GHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-1 – Research Reagent

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• • Product Reference : GHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-1 (Research Reagent)

• • Chemical Class : Copper-Complexed Tripeptide Reagent

• • INCI Name : Copper Tripeptide-1

• • Physical Format : Lyophilized Powder , Hermetically Sealed Research Container

• • Net Reagent Content : 50 analytical mass units per sealed container

• • CAS Registry : 89030-95-5

• • PubChem CID : 378611

• • Molecular Formula : C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄

• • Molecular Weight : 340.4 Da

• • Analytical Purity : ≥99% by RP-HPLC

• • Identity Confirmation : LC-MS — Molecular weight and sequence verified

• • Endotoxin Screening ; <0.25 EU (LAL assay)

• • Copper Stoichiometry : Cu :peptide ratio verified by ICP or colorimetric method

• • Solubilization Buffer : Aqueous laboratory buffer (pH 4–6 recommended for complex stability)

• • Storage -Lyophilized : 2–8°C, desiccated, light-protected

• • Storage -In Solution : −20°C, single-use aliquots advised

• • Regulatory Class : Research Use Only (RUO) — Not for administration to living organisms

Disclaimer : For Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human use.

Product Description

Overview :

This product comprises a Copper Tripeptide-1 Research Reagent supplied as a lyophilized powder for controlled laboratory research assays. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring small peptide first isolated from human plasma albumin in the early 1970s by Loren Pickart, with documented endogenous plasma concentrations that decline significantly with advancing age.

In primary literature, GHK-Cu is characterized by unusually strong copper-binding chemistry for such a small peptide. A widely cited mechanistic review (PMC3359723) reports a high stability constant for the Cu²⁺ complex and documents structural proposals for Cu(II) coordination. A potentiometric speciation study (PMC7503498) provides conditional stability constants at physiologically relevant conditions, translating to picomolar-range conditional dissociation constants at pH 7.4.

Unlike single-mechanism research tools, GHK-Cu operates across multiple documented signaling pathways simultaneously , making it uniquely valuable for researchers investigating the intersection of copper coordination chemistry, ECM remodeling, and inflammatory pathway modulation in a single well-characterized system.

Research Mechanism -2026 Laboratory Applications

In 2026-era regenerative biology and materials science research, GHK-Cu is utilized to investigate:

1 .ECM Remodeling & Collagen Synthesis : Early in-vitro work (Maquart et al., FEBS Letters 1988) reported stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures at pico-to-nanomolar concentrations. In-vivo wound models document increased collagen and glycosaminoglycan deposition with differential regulation of small proteoglycans (decorin upregulated; biglycan downregulated). Research endpoints: collagen I/III gene expression panels, fibroblast proliferation assays, glycosaminoglycan quantification.

2. MMP/TIMP Protease Balance : A major review (Wound Repair and Regeneration 2015) synthesizes evidence that GHK-Cu modulates metalloproteinases and inhibitors, consistent with a tissue-remodeling phenotype. Research endpoints: MMP-2/MMP-9 zymography, TIMP expression panels, scratch-wound closure assay metrics.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Pathway Modulation : Published laboratory research from 2023–2025 examines SIRT1 activation, p-STAT3 modulation, tight-junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin), and Th17-associated signaling in experimental models. Research endpoints: NF-κB luciferase reporter assays, MAPK phosphorylation panels, tight-junction protein expression via Western blot.

4. Copper Coordination Chemistry : Detailed spectroscopic/electrochemical work (Inorganic Chemistry 2021, PMC8653159) shows thiolate intermediates in the reduction of Cu(II)GHK by glutathione, framing GHK as a biologically relevant copper(II) reduction scaffold. Research endpoints: potentiometric speciation studies, UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrochemical redox potential measurement.

5. Biomaterials & Delivery Systems Research : 2025 Nature Communications: dimeric copper-peptide hydrogels for diabetic wound models document inflammatory/proliferative phase transitions. 2019 ACS Omega: pH-responsive GHK-Cu hydrogels with in-vivo safety evaluation. Research endpoints: hydrogel mechanical characterization, controlled release profiling, in-vitro biocompatibility assessment.

MOLECULAR STRUCTURE

Chemical structure of GHK-Cu

2D chemical structure diagram of a synthetic peptide molecule displaying its atomic bonds and functional groups.

