GHK-Cu: what is the copper peptide?

GHK is a tripeptide of three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine (Gly-His-Lys). It was first described in 1973 by Loren Pickart, who isolated it from human blood plasma. GHK binds copper(II) ions strongly; the complex with copper is called GHK-Cu.

The research material is made synthetically, with the same sequence as the natural peptide.

• Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (3 amino acids), bound to Cu²⁺.
• Molecular mass of GHK without copper: about 340.4 g/mol.
• The copper ion is bound by nitrogen atoms of glycine, histidine and the peptide bond between them.
• Substance class: copper peptide complex.

Copper(II) complexes are usually blue to blue-violet. A blue powder and a blue solution are therefore normal for GHK-Cu and not a sign of breakdown. GHK without copper is white.

Research on GHK-Cu is largely done in cell cultures and animal models. The literature describes GHK as a carrier of copper ions, which enzymes such as lysyl oxidase need to build collagen and elastin.

• Collagen and elastin synthesis in fibroblast cultures (in vitro).
• Gene expression: cell studies describe an effect on the expression of a large number of genes.
• Copper binding: how the peptide takes up and releases copper ions.
• Use as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

• As powder cool, dry and dark; briefly in the fridge (2–8 °C), longer in the freezer (−20 °C or colder).
• GHK-Cu dissolves well in water; the solution is blue.
• Keep a solution in the fridge, protected from light, and do not freeze it.
• Follow Dissolving peptides and work out the concentration with the peptide calculator.

BrabantLabs supplies GHK-Cu in 50 mg and 100 mg vials, shipped from the Netherlands. The certificates are on Lab results; how to read them is in Reading a lab report.

• A certificate per lot with purity (HPLC) and identity (MS).
• A lot number on the vial that matches the certificate.
• A blue powder: the copper makes GHK-Cu blue.
• The net amount in mg; GHK-Cu is sold in larger amounts per vial than most peptides.

What does GHK-Cu stand for?

GHK stands for the three amino acids glycine (G), histidine (H) and lysine (K); Cu is the chemical symbol for copper.

Is GHK-Cu a peptide?

Yes. GHK is a tripeptide of three amino acids; with a bound copper ion the complex is called GHK-Cu.

Why is my GHK-Cu blue?

Because of the copper(II). Copper(II) complexes are blue to blue-violet; for GHK-Cu that is normal.

How do you store GHK-Cu?

As a powder cool, dry and dark. A solution in the fridge, protected from light, and not frozen.

• View GHK-Cu in the shop