GHK-Cu, a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide composed of Glycine–Histidine–Lysine complexed with copper(II). GHK-Cu is widely used in scientific research for its role in tissue repair, collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory responses, wound healing, and cellular remodeling.
Supplied as high-purity lyophilized powder, this peptide is intended strictly for in-vitro and animal-based research, enabling the study of mechanisms involving skin regeneration, extracellular matrix dynamics, angiogenesis, and fibroblast activity.
Not for human use. Research-use only.
Key Features & Specifications
Peptide: GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
Amount: Typically 50 mg (or per vial specification)
Purity: ≥ 98–99% (HPLC/MS verified depending on supplier COA)
Form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) blue-tinted peptide powder
Storage: ≤ -20 °C dry; protect from light
Reconstitution: Sterile water, bacteriostatic water, or suitable buffer
Applications: Skin regeneration, collagen synthesis, wound repair, oxidative-stress studies, matrix remodeling
Mechanism of Action (Research Context)
GHK-Cu plays a central role in cell signaling and tissue repair and has been extensively tested in cell culture and animal models.
1. Copper Delivery & Enzymatic Activation
GHK binds copper and facilitates its biological availability, supporting:
Lysyl oxidase activity (collagen crosslinking)
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activation
Antioxidant enzyme upregulation
2. Stimulation of Collagen & Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Production
GHK-Cu has shown the ability to increase the synthesis of:
Type I & III collagen
Elastin
Glycosaminoglycans
Proteoglycans
Integrins
This makes it a key peptide for ECM-related research.
3. Anti-inflammatory & Cytokine Modulation
Studies show GHK-Cu can reduce pro-inflammatory biomarkers, helping to model:
Reduced TNF-α
Reduced IL-1β
Lower COX-2 signaling
Decreased NF-κB activity
4. Wound Healing & Tissue Remodeling
In pre-clinical models, GHK-Cu supports:
Keratinocyte migration
Fibroblast activation
Angiogenesis
Faster re-epithelialization
Improved vascular remodeling
5. Antioxidant & DNA Repair Influence
GHK-Cu has been shown to upregulate genes associated with:
DNA repair
Anti-oxidative defense
Cellular detoxification
Reduced oxidative damage markers
Research Findings & Potential Benefits (Pre-clinical)
Across various in-vitro and in-vivo models, GHK-Cu has demonstrated:
Enhanced collagen and elastin production
Accelerated wound healing and tissue repair
Reduced inflammatory cytokine expression
Improved skin/epithelial regeneration
Reduction in oxidative stress at cellular and tissue levels
Support of angiogenesis via VEGF-related pathways
Stimulation of fibroblast proliferation and migration
Upregulation of genes involved in repair, protection, and remodeling
These effects have made GHK-Cu one of the most studied regenerative peptides in research settings involving skin, connective tissue, aging models, and oxidative stress.
Research Applications
GHK-Cu is commonly used to investigate:
Skin regeneration and anti-aging biology
Wound healing and burn-repair models
Collagen and ECM production
Fibroblast migration and remodeling
Oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme pathways
Inflammatory cytokine modulation
DNA repair and protective gene expression
Angiogenic responses in healing
Its versatility makes it useful across dermatological, regenerative, and cellular-biology research fields.
Storage & Handling (Research Protocol)
Store lyophilized peptide at ≤ -20 °C; avoid light exposure.
Let vial reach room temperature before opening to prevent moisture condensation.
Reconstitute using sterile water or appropriate buffer per lab standards.
Aliquot into sterile containers to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Store reconstituted peptide at 2–8 °C (short term) or ≤ -20 °C (long term).
Record lot numbers, reconstitution dates, aliquots, and COA reference.
Summary
GHK-Cu is a high-purity copper peptide widely used in research exploring collagen synthesis, wound healing, and inflammatory modulation. Its robust signaling effects on skin, fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix pathways make it invaluable for academic, pharmaceutical, and regenerative-biology investigations.
For research purposes only. Not for human or veterinary use.