0105 areas
Fibroblast and extracellular matrix biology
Laboratory studies have investigated GHK-Cu's ability to stimulate fibroblast migration and proliferation, and to influence collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cell culture models.
Optimum ReGen Peptides21+
Research use only
All research products on this site, including all peptides, are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only, not for human or animal consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. Our tallow skincare products are topical cosmetics. You must be 21 or older to enter.
Third-party testedHPLC + MSMedford, OR
By entering you confirm you are 21+ and accept these products are for research use only. See our Terms and Disclaimer.
GHK‑Cu
For laboratory research. Sold in 50mg and 500mg kit sizes.
$24.15
$3531% off
In stock2-Day Priority Air anywhere in the US
Choose your size
Savings per mg compared with the 50mg size.
1
Secure checkout2-Day Priority AirThird-party tested
Complete the order
Frequently bought together
Supplies and compounds researchers add to this order
Finding add-ons…
Shipping & returns
- 2-Day Priority Air: $13 flat anywhere in the US, or pick up in Medford.
- Tracking is emailed the moment your order ships.
- Research compounds are final sale; see the refund policy.
Lab sheet
GHK-Cu, measured
Identity, purity and handling data for this compound, in one place. Tap an identifier to copy it.
Certificate of analysis
99.31%
HPLC purity, 50mg lot, reported 04/29/2026
Tested by Freedom Diagnostics, an independent lab. Search code Opti2604280005
View the certificateMolecular Formula
C14H23CuN6O4
Molar Mass
403.91 g/mol
CAS Number
89030-95-5
Form
Lyophilized powder
Full data sheet+
- Purity
- See the available batch report for the tested sample's purity. Confirm the product and lot before ordering.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Overview
About GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex first isolated from human plasma. It is found in saliva, urine, and various tissues and its concentrations in plasma decline with age. The compound has been extensively studied in cell biology and wound-healing research for its interactions with copper-binding proteins and its reported influence on gene expression profiles.
Read moreShow less
Research published over several decades indicates that GHK-Cu modulates a broad array of biological processes at the cellular level. Studies have examined its effects on fibroblast activity, extracellular matrix remodeling, antioxidant enzyme expression, and angiogenesis-related signaling pathways. Its small size and copper-chelating structure facilitate cellular uptake in laboratory models.
As a research compound, GHK-Cu is investigated in contexts ranging from tissue biology to skin model research and gene regulation studies. It is intended strictly for laboratory use and is not approved as a pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent.
Research context
What GHK-Cu is researched for
The areas where this compound appears in the published research literature.
Methodology
How GHK-Cu is studied
01Method 1In cell culture systems, GHK-Cu is typically applied to fibroblast or keratinocyte monolayers at nanomolar to micromolar concentrations.+
In cell culture systems, GHK-Cu is typically applied to fibroblast or keratinocyte monolayers at nanomolar to micromolar concentrations. Researchers measure outcomes such as cell proliferation rate, migration assay results, collagen secretion (via ELISA or hydroxyproline assay), and gene expression changes via quantitative PCR or transcriptomics.
02Method 2Animal models of wound healing have been employed to assess how GHK-Cu applied to wound sites influences closure rates, tissue architecture, and collagen deposition histologically.+
Animal models of wound healing have been employed to assess how GHK-Cu applied to wound sites influences closure rates, tissue architecture, and collagen deposition histologically. These models help contextualize the in vitro findings within a more complex biological environment.
03Method 3The tripeptide's copper-binding stoichiometry (1:1 Cu2+ to GHK) is studied using spectroscopic methods.+
The tripeptide's copper-binding stoichiometry (1:1 Cu2+ to GHK) is studied using spectroscopic methods. Researchers characterize the stability constants, redox behavior, and cellular uptake mechanisms of the Cu complex to understand the molecular basis of its observed biological activities.
Storage protocols
GHK-Cu storage and handling
Full handling protocol+
Store lyophilized GHK-Cu at -20 C, protected from light and humidity. The compound's copper coordination is stable in the dry state. Once reconstituted in sterile water or buffer, store at 4 C for short-term use (up to one week) or aliquot and freeze at -80 C to minimize copper dissociation and peptide degradation. Avoid prolonged exposure to strong oxidizing conditions. Maintain an audit log of lot, reconstitution date, and storage conditions per laboratory protocol.
Ordering & shipping
Buy GHK-Cu online
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide GHK-Cu) for sale from Optimum ReGen Peptides, a US research-peptide company with a storefront in Medford, Oregon. It is in stock, priced from $35. Every order ships 2-Day Priority Air, a $13 flat rate anywhere in the US, with tracking, or can be picked up at the store.
The current batch has a published third-party certificate of analysis, shown above. GHK-Cu is supplied as lyophilized powder, for laboratory and research use only, not for human consumption.
FAQ
GHK-Cu FAQ
What is the copper stoichiometry in GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu coordinates one Cu2+ ion per tripeptide molecule through the terminal amine, imidazole nitrogen of histidine, and peptide backbone nitrogen, forming a square-planar coordination complex that is characteristic of copper-binding tripeptides.
At what concentrations is GHK-Cu typically used in cell culture studies?
Published in vitro studies have employed a wide range, commonly between 1 nM and 10 uM depending on the cell type and endpoint being measured. Researchers typically conduct dose-response experiments to establish the concentration relevant to their specific model.
Is GHK-Cu the same compound as copper peptide used in cosmetics?
Commercial cosmetic formulations may include GHK-Cu as an ingredient, but the research-grade lyophilized compound is a distinct, characterized product with defined purity and identity. Research use requires laboratory-grade material under controlled conditions.
How does GHK-Cu influence gene expression in research models?
Transcriptomic studies have reported that GHK-Cu modulates expression of genes associated with tissue remodeling, inflammation response, and antioxidant pathways. The exact mechanisms are still under investigation in the research literature.
What is the stability of reconstituted GHK-Cu?
Reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or aliquoted and frozen. Exposure to heat, light, or repeated freeze-thaw cycles can degrade the peptide or alter copper coordination. Researchers should validate stability under their specific buffer and temperature conditions.
More compounds
Related research compounds
Research library