GHK-cu

GHK-Cu is a copper(II)-binding tripeptide complex — the sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine coordinated to a copper ion — originally described in the scientific literature as a peptide isolated from human plasma. It is catalogued under CAS 89030-95-5 with the molecular formula C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ and a reported mass of approximately 403.9 Da. The histidine residue provides the principal coordination site for the bound copper, and the complex is supplied exclusively as a research-grade material for qualified laboratory use.

Because of its bound copper, GHK-Cu is presented as a characteristic blue lyophilized powder, which visually distinguishes it from the white powders typical of uncomplexed peptides. The color arises from the copper coordination itself and is a useful first-glance indicator that the complex is intact. It is offered here in 50mg and 100mg presentations to suit different research scales, and it is readily soluble in water for the preparation of laboratory working solutions. Researchers commonly confirm that the reconstituted solution retains its characteristic blue tint, since a loss of color can indicate that an incompatible solvent or extreme pH has disrupted the copper coordination; a mild, near-neutral aqueous solvent is therefore generally preferred.

Each lot is characterized analytically with two complementary methods. RP-HPLC separates the target complex from related species using a solvent gradient and resolves it as a dominant chromatographic peak under UV detection, allowing chromatographic purity to be assessed. LC-MS confirms identity by matching the measured mass to the theoretical value for the tripeptide–copper complex. Because the bound copper is integral to the molecule's identity, the mass measured by LC-MS reflects the intact complex, confirming that the copper coordination has been retained through synthesis and purification.

For storage and handling in a research environment, the lyophilized powder is kept at -20 °C and protected from light, conditions that help maintain the integrity of the copper-coordinated complex. Reconstituted solutions are typically divided into aliquots and kept cold to limit freeze–thaw exposure. The selection of solvent system, working concentration, and downstream handling is determined by the researcher according to the requirements of the specific analytical or in-vitro protocol.

Every order includes lot-traceable documentation: the Certificate of Analysis, the RP-HPLC purity report, and the independent third-party report, each linked to a unique lot identifier that can be verified before use. GHK-Cu sits in the Growth Factors research category at Prototides and is provided for laboratory research use only. It is not a drug, cosmetic, food, or supplement, and it is not intended for human consumption, therapeutic application, diagnostic use, or veterinary use.