GHK-Cu Copper Peptide 50mg | Skin & Cellular Repair Research
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GHK-Cu Copper Peptide 50mg | Skin & Cellular Repair Research
Product details
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Research Overview
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) identified in human blood plasma, urine, and saliva. It has a high affinity for copper(II) ions and is classified as a tissue-remodeling peptide. Research has demonstrated a notable age-related decline in plasma concentrations — from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to roughly 80 ng/mL by age 60 — making it a subject of significant interest in wound healing, skin biology, and regenerative research.
Chemical Profile
- Sequence: Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK)
- Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
- Molecular Weight: 340.38 g/mol (copper-bound complex)
- CAS Number: 49557-75-7 (GHK); 89030-95-5 (GHK·Cu)
- Natural Occurrence: Human blood plasma, urine, saliva
- Plasma Concentration: ~200 ng/mL (age 20) → ~80 ng/mL (age 60)
Research Areas
🔬 Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
Multiple preclinical studies have examined GHK-Cu's potential role in wound healing. In rabbit wound models, the GHK-Cu complex demonstrated accelerated healing compared to zinc oxide and various other control compounds. Burns research has indicated a potential increase in healing rate of up to 33% in relevant preclinical models. Research in diabetic ulcer models further suggested GHK-Cu may demonstrate superior effectiveness versus untreated controls.
🔬 Collagen Synthesis & Extracellular Matrix
In vitro studies have explored GHK-Cu's influence on fibroblast activity. Research has examined its potential to stimulate collagen and decorin synthesis, support extracellular matrix remodeling, and modulate metalloproteinase activity — enzymes involved in matrix breakdown and tissue restructuring.
🔬 Skin Barrier & Dermal Research
GHK-Cu has been studied for potential effects on epidermal thickness, skin barrier function restoration, and dermal density. Topical and in vitro models have investigated changes in skin glycosaminoglycan levels, elastin production, and keratinocyte activity.
🔬 Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Mechanisms
Research has examined GHK-Cu's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have explored its capacity to modulate cytokine expression, reduce oxidative stress markers in cell culture systems, and interact with NF-κB signaling pathways involved in inflammation.
🔬 Angiogenesis & Immune Cell Recruitment
GHK-Cu's proposed mechanism involves the recruitment of macrophages and other immune cells to injury sites, as well as promotion of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation). These activities are thought to underlie improvements observed in preclinical wound healing models.
🔬 Hair Follicle Research
Several studies have investigated GHK-Cu's potential effects on hair follicle biology, including follicular enlargement and stimulation of hair growth in preclinical models. Research has examined interactions with scalp fibroblast activity and follicular keratinocytes.
🔬 Gene Expression Modulation
GHK-Cu has been shown in research settings to modulate the expression of over 4,000 human genes, with particular focus on pathways related to tissue remodeling, antioxidant defense, and inflammation resolution. These findings position it as a subject of broad interest in systems biology and peptide research.
Product Specifications
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Format | Lyophilized powder |
| Amount per vial | 50 mg |
| Storage | −20°C, protect from light and moisture |
| Stability | 24 months lyophilized; 7 days reconstituted at 4°C |
| Solubility | Water, dilute acetic acid |
| Appearance | Blue-green lyophilized powder (copper complex) |
Scientific References
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. “GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration.” Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. PubMed
- Pickart L. “The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.” J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-88. PubMed
- Choi HR, Kang YA, Ryoo SJ, et al. “Stem cell recovering effect of copper-free GHK in skin.” J Pept Sci. 2012;18(11):685-90. PubMed
- Arul V, Gopinath D, Gomathi K, Jayakumar R. “Biotinylated GHK peptide incorporated collagenous matrix: A novel biomaterial for dermal wound healing in rats.” J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2005;73(2):383-91. PubMed
- Ma WH, Li M, Ma HF, et al. “Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways.” Life Sci. 2020;241:117139. PubMed
⚠️ Research Use Only. This product is intended exclusively for laboratory and in vitro research purposes. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, consumption, injection, or any therapeutic application. This product has not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Spartan Peptides makes no claims regarding safety, efficacy, or suitability of this compound outside of controlled laboratory research. All handling must comply with applicable institutional and governmental regulations. Researchers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable guidelines.
