GHK-Cu Technical Overview
GHK is a three-residue peptide (glycine, histidine, lysine) that occurs naturally in plasma, where it binds copper(II) with high affinity. The copper-bound form, GHK-Cu, is the compound most research groups work with, and it has its own identifiers, separate from the free peptide.
That distinction matters at the bench. Free GHK has a molecular weight of 340.38 g/mol, while the 1:1 copper complex weighs 401.91 g/mol. Using the right value keeps molar calculations and LC-MS identity checks accurate.
GHK-Cu sits in the research area of small metal-binding peptides. Published work spans its coordination structure, its effects on gene-expression signatures in cultured cells, and its behavior in lung inflammation and oxidative stress models.
Compound Specifications
| Property | Value
|
|---|---|
| Product | GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1), 50 mg per vial |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| PubChem CID | 10111685 |
| UNII | 6BJQ43T1I9 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 401.91 g/mol |
| Monoisotopic / Exact Mass | 401.0999 Da |
| InChIKey | QMIFIFIYYPUVNU-ACMTZBLWSA-L |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (GHK) |
| Sequence Length | 3 residues |
| Copper Coordination | Cu(II), 1:1 peptide to copper |
| Parent Peptide (Uncomplexed GHK) | CAS 49557-75-7, PubChem CID 73587, C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄, 340.38 g/mol |
| Synonyms | Copper tripeptide-1, Prezatide copper, GHK copper, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex, Cu-GHK |
| Source | Synthetic |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Appearance | Blue lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage | -20°C, protect from light and moisture |
Storage and Handling
- Store the lyophilized compound at -20°C, protected from light and moisture.
- After reconstitution, store at 2–8°C and use promptly.
- Maintain aseptic handling to preserve compound integrity.
Lyophilized Format
This compound ships in lyophilized (freeze-dried) form. Freeze-drying supports long-term storage stability and preserves compound integrity. No fillers are added.
Research Use Disclaimer
GHK-Cu is supplied for research use only. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. By purchasing, the buyer confirms the compound will be used solely for in vitro research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, also known as copper tripeptide-1. BioLongevity Labs supplies it as a synthetic, lyophilized powder for in vitro research.
What Is the Difference Between GHK and GHK-Cu?
GHK is the free tripeptide (CAS 49557-75-7, 340.38 g/mol), while GHK-Cu is that peptide bound to one copper(II) ion (CAS 89030-95-5, 401.91 g/mol). The two have separate identifiers, so molar calculations should use the value for the form in the vial.
What Is the CAS Number of GHK-Cu?
The CAS number of GHK-Cu is 89030-95-5. Its molecular formula is C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄ and its PubChem CID is 10111685.
How Should GHK-Cu 50mg Be Stored?
Store lyophilized GHK-Cu at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, keep it at 2–8°C and use it promptly.
How Is GHK-Cu Purity Verified?
GHK-Cu from BioLongevity Labs goes through third-party HPLC testing to confirm ≥99% purity, and a Certificate of Analysis is available.
