GHK-Cu Research Reference

A documentation-focused reference page for GHK-Cu as a research compound. It describes the material, its research context, how purity and identity are verified, and how it is stored and handled in the lab. No effects are claimed. Supplied for research use only.

What it is

GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys). The tripeptide chelates a copper(II) ion, forming the characteristic blue copper-peptide complex. As a research compound it is supplied as a lyophilized powder. The blue color is itself informative: a correctly synthesized GHK-Cu sample, lyophilized or reconstituted, is unambiguously blue, because the color comes from copper(II) bound to the tripeptide.

Research context

GHK-Cu is studied in laboratory research on copper-peptide coordination chemistry and the biochemistry of the GHK tripeptide. This page describes only that GHK-Cu is a referenced copper-peptide complex in published research; it makes no claim about any effect. The value of a purity-verified reference is that the copper coordination and peptide identity are both confirmed by testing.

How purity is verified

The material is characterized per lot:

• HPLC for purity, reported against the chromatogram; research-grade material is ≥99% by HPLC.
• Mass spectrometry for identity, matching observed to theoretical mass.
• LAL (Limulus Amebocyte Lysate) for bacterial endotoxin, commonly referenced to USP <85>.

All three are documented on a lot-matched certificate tied to the lot number on the vial. Material is synthesized in the USA.

Storage and handling for lab use

GHK-Cu has handling considerations that unbound peptides don't, because of the copper ion:

• Lyophilized powder. Store at -20°C for long-term preservation. Short-term refrigerated storage at 2-8°C is commonly referenced for shorter periods.
• Reconstitution. Bacteriostatic water is the standard referenced solvent; reconstitution is commonly done at roughly 1-2 mg/mL. Add solvent slowly along the vial wall and swirl gently.
• Reconstituted solution. Refrigerate at 2-8°C. A widely referenced practice is to avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since ice-crystal formation can disrupt the copper-peptide coordination geometry.
• Light and pH. The copper complex has moderate light sensitivity; amber vials or dark refrigerated storage are commonly used. The complex is most stable in mildly acidic to neutral pH (roughly 5-7); highly alkaline conditions may disrupt copper coordination.

The blue color is a practical visual cue that the copper complex is intact. Exact parameters depend on your protocol.

Documentation summary

GHK-Cu reference material at Stacy & Chad is verified ≥99% by HPLC, confirmed by mass spectrometry, screened for endotoxin by LAL, synthesized in the USA, and shipped with a lot-matched certificate you can read before purchase. Supplied strictly for research use only.