What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research. The copper ion is coordinated by the peptide and gives the solid its characteristic blue color.
GHK-Cu structure
The peptide is Gly-His-Lys, molecular weight 340.38 Da, and the copper complex has a formula of C14H22CuN6O4 and a molecular weight of approximately 401.9 Da. Copper is bound through the histidine imidazole, the glycine amino group and the backbone amide nitrogens. Under acidic LC-MS conditions the complex typically dissociates and the free GHK peptide is detected, which is expected and is how identity is confirmed.
Where this material appears in the literature
GHK-Cu appears in preclinical and in vitro literature, chiefly in cell culture studies of extracellular matrix and gene expression, and as an analytical subject in work on copper peptide complexes and their stability in formulation chemistry. Altherix Labs supplies the material for that kind of laboratory investigation and makes no claim about what it does in any living subject.
Related material in the catalogue
GHK-Cu is held under short chain peptides as a three residue sequence, and is also the largest component of the Klow blend under peptide blends.
Analysis and certification
Every lot is analyzed by an independent laboratory before release, using RP-HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity confirmation. The certificate of analysis is published against the lot number rather than against the product page, so the document you read is the document for the vial you receive. The lot number printed on the vial label is the link between the two.
Purity and content
Purity is reported as the main peak’s share of total integrated peak area by HPLC. It shows how much of the detected material is the target compound, not how much of the powder is peptide. Net content per vial is measured separately and reported on the same certificate in mg.
The measured figures for the lot you receive are stated on its certificate of analysis, and that certificate is the record that applies to your material. Analytical figures relate to the lot they are published against and carry no implication of suitability for any purpose beyond laboratory research.
Research use only
Altherix Labs supplies this material as a reference standard for laboratory research. It is not supplied for any use in humans or animals, it is not a drug, dietary supplement, food or cosmetic, and nothing on this page describes or implies any such use. Sale is restricted to persons aged 21 or over who are qualified researchers or who purchase on behalf of a research institution, laboratory or business.
| Compound |
GHK-Cu |
| Also known as |
Copper tripeptide-1, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) |
| Class |
Synthetic peptide copper complex |
| Amino acids |
3 |
| Sequence |
Gly-His-Lys (copper(II) complex) |
| Molecular formula |
C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight |
Approx. 401.9 Da (complex); 340.38 Da (free peptide) |
| CAS number |
89030-95-5 |
| Appearance |
Blue to violet blue lyophilized powder |
| Purity reporting |
Measured on every lot, stated on the certificate of analysis |
| Purity method |
RP-HPLC |
| Identity method |
LC-MS |
| Solubility |
Soluble in sterile water and aqueous buffers for analytical preparation |
| Labeled quantity |
50mg per vial |
Characterization. Values above describe the compound as supplied. The figures for the lot you receive, including measured purity, are stated on its certificate of analysis.
How this material is tested
Two separate analyses are carried out on every lot before release, and both appear on the certificate.
- RP-HPLC, for purity. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography separates the material by hydrophobicity. The main peak is integrated against total peak area, and that ratio is the purity figure reported on the certificate.
- LC-MS, for identity. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry confirms that the mass of the main peak matches the expected mass for the compound, which is what distinguishes the correct sequence from a closely related one.
A complete certificate carries the compound name, the lot number, the test date, the method, the measured purity and the name of the laboratory. If any of those is missing, or the lot number on the vial does not match the certificate, contact us before using the material.
Storing GHK-Cu
On arrival, move the sealed vial into freezer storage. Store the vial dry at −20°C or below, protected from light and moisture. The copper complex is light sensitive, so keep the vial in its carton or an opaque container. Returned promptly to those conditions, the dry solid is the most stable form this material takes.
Preparing stock solutions
Prepare stock solutions in sterile water or an appropriate aqueous buffer at a concentration suited to your assay, expressed in mg/mL. Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening, add solvent down the vial wall rather than directly onto the solid, and let the material dissolve without vigorous agitation. GHK-Cu dissolves readily in water, giving a blue solution.
Solutions are less stable than the lyophilized solid. Prepare close to the point of use, hold at 2 to 8°C for short periods only, and aliquot before freezing so that repeated freeze and thaw cycles are avoided.
On arrival
Check that the vial is intact and sealed, that the compound name and labeled quantity match your order, and that the lot number on the label matches the certificate published for it. If anything does not match, or the packaging has clearly failed in transit, contact us before using the material. Problems visible on arrival should be reported promptly so that a carrier claim remains possible.
Handling and disposal
Assess the hazards of this material before handling it and use appropriate controls and protective equipment. It has not been characterized toxicologically and should be treated as potentially hazardous. Anyone handling it should be trained for the work.
Dispose of unused material, vials and packaging lawfully and in line with your institution's waste procedures.
Record keeping
Record the lot number in your notes at the point of first use, alongside the date the vial was opened and the concentration of any stock prepared. Certificates are published against the lot number rather than the product, so the lot number is the only reliable link between your results and the analytical data for the material that produced them. If a question arises about a result months later, that link is what keeps the work auditable.