GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) · ≥99% (HPLC)
Copper-binding tripeptide used extensively as a reference standard in extracellular-matrix and dermal-fibroblast research.
- Why researchers study it
- Investigated as a copper-binding tripeptide in extracellular-matrix and dermal-fibroblast research.
- Mechanism themes in research
- Copper transportCollagen / elastin expressionAntioxidant-pathway research
- What the evidence does not establish
- Published references are in-vitro or pre-clinical and describe research context only. They do not establish safety, efficacy, or any outcome in humans or animals, and Helix makes no such claims.
- Quality markers
- ≥99% (HPLC)MS identityLot COACold-chain
An introduction to GHK-Cu, the copper-binding tripeptide reference material studied in matrix-biology research.
What it is
GHK-Cu, or Copper Tripeptide-1, is a research-use-only reference material consisting of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys complexed with copper(II). It is catalogued under the matrix-biology category and identified analytically by CAS number 89030-95-5, the formula C14H24N6O4Cu, and a molecular weight near 403.9 g/mol with a high purity specification.
The copper complex
The defining feature of GHK-Cu is the coordination of a copper(II) ion by the histidine-containing tripeptide. This metal-peptide complex gives the material its characteristic blue color and distinguishes it analytically from the free GHK peptide, which is colorless. The complex is central to the reagent's identity.
| Full name | Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) |
| Research theme | Matrix biology |
| CAS number | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular formula | C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄Cu |
| Molecular weight | 403.9 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
| Storage | −20 °C, desiccated, protected from light |
Sequence
Reported research areas
- Collagen and elastin expression assays
- Copper-transport biochemistry
- Fibroblast proliferation studies
- Antioxidant-pathway research
Credible sources
COA with every lot
Each GHK-Cu lot is characterized by reversed-phase HPLC for purity and by mass spectrometry for identity, then documented in a per-lot Certificate of Analysis. Unique lot numbers tie the vial back to its synthesis batch and analytical data.
- RP-HPLC purity result (≥99% (HPLC))
- Mass-spectrometry identity confirmation
- Appearance, molecular weight, and storage
- Lot number and testing status
Specimen Certificate of Analysis
| Product | GHK-Cu (reference) |
| Lot | HXR-2406-106 |
| Purity (RP-HPLC) | 99%+ |
| Identity (MS) | Confirmed · 403.9 g/mol |
| Appearance | Lyophilized powder |
| Storage | −20 °C, desiccated |
Representative document. Each lot has its own COA — these are quality documents, not medical claims.