Tissue Repair · Lyophilized Powder
CAS: 89030-95-5 | Sequence: Tripeptide–copper(II) complex | Purity: ≥99.4%
$44.99 / vial
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SKU PT-GHKCU-50 · HPLC + MS tested every batch · Insulated cold-pack shipping
GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is the copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (401.91 g/mol). First isolated from human plasma, GHK binds copper ions with high affinity and is one of the most studied small peptides in skin, wound-healing and extracellular-matrix research.
Laboratory studies examine its effects on fibroblast collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, metalloproteinase regulation, antioxidant enzyme activity and broad gene-expression signatures. GHK-Cu is also used in cosmetic formulation research, which is why it appears in both our Tissue Repair and Cosmetic Peptides categories.
Supplied as 50 mg of blue lyophilized powder at ≥99.4% HPLC purity with a batch-specific third-party COA.
Each production lot is independently tested for identity, purity and content. Select a batch to view its analytical results — your vial label lists the batch number.
| Test | Method | Result | Status |
|---|
Technical reference data and a summary of published preclinical literature, provided for educational purposes.
| Name | GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Copper tripeptide-1, prezatide copper |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 401.91 g/mol |
| Sequence (3-letter) | Gly-His-Lys · Cu(II) |
| Sequence (1-letter) | GHK · Cu²⁺ |
| Structure Class | Naturally occurring tripeptide forming a high-affinity complex with copper(II) |
| Form | Blue lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99.4% (RP-HPLC); identity confirmed by ESI-MS |
| Content per Vial | 50 mg net peptide |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water and bacteriostatic water; protect solutions from light |
| Storage Conditions | Lyophilized: −20 °C, desiccated and protected from light. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 28 days. Protect from light and avoid strong chelating agents such as EDTA, which strip the copper ion. |
GHK was first isolated from human plasma in 1973. Reported plasma concentrations fall substantially between early adulthood and age 60, which prompted research into its role in tissue maintenance.
GHK binds Cu(II) with high affinity and has been studied as a carrier that modulates copper availability to copper-dependent enzymes such as lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase.
In fibroblast cultures, GHK-Cu stimulated collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and modulated metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, consistent with a role in matrix remodelling.
Connectivity Map analyses have suggested that GHK influences expression of a large number of human genes, including pathways linked to tissue repair and antioxidant defence; these are computational associations requiring experimental confirmation.
Cell and animal studies have associated GHK-Cu with increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation; these effects may relate in part to its copper-buffering properties.
Representative literature: Pickart L, Thaler MM, Nat New Biol 1973; Maquart FX et al., FEBS Lett 1988; Pickart L, Margolina A, Int J Mol Sci 2018.
| Diluent Added | Concentration | Per 0.1 mL Aliquot |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 mL | 50.0 mg/mL | 5 mg |
| 2.0 mL | 25.0 mg/mL | 2.5 mg |
| 2.5 mL | 20.0 mg/mL | 2 mg |
| 3.0 mL | 16.67 mg/mL | 1.67 mg |
| 5.0 mL | 10.0 mg/mL | 1 mg |
Allow the vial to reach room temperature. Introduce sterile or bacteriostatic water slowly down the inner glass wall — do not inject directly onto the powder cake. Swirl gently until fully dissolved; do not shake or vortex, as this can promote aggregation.
| State | Condition | Typical Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20 °C, desiccated | 24+ months |
| Lyophilized | 2–8 °C | Up to 12 months |
| Lyophilized | Room temp (≤25 °C) | Several weeks (transit) |
| Reconstituted | 2–8 °C | Up to 28 days |
| Reconstituted | −20 °C aliquots | Avoid repeated freeze–thaw |
Quality & Analytics
What a chromatogram, a purity percentage and a mass spectrum actually tell you — and the red flags that suggest a Certificate of Analysis deserves a closer look.
Storage & Stability
How peptides degrade, why −20 °C and desiccation matter, and practical rules for freeze–thaw cycles, light exposure and reconstituted shelf-life.
Research Review
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