (decorin upregulated; biglycan downregulated).

2. MMP/TIMP Protease Balance: Used to study the modulation of metalloproteinases and inhibitors, consistent with a tissue-remodeling phenotype.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Pathway Modulation: Applied in research extending to SIRT1 activation, p-STAT3 downregulation, improvement of mucosal barrier proteins (ZO-1, occludin), and reduction of Th17-driven inflammatory signaling.

4. Biomaterials & Delivery Systems: Utilized in the development of advanced delivery systems, including dimeric copper-peptide hydrogels and pH-responsive biomaterials.

Comparative Research Context

Why Source From BioLink Analytica?

1. Copper Stoichiometry Verification – Beyond Basic Purity

Standard HPLC purity confirms peptide content but cannot confirm whether copper coordination is complete, partial, or absent. Our GHK-Cu batches include verification of the Cu:peptide stoichiometric ratio, ensuring researchers receive the complexed form (Cu(II)GHK) required for copper-mediated pathway research, rather than just the apo-peptide (GHK).

2. pH-Stable Formulation Intelligence

Published physicochemical characterization documents GHK-Cu complex stability as highly pH-dependent, with optimal stability at pH 4–6. Our technical data sheet includes precise storage and reconstitution buffer guidance aligned with published stability data, protecting your assay integrity from formulation-induced artifacts.

3. Cold-Chain Integrity & Domestic Dispatch

Copper-peptide complexes are highly sensitive to thermal and oxidative degradation. BioLink Analytica ships exclusively within the USA via monitored cold-chain logistics from a climate-controlled facility, completely eliminating the uncontrolled temperature excursions often documented in international shipments.

Regulatory & Compliance Statement

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY (RUO). NOT FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL APPLICATION.

• Regulatory Status: Research Use Only (RUO) under the U.S. Federal Framework.

• FDA Status: No FDA-approved GHK-Cu drug product exists. It holds cosmetic ingredient status only for finished products (INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1).

• Not a Drug/Supplement: Not evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficacy in any clinical application. Not a dietary supplement, nutraceutical, or consumer product.

• PPE Required: Gloves, lab coat, and protective eyewear are mandatory. Copper is biologically active; handle strictly as a bioactive chemical reagent.

• Strict Prohibition: Promoting, distributing, or using this research reagent for any application involving administration to living organisms is strictly prohibited under U.S. federal law.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is GHK-Cu intended for consumption or administration?

A: No. GHK-Cu is strictly classified as a Research Use Only (RUO) laboratory reagent. It is not approved, labeled, or intended for consumption, parenteral administration, therapeutic use, or any diagnostic application. Purchase confirms your agreement to institutional laboratory research use only.

Q2: What is the difference between GHK (apo-peptide) and GHK-Cu?

A: GHK is the apo-tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) without copper coordination. GHK-Cu is the copper-complexed form where Cu²⁺ is coordinated by the imidazole nitrogen of histidine, the alpha-amino group of glycine, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen. Researchers requiring copper-mediated pathway investigation must use the complexed GHK-Cu form to ensure proper redox reactivity.

Q3: What analytical data is provided with each batch?

A: Each batch includes: (1) RP-HPLC purity ≥99%, (2) LC-MS molecular weight confirmation, (3) Cu:peptide stoichiometric ratio verification, (4) endotoxin screening <0.25 EU, (5) lot number for full traceability, and (6) storage and stability conditions. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available per batch.

Q4: What is the recommended reconstitution buffer for laboratory use?

A: GHK-Cu complex stability is optimally maintained at pH 4–6. For most in-vitro assays, an aqueous buffer at pH 5–6 is recommended. Researchers must verify pH compatibility with their specific cell culture medium and assay conditions, and design experiments with appropriate redox controls.

Q5: What is the FDA regulatory status of GHK-Cu?

A: In the US, it has three distinct contexts: (1) As a cosmetic ingredient (INCI: copper tripeptide-1) in finished products. (2) As a research chemical, compliant with laboratory safety frameworks (OSHA). (3) As a compounded substance under Section 503A/503B oversight. No FDA-approved GHK-Cu drug product exists. This product is supplied exclusively as an RUO reagent.

Q6: Is GHK-Cu the same as Matrixyl or other cosmetic research peptides?

A: No. Matrixyl (Pal-KTTKS) is a fatty acid-conjugated pentapeptide with a different amino acid sequence and no copper coordination activity. GHK-Cu is uniquely characterized by its Cu²⁺ chelation chemistry, making them chemically and mechanistically distinct compounds.