Copper Coordination Chemistry Details

Parameter	Detail
IUPAC Name	Copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine
CAS Registry	89030-95-5 (complex) | 49557-75-7 (apo-peptide GHK)
PubChem CID	378611
Molecular Formula	C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight	340.4 Da (peptide backbone) + Cu²⁺ coordination
Cu²⁺ Coordination Sites	Imidazole N (His) + alpha-amino N (Gly) + deprotonated amide N
Log Stability Constant	~16.44 (PMC3359723)
Conditional Kd at pH 7.4	Picomolar range (PMC7503498)
Complex Stability (pH)	Most stable pH 4–6; dissociation at extremes
Redox Chemistry	Cu(II)GHK reduced by glutathione via thiolate intermediates (PMC8653159)

Comparative Research Context :

Table 1: Copper Peptide Landscape

Feature	GHK-Cu (Profound)	Matrixyl (Pal-KTTKS)	LL-37	GHK (apo-peptide)
Chemical Class	Cu²⁺-complexed tripeptide	α-amino fatty acid pentapeptide	Host-defense cathelicidin	Apo-tripeptide (no copper)
Primary Research Focus	ECM + copper coordination + NF-κB/SIRT1	Collagen synthesis only	Antimicrobial + immune	ECM (without copper activity)
Copper Activity	Cu²⁺ coordination verified	None	None	Absent
Cytokine Regulation Analysis	NF-κB, MAPK, SIRT1/STAT3	Limited	Limited	Limited
US Search Volume (Jan 2026)	90,500/month — +1,016% YoY	Lower	Lower	Lower
COA Requirement	Cu stoichiometry + HPLC + MS	HPLC only	HPLC + MS	HPLC + MS
Regulatory Class (RUO)	RUO — Not for administration	RUO	RUO	RUO

WHY SOURCE FROM PROFOUND AMINOS

1-Copper Stoichiometry Verification – Not Just Purity
Standard HPLC purity confirms peptide content but cannot confirm whether copper coordination is complete, partial, or absent. Our GHK-Cu batches include verification of Cu:peptide stoichiometric ratio ensuring researchers receive the complexed form (Cu(II)GHK) required for copper-mediated pathway research, not the apo-peptide (GHK) alone. This distinction is analytically and scientifically critical.

2-pH-Stable Formulation Intelligence
Published physicochemical characterization (Tandfonline, formulation stability study) documents GHK-Cu complex stability as pH-dependent, with optimal stability at pH 4–6 and complex dissociation outside that range. Our technical data sheet includes storage and solubilization buffer guidance aligned to published stability data , protecting assay integrity from formulation-induced artifact.

3-Cold-Chain Integrity -USA Domestic Dispatch
Copper-peptide complexes are sensitive to thermal and oxidative degradation. KLOW ships exclusively within the USA via monitored cold-chain logistics from a climate-controlled facility , eliminating the uncontrolled temperature excursions documented in international shipments of metal-peptide research reagents.

REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE STATEMENT (RUO)

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL APPLICATION.

• • Regulatory Status : Research Use Only (RUO) — U.S. Federal Framework

• • Material Classification : Laboratory Reagent supplied for research assays. Not for use in humans or animals.

• • Intended Research Scope : Copper coordination, redox chemistry, and cellular signaling assays

• • Not a Supplement : Not a dietary supplement, nutraceutical, or consumer product

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Note : INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1. CIR safety assessment concluded safe in cosmetics at present use concentrations.

• • PPE Required : Gloves, lab coat, protective eyewear. Copper is biologically active , handle as bioactive chemical reagent.

• • CAS Safety Sheets : CAS 89030-95-5 , refer to SDS before use

•  

RESEARCH USE ONLY: Supplied for controlled laboratory research. Not for use in humans or animals. Refer to the SDS and applicable laboratory safety requirements.

For laboratory research use only. Not for use in humans or animals. Not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is GHK-Cu intended for human or animal use?

No. GHK-Cu is supplied as a Research Use Only (RUO) laboratory reagent for controlled laboratory assays. Not for use in humans or animals.

Q2: What is the difference between GHK (apo-peptide) and GHK-Cu?

GHK is the apo-tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) without copper coordination. GHK-Cu is the copper-complexed form where Cu²⁺ is coordinated by the imidazole nitrogen of histidine, the alpha-amino group of glycine, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen. Published copper coordination chemistry research (PMC8653159) demonstrates distinct redox reactivity for the complexed form — including thiolate intermediates in glutathione-mediated Cu(II) reduction. Researchers requiring copper-mediated pathway investigation must use the complexed GHK-Cu form, not the apo-peptide.

Q3: What analytical data is provided with each batch?

Each batch includes: (1) RP-HPLC purity ≥99%, (2) LC-MS molecular weight confirmation, (3) Cu:peptide stoichiometric ratio verification, (4) endotoxin screening <0.25 EU (LAL assay), (5) lot number for full traceability, (6) storage and stability conditions. Certificate of Analysis available per batch from our COA portal.

Q4: What is the recommended solubilization buffer for laboratory use?

Published physicochemical characterization documents GHK-Cu complex stability as pH-dependent, with optimal stability at pH 4–6. For most in-vitro assays, an aqueous buffer at pH 5–6 is recommended. Researchers should consider pH compatibility with their cell culture medium and assay conditions. Cu(II)GHK undergoes reduction chemistry with thiols (e.g., glutathione) in biological matrices ,design experiments with appropriate redox controls.