Research and Clinical Studies
GHK-Cu and Gene Expression Regulation in Nervous System Biology
Pickart, Vasquez-Soltero, and Margolina characterized the effects of the human peptide GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) and its copper complex (GHK-Cu) on gene expression profiles relevant to nervous system function and cognitive aging. The investigators observed that GHK-Cu modulated a broad network of genes associated with neuroprotection, antioxidant defense, and mitochondrial function in analytical studies of gene expression databases. Researchers noted that many of the genes upregulated by GHK-Cu have established roles in protecting neurons from oxidative stress and supporting healthy aging biology (Pickart et al., 2017; PMID: 28212278).
Skin Remodeling, Collagen Synthesis, and Wound Healing
Research characterizing GHK-Cu in the context of dermatological biology established the peptide's capacity to promote fibroblast proliferation, stimulate collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and accelerate wound healing in preclinical models. Investigators observed that GHK-Cu increased the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in a regulated manner consistent with normal tissue remodeling, rather than the dysregulated MMP activity associated with chronic wounds or fibrosis. Researchers noted that the compound's apparent ability to recapitulate youthful skin repair processes made it a subject of significant interest in dermatological research (Pickart et al., 2017; PMID: 28212278).
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Studies examining GHK-Cu's biological activity characterized its anti-inflammatory properties, including the ability to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, while simultaneously upregulating antioxidant defense enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase. Investigators noted that the copper component of GHK-Cu appeared to contribute directly to its antioxidant activity, given copper's essential role in the function of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. Researchers characterized GHK-Cu's dual anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms as likely contributors to its observed effects on skin aging and wound healing in research models (Pickart et al., 2017; PMID: 28212278).
Hair Follicle Biology and Angiogenic Research
Research into GHK-Cu's activity in hair follicle biology characterized the compound's potential effects on follicle size, hair growth promotion, and dermal papilla cell function in preclinical studies. Investigators observed that GHK-Cu appeared to stimulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and promoted angiogenesis in wound healing models, which researchers noted is a prerequisite for supporting the metabolically active follicle microenvironment. Additional studies characterized GHK-Cu as capable of extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle in animal models, warranting further investigation of these follicle-supportive mechanisms (Pickart et al., 2017; PMID: 28212278).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu and what makes it a subject of research interest?
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex first isolated from human plasma. Researchers have studied it in the context of tissue remodeling, wound repair, collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, antioxidant defense, and gene expression regulation. Its ability to upregulate hundreds of genes associated with tissue maintenance and downregulate genes associated with inflammation and oxidative stress has made it a subject of broad preclinical interest.
How does GHK-Cu interact with copper in biological research models?
GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions with high affinity, a property researchers believe is central to its biological activity. In cell culture models, the copper complex form has been shown to facilitate cellular uptake mechanisms distinct from free copper alone. Studies suggest that copper bioavailability through the GHK carrier system may influence enzyme activation pathways involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, including lysyl oxidase activity relevant to collagen crosslinking research.
What purity standards apply to research-grade GHK-Cu?
Research-grade GHK-Cu should demonstrate ≥98% purity by HPLC with both UV and mass spectrometry confirmation of the copper-complexed tripeptide structure. Verification should include confirmation of the Cu(II) coordination geometry, absence of free copper impurities, and identity confirmation of the Gly-His-Lys peptide backbone. Batch-specific certificates of analysis ensure consistency across research applications.
How should research-grade GHK-Cu be stored and handled?
Lyophilized GHK-Cu powder should be stored at -20°C in a sealed, desiccated environment protected from light to prevent copper oxidation and peptide degradation. Reconstitution for research use is typically performed with sterile water or bacteriostatic water immediately prior to use. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted to minimize freeze-thaw cycles and used within the timeframe specified in the relevant research protocol.
Explore the Research
Browse the Spartan Peptides Research Library for study indexes, compound comparisons, and protocol stacks.
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