What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), a tripeptide first described as a component isolated from human plasma. GHK binds copper(II) with high affinity, and the complex is supplied here as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research.
GHK-Cu structure and sequence
The peptide sequence is Gly-His-Lys. In the complex, copper(II) is coordinated by the N-terminal amine, the deprotonated glycine-histidine amide nitrogen and the histidine imidazole nitrogen. The molecular formula of the 1:1 complex is C14H24CuN6O4, molecular weight approximately 403.9 g/mol. The copper gives the solid and its solutions a characteristic blue color.
Where this material appears in the literature
Published work on GHK-Cu is preclinical and in vitro, including cell culture studies and work on the coordination chemistry of copper peptide complexes. Revyon Technologies supplies the material for laboratory investigation of that kind and makes no claim about its effects in any living subject.
Related material in the catalog
GHK-Cu is listed under regenerative and tissue repair research as a single compound, and is also a component of the GLOW and KLOW 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 each report covers one specific production lot. Browse the COA library for the latest COA for this product.
Purity specification
Lots are released against a ≥98% purity specification, determined by RP-HPLC peak area. A specification is a release threshold, not a description of every lot. The measured figure for the lot you receive is stated on its certificate of analysis and may sit above the specification.
Where a measured figure and the specification differ, the 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
Revyon Technologies supplies this material as a reference compound for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not supplied for any use in humans or animals, it is not a drug, dietary supplement, food or cosmetic, it has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA, 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, copper GHK |
| Class |
Copper peptide complex |
| Amino acids |
3 |
| Sequence |
Gly-His-Lys, copper(II) complex |
| Molecular formula |
C14H24CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight |
403.9 g/mol (1:1 complex) |
| CAS number |
89030-95-5 |
| Appearance |
Blue to violet lyophilized powder |
| Purity specification |
≥98% |
| Purity method |
RP-HPLC |
| Identity method |
LC-MS |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water and aqueous buffers, giving a blue solution |
| Labeled quantity |
50 mg per vial |
| Container |
Crimp-sealed glass vial with tamper-evident cap |
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 material 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, contact us before using the material.
Storing GHK-Cu
As a dry lyophilized solid, GHK-Cu is stable for the duration of normal transit. On arrival, move the sealed vial into freezer storage at −20°C or below, kept dry and protected from light and moisture. 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 clear 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 container is intact and sealed, and that the compound name and labeled quantity match your order. If anything does not match, or the packaging has clearly failed in transit, contact us before using the material. Report any problem within 7 days of delivery, with your order number, the lot number and photos, as set out in our shipping and returns policy.
Handling and disposal
Assess the hazards of this material before handling it and use appropriate controls and protective equipment. It has not been fully characterized toxicologically and should be treated as potentially hazardous. Anyone handling it should be trained for the work.
Dispose of unused material, containers 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 container 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.