Q5: How is this GHK-Cu material classified?

This material is supplied exclusively as a Research Use Only (RUO) Laboratory Reagent for copper coordination, redox chemistry, and cellular signaling assays. Not for use in humans or animals. Follow applicable laboratory safety requirements and refer to the SDS.

Q6: What published research supports GHK-Cu investigation?

Key published research includes: PMC6073405 (Pickart & Margolina 2018, open access — comprehensive gene-modulation and regenerative actions review, 200+ citations); PMC3359723 (oxidative stress and antioxidant framing with coordination chemistry); PMC8653159 (Cu(II)GHK glutathione reduction mechanism, Inorganic Chemistry 2021); Nature Communications 2025 (dimeric copper-peptide hydrogels for diabetic wound models); ACS Omega 2019 (pH-sensitive GHK-Cu hydrogels); FEBS Letters 1988 (Maquart et al. — collagen synthesis stimulation at sub-nanomolar concentrations).

Q7: Is there US clinical trial data on GHK-Cu?

As of March 2026, a topical gel study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (initiated 2026), representing an important forward indicator. Prior published human evidence is primarily limited to small-sample, short-duration cosmetic studies (8–12 weeks) summarized in review articles (PMC6073405). Those publications are cited for research context only and do not establish large, independently replicated dermatology RCT evidence. This product is not a clinical product and is supplied for laboratory research only.

Q8: Can GHK-Cu be used outside a controlled laboratory research setting?

No. This reagent is supplied solely for controlled laboratory investigation. Not for use in humans or animals. Any non-laboratory use violates our Terms of Service. Refer to our Terms & Conditions for full compliance requirements.

Q9: How does GHK-Cu search demand compare to other research peptides in 2026?

A US peptide keyword trend report (Google Ads data via DataForSEO, January 2026) reports GHK-Cu at 90,500 monthly US searches with +1,016% year-over-year growth — ranking among the fastest-growing peptide search terms in the USA. This places GHK-Cu alongside BPC-157 and GLP-1-Sm analogues as a high-demand research reagent. Keyword difficulty for GHK-Cu and related research-peptide terms averages KD 4–8 compared with KD 20–35 for broader metabolic-peptide terms — indicating significant organic ranking opportunity.

Q10 : How does the chemical structure of GHK-Cu differ from Pal-KTTKS?

No. Matrixyl (Pal-KTTKS) is a fatty acid-conjugated pentapeptide with a different amino acid sequence, a distinct signaling mechanism, and no copper coordination activity. GHK-Cu is uniquely characterized by its Cu²⁺ chelation chemistry, SIRT1/STAT3 modulation, and multi-pathway applications in studying extracellular matrix (ECM) reconstruction and NF-κB / cytokine modulation. They are chemically and mechanistically distinct compounds suitable for investigating different aspects of cellular biology in laboratory environments.

KEY REFERENCES

#	Citation	Type	Relevance
1	Pickart L, Margolina A. Int J Mol Sci 2018 (PMC6073405)	Open Access Review	GHK-Cu gene modulation, regenerative actions — primary authority paper (200+ citations)
2	Maquart FX et al. FEBS Letters 1988;238:343	Primary Study	Collagen synthesis stimulation at sub-nanomolar concentrations — landmark study
3	Pickart L et al. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2012 (PMC3359723)	Review	Copper coordination, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory mechanisms
4	Bertini I et al. Inorg Chem 2021 (PMC8653159)	Primary Research	Cu(II)-GHK thiolate mechanism — redox chemistry insights
5	PMC7503498 — Potentiometric speciation study	Primary Chemistry	Conditional stability constants at physiological pH
6	Maquart FX et al. J Invest Dermatol 2000;115	Primary Study	In-vivo ECM regulation (decorin/biglycan) in wound models
7	Wound Repair Regen 2015 (MMP/TIMP review)	Review	Protease balance — MMP/TIMP modulation data
8	Nat Commun 2025 (dimeric copper-peptide hydrogel)	Primary Research	Diabetic wound biomaterials — advanced delivery systems
9	ACS Omega 2019 (pH-sensitive hydrogel)	Primary Research	pH-responsive GHK-Cu delivery — in-vivo safety
10	DataForSEO / PeptideEffect.com 2026 Report	Market Intelligence	GHK-Cu search volume ~90,500/month (+1,016% YoY)
11	CIR Safety Assessment — Copper Tripeptide-1	Regulatory	INCI safety for cosmetic use
12	FDA Warning Letters SwissChem 2024 / US Chem Labs 2024	Regulatory Enforcement	RUO labeling vs intended-use compliance framework