GHK-Cu — Research Peptide Overview, Specifications, and Sourcing

At-a-Glance Specifications

CAS Number

89030-95-5

Molecular Weight

403.93 g/mol (copper complex)

Molecular Formula

C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄

Amino Acid Sequence

Gly-His-Lys:Cu(II) (GHK-Cu)

Purity

≥99% (HPLC verified)

Physical Form

Lyophilized powder (blue)

Storage

-20°C lyophilized; 2-8°C reconstituted

Synonyms

Copper Tripeptide-1, Copper Peptide GHK-Cu, Lipo Tripeptide, Prezatide Copper Acetate

What Is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex first identified in human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. The complex consists of the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) bound to a copper(II) ion through the nitrogen atoms of the glycine amino terminus, the histidine imidazole ring, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen. This specific coordination geometry creates a highly stable peptide-metal complex with distinctive blue coloration in its lyophilized and concentrated solution forms.

GHK-Cu is present naturally in human plasma at a concentration of approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults, with levels declining significantly with age. Plasma GHK-Cu concentration decreases to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60, a decline that has been correlated with reduced tissue remodeling capacity and impaired wound healing in aging populations. This age-related decline has generated substantial research interest in GHK-Cu as a compound relevant to skin aging, tissue repair, and regenerative medicine research.

The tripeptide-copper complex has been extensively studied across diverse biological contexts including wound healing, skin remodeling, anti-inflammatory signaling, antioxidant defense, and gene expression modulation. Its small molecular weight (403.93 g/mol) facilitates excellent tissue penetration, while its naturally occurring status provides a well-characterized biological context for research investigations.

For wholesale research suppliers, GHK-Cu occupies a unique position in the peptide catalog. It bridges the gap between cosmetic research, biomedical tissue repair studies, and fundamental biology research, attracting demand from cosmeceutical companies, academic dermatology departments, wound care researchers, and anti-aging research laboratories.

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu exerts its biological effects through multiple interconnected mechanisms, with its copper-delivery function and gene-modulatory activity forming the foundation of its bioactivity.

Copper Delivery and Metalloenzyme Activation

GHK-Cu serves as a bioavailable copper delivery vehicle, providing copper(II) ions to tissues in a controlled, non-toxic manner. Copper is an essential cofactor for numerous metalloenzymes critical to tissue repair, including lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), and cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial energy production). Pickart and Margolina (2018) reviewed the role of GHK-Cu as a biological copper chelator and its significance in tissue remodeling and repair (PMID: 29443350).

Gene Expression Modulation

One of the most significant discoveries regarding GHK-Cu is its ability to modulate the expression of a large number of genes. Gene array studies by Pickart et al. (2012) demonstrated that GHK-Cu can reset the expression of approximately 4,000 human genes, shifting gene expression patterns from a pro-inflammatory, tissue-degrading state toward a regenerative, tissue-remodeling state. Key upregulated pathways include collagen synthesis, growth factor production, and antioxidant defense, while downregulated pathways include inflammation, tissue destruction, and fibrosis (PMID: 23019015).

Collagen and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

GHK-Cu stimulates the production of collagen types I, III, and V, as well as other extracellular matrix components including elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans. Simultaneously, it modulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), promoting organized tissue remodeling rather than disorganized fibrosis. Maquart et al. (1999) demonstrated that GHK-Cu stimulated collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures while also modulating MMP activity (PMID: 10454517).

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity

GHK-Cu demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and TGF-beta while promoting the production of anti-inflammatory mediators. It also enhances antioxidant defense through upregulation of superoxide dismutase and other protective enzymes, reducing oxidative stress in damaged tissues.

Growth Factor Upregulation

Research has shown that GHK-Cu stimulates the expression of multiple growth factors relevant to tissue repair including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This broad growth factor stimulation contributes to its pro-angiogenic, neurotrophic, and tissue-regenerative effects observed in preclinical models.

Research Applications

Dermatological and Cosmetic Research

GHK-Cu is one of the most extensively studied peptides in dermatological research. Studies have examined its effects on skin thickness, elasticity, firmness, wrinkle depth, and overall skin quality in both in vitro and in vivo models. The peptide’s ability to stimulate collagen synthesis, promote angiogenesis, and modulate inflammatory responses makes it a cornerstone compound in cosmeceutical research.

Wound Healing Research

GHK-Cu has demonstrated accelerated wound healing in multiple preclinical models, with effects mediated through enhanced cell migration, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and growth factor expression. Research has examined both acute wound healing and chronic wound models, with reported improvements in wound closure rate, tensile strength, and overall tissue quality.

Anti-Aging and Longevity Research

The age-related decline in circulating GHK-Cu levels has positioned the compound as a research target in aging biology. Studies have examined the effects of GHK-Cu supplementation on gene expression patterns associated with aging, with the goal of understanding whether GHK-Cu can modulate age-related changes at the transcriptomic level.

Hair Growth Research

GHK-Cu has been investigated for its effects on hair follicle biology, including follicle size, proliferation of follicular keratinocytes, and hair growth cycle regulation. Research suggests that GHK-Cu may influence the dermal papilla cell function and promote angiogenesis in the hair follicle microenvironment.

Neuroprotection Research

Emerging research has explored GHK-Cu in neurological contexts, including nerve regeneration models and neurodegenerative disease models. The peptide’s ability to upregulate nerve growth factor and modulate neuroinflammation has generated interest in its potential neuroprotective applications.

Available Formats and Bulk Options

• Standard Research Vials: 50 mg and 100 mg lyophilized powder per vial
• High-Volume Vials: 500 mg and 1 g per vial for large-scale studies
• Bulk Lyophilized Powder: Available in 5 g, 10 g, 25 g, and 50 g quantities
• Solution Format: Custom aqueous solutions available upon request
• Cosmetic Research Grade: Formulation-ready presentations available for cosmeceutical R&D

Wholesale Pricing Summary

For detailed pricing, visit our wholesale pricing page or contact our B2B team.

Quality, Testing, and Certificates of Analysis

• HPLC Purity: RP-HPLC confirms peptide purity ≥99%.
• Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS confirms molecular identity and copper chelation.
• ICP-OES/ICP-MS: Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy verifies copper content and stoichiometry.
• Amino Acid Analysis: Confirms correct Gly-His-Lys tripeptide composition.
• Endotoxin Testing: LAL assay <1 EU/mg.
• Heavy Metals Testing: ICP-MS screening for heavy metal contaminants (Pb, Hg, As, Cd) below established limits.
• Appearance: Blue lyophilized powder consistent with copper(II) complex.

Storage and Stability

Lyophilized Form

• Long-term: -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Shelf life 36+ months.
• Short-term: 2-8°C for up to 6 months (exceptional stability for a peptide).
• Room temperature: Stable at 20-25°C for several weeks due to copper stabilization.

Reconstituted Solution

• Vehicle: Sterile water, PBS, or other aqueous buffers. Avoid strongly chelating buffers that may strip copper.
• Storage: 2-8°C for up to 30 days (enhanced stability due to copper coordination).
• pH note: Most stable at pH 5-7. Alkaline conditions above pH 8 may disrupt the copper-peptide complex.

Compliance and Intended Use

Research Use Only (RUO). GHK-Cu supplied by Wholesale Bulk Peptides is intended for in vitro research, preclinical studies, and cosmeceutical research and development. This product is not intended for human therapeutic or diagnostic use as a drug.

GHK-Cu (as Copper Tripeptide-1) is listed in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) and is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic products under separate regulatory frameworks. Research-grade GHK-Cu from Wholesale Bulk Peptides is intended for research and development purposes and should not be directly incorporated into consumer products without appropriate formulation, safety testing, and regulatory compliance.

Purchasers assume responsibility for compliance with all applicable regulations.

Related Compounds

• BPC-157 — A pentadecapeptide studied in tissue repair and wound healing contexts, often investigated alongside GHK-Cu.
• TB-500 — Thymosin Beta-4 fragment studied for wound healing through actin regulation mechanisms.
• MOTS-C — A mitochondrial peptide studied in longevity and anti-aging research.

References

1. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PMID: 29986520
2. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. PMID: 25866791
3. Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-346. PMID: 3169264
4. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:324832. PMID: 22666519
5. Badenhorst T, Svirskis D, Wilsher N, et al. Effects of GHK-Cu on MMP and TIMP expression, quantified by LC-MS/MS. J Proteome Res. 2016;15(5):1450-1458. PMID: 27018466

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper(II) complex consisting of glycine-histidine-lysine chelated to a copper ion. First isolated from human plasma in 1973, it has been extensively studied for tissue remodeling, wound healing, and gene expression modulation.

Why is the lyophilized powder blue?

The distinctive blue color is characteristic of copper(II) complexes and confirms proper peptide-copper chelation. The blue coloration is a positive quality indicator confirming the integrity of the GHK-Cu complex.

What purity is guaranteed?

All GHK-Cu is supplied at 99%+ purity by HPLC with additional copper content verification by ICP spectroscopy, mass spectrometry identity, amino acid analysis, endotoxin testing, and heavy metals screening.

How should GHK-Cu be stored?

Lyophilized GHK-Cu has exceptional stability: -20C long-term (36+ months), 2-8C medium-term (6 months), or room temperature short-term. Reconstituted solutions are stable at 2-8C for up to 30 days at pH 5-7.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Wholesale orders begin at 10 vials (100 mg each). Volume discounts from 12% to 45% are available at higher quantities, with custom pricing for orders over 1,000 vials.

Is GHK-Cu natural or synthetic?

GHK-Cu occurs naturally in human plasma at concentrations that decline with age. The research-grade GHK-Cu we supply is synthetically manufactured to replicate the natural compound with high purity.

What buffers should be avoided?

Avoid strongly chelating buffers such as EDTA, EGTA, or high-concentration citrate that may strip the copper ion from the peptide complex. PBS, water, and other non-chelating buffers are suitable.

Can GHK-Cu be used in cosmeceutical R&D?

Yes. GHK-Cu (as Copper Tripeptide-1) has an INCI listing and is widely used in cosmetic formulations. Our research-grade material is suitable for R&D and formulation development. Final consumer products require separate regulatory compliance.

How does GHK-Cu compare to other copper peptides?

GHK-Cu is the most extensively studied copper peptide complex with the largest body of published research. Other copper peptides (AHK-Cu, DAHK) have been studied but with far less published data supporting their biological activity.

What documentation is provided?

Batch-specific COA with HPLC purity, MS identity, ICP copper content, amino acid analysis, endotoxin, heavy metals screening, and appearance data.

What is the lead time?

Standard orders ship within 3-5 business days. Bulk powder orders may require additional preparation time. Expedited processing available.

Is GHK-Cu affected by UV light?

GHK-Cu has moderate photostability but should be protected from prolonged direct UV exposure. Store in amber vials or light-protected containers. In formulation research, UV exposure testing should be part of stability protocols.