GHK-Cu

Copper(II) tripeptide complex. GHK-Cu is a copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys), a short sequence with a high affinity for the copper(II) ion. In this material the copper is not an impurity but the defining feature: the tripeptide coordinates a single Cu(II) ion, and it is that copper-bound form, rather than the free peptide, that is described across the published literature. GHK occurs naturally as a copper-binding sequence, and it is prepared here to a defined specification so that each vial matches the same characterised complex. Brightly supplies it as the copper complex, a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed, tamper-evident vial, prepared and handled strictly as a characterised reference material for in-vitro laboratory research.

The distinction between the free peptide and the copper-bound complex is what defines the material as supplied and shapes how it is studied:

The tripeptide binds copper(II) with high affinity, and the reported molecular weight can depend on the salt or hydrate form of the complex; the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis reflects the material exactly as supplied. Because each vial contains a single, defined copper tripeptide rather than a mixture, GHK-Cu gives researchers a consistent reference point for copper-peptide, extracellular-matrix, and dermal research, where variability in the test article would otherwise confound interpretation of the results.

Supplied strictly as a characterised reference material for in-vitro and preclinical laboratory work, not for any diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.

Research overview

GHK-Cu is supplied as a characterised reference material for controlled in-vitro and preclinical laboratory work. It is synthesised, complexed with copper(II), and purified to industry-standard protocols, making it suitable for analytical testing, extracellular-matrix and dermal research models, and copper-transport studies. Every lot is verified by HPLC for purity and identity, with a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis included.

Research-grade standards behind each batch

• Synthesised via solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)
• Purified using preparative HPLC
• Verified through analytical quality-control procedures
• Screened for endotoxins by LAL
• Identity confirmed by HPLC

Why researchers study GHK-Cu

Published in-vitro and preclinical literature examines this copper-binding tripeptide across several interconnected matrix-remodeling and tissue-repair processes,¹ which makes it of interest as a tool compound for studying how connective-tissue and skin models respond under controlled conditions. Areas of scientific interest include:

• Extracellular-matrix (ECM) remodeling models
• Dermal and connective-tissue research
• Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis studies
• Copper(II) transport and metal-ion delivery mechanisms
• Tissue-repair and cell-migration models
• Copper-redox and antioxidant-pathway investigations

Copper-binding and copper-peptide activity

GHK-Cu is studied as a copper(II)-binding tripeptide, and across the published record the bound copper ion is treated as central to the activity described in laboratory models. These are described strictly as areas of scientific interest observed in-vitro and in preclinical work, not as established effects.

Copper(II) coordination. The Gly-His-Lys sequence coordinates a single copper(II) ion through its imidazole and amine groups, and this copper-bound form is the species studied in copper-peptide research rather than the free tripeptide.

Extracellular-matrix remodeling. Studied in dermal and connective-tissue models for reported associations with collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and with matrix-remodeling endpoints.

Copper transport. Examined as a model copper-carrier peptide, studying how a small tripeptide coordinates and delivers copper(II) in controlled experimental systems.

Copper-bound complex vs free peptide

Reference. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987.

Supplied strictly as a characterised reference material for in-vitro and preclinical laboratory work, not for any diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.

Every lot of GHK-Cu follows a controlled, pharma-grade workflow from synthesis to fulfilment, so the material stays consistent, pure, and stable.

Cleanroom manufacturing

Synthesised in controlled, low-contamination environments for batch-to-batch consistency.

Verified HPLC-verified purity

Purity confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Verified identity & purity

Identity and purity confirmed by HPLC, and endotoxin by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL).

Endotoxin-controlled

Low endotoxin levels matter in sensitive cell-based and signaling studies, where inflammatory contaminants could confound results.

Pharma-grade raw materials

Synthesis begins with tested amino acids and validated reagents to protect molecular integrity.

Lyophilized for stability

Freeze-drying preserves structural integrity during shipping, storage, and handling.

Nitrogen-sealed vials

Vials are sealed under nitrogen to limit exposure to oxygen and moisture.

Understanding lyophilization. Freeze-drying removes moisture by freezing the material and lowering pressure so water sublimates directly from solid to vapour, leaving a stable, dry powder that tolerates storage well for long-term studies.

Before reconstitution. Unopened lyophilized GHK-Cu tolerates short periods at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity, and light. For longer storage, keep sealed vials frozen: −20 °C is common, while −80 °C adds margin for long-term or archival storage.

After reconstitution. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, then keep the solution refrigerated below 4 °C, aliquot to working volumes, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Under appropriate laboratory conditions, reconstituted solutions typically remain stable for up to 30 days, following your own laboratory protocol.

Same-day dispatch (USA)

In-stock orders placed before 1:00 PM CT ship the same business day.

Fast domestic delivery

Free FedEx shipping on every order; express delivery is free on orders over $150.

Protective handling

Vials are held in temperature-controlled storage before shipment; the lyophilized powder is stable for ambient transit and is packed to limit temperature swings, moisture, and physical damage.

Tracking and guarantee

Tracking is provided at shipment, and every order is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee.

See our Shipping and Refund policies for full details.