GHK-Cu Research Peptide

GHK-Cu – High-Purity Research Peptide

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine–Copper(II) complex) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide complex, isolated from human plasma and studied for its role in extracellular matrix remodelling, antioxidant defence, and tissue regeneration. It has become a cornerstone compound in preclinical dermatological, wound healing, and anti-fibrotic research due to its potent upregulation of collagen I/III, elastin, MMP/TIMP balance, and Nrf2-mediated cytoprotection. This GHK-Cu research peptide is supplied as a lyophilised solid to ensure complex stability, purity, and reproducibility in laboratory and investigative settings.

Supplied in lyophilised (freeze-dried) form to preserve stability.

What is the GHK-Cu Research Peptide?

GHK-Cu (C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄, MW: 412.93 g/mol) is a 1:1 stoichiometric complex of the tripeptide GHK (Gly-His-Lys) and copper(II) ion, forming a square-planar coordination via His-imidazole Nτ, deprotonated amide nitrogens, and Lys-εNH₂ [Pickart L, Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1980; 94(1):100–106; DOI: 10.1016/0006-291X(80)91494-2]. Unlike unchelated GHK or variable-ratio blends, NovaVitality’s GHK-Cu is synthesised under controlled pH/O₂ to ensure >95