Compound identity
- Designation
- GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide; glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II))
- Class
- Metallopeptide: tripeptide–copper(II) complex
- Peptide sequence
- Gly-His-Lys (GHK)
- Free tripeptide formula
- C14H24N6O4 (approx. 340.4 g/mol)
- Note on form
- Copper content and counter-ions vary by supplied form; lot documentation is authoritative.
Nomenclature and identity
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in the 1970s. It has a high affinity for copper(II), and the copper complex (GHK-Cu) is the form most often supplied for research. The complex is typically blue, and its color and UV-visible absorbance are a simple qualitative indicator of copper coordination.
Copper binds through the glycine amino nitrogen, the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the Gly-His bond, and the imidazole nitrogen of histidine. Complex stoichiometry and the presence of ternary complexes depend on pH and on other ligands present.
What the published literature examines
Published GHK-Cu research spans coordination chemistry, cell-culture studies of gene expression and extracellular-matrix-related markers, preclinical tissue models, and its use as a cargo in delivery systems. A 2026 review in Pharmaceutics (Mateescu et al.) brings these together, covering coordination chemistry, formulation science, the reported evidence base, and the steps the authors consider necessary for further translational work.
The review distinguishes the depth of in-vitro and preclinical data from the more limited body of controlled clinical data. Researchers should weigh the model system and study design behind any reported finding.
Analytical and research considerations
Because GHK-Cu is a metal complex, HPLC purity of the peptide component does not by itself confirm copper content. Elemental analysis or ICP-based copper determination, together with mass spectrometry, gives a more complete picture. Free copper and uncomplexed GHK are both relevant species when comparing lots.
Buffer choice matters in vitro: phosphate and other coordinating buffers, chelators such as EDTA, and competing ligands such as histidine-containing media components can shift copper speciation.
What a Certificate of Analysis can and cannot establish
A lot COA can
- Confirm that the tested lot matches the expected identity by an orthogonal method such as mass spectrometry.
- Report chromatographic purity (typically HPLC area percent) for that specific lot at the stated test date.
- Tie results to a lot or batch number that can be matched against the vial label.
- Report copper content where an elemental method was performed.
A lot COA cannot
- Describe any lot other than the one tested, or material after the stated test date.
- Establish biological activity, safety, or suitability for any experimental model.
- Substitute for a researcher's own incoming-material verification where a study design requires it.
Current report status for every catalog item is listed in the Certificate of Analysis library. See also how to read a peptide COA.
Selected independent literature
- GHK-Cu as a Bioactive Metallopeptide and Drug-Delivery Cargo: Coordination Chemistry, Formulation Science, Therapeutic Evidence, and a Translational Roadmap.Mateescu DM et al. Pharmaceutics, 2026. PubMed ID 42797253.Review of coordination chemistry, formulation science, reported evidence, and translational steps.
Literature is cited for scientific context only. Neon Valley Research did not author these publications, and their findings are not claims about any product.
GHK-Cu 100 MG
Copper(II)-Bound Tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys : Cu). Supplied as 100 mg / vial.
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Related research references
- KPV research referenceThe C-terminal tripeptide (residues 11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).
- BPC-157 research referenceA synthetic 15-residue peptide whose sequence is derived from a fragment described in gastric juice protein studies.
RESEARCH USE ONLY – NOT FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL USE. This reference is provided for laboratory and analytical research context only. It is not guidance for any human or animal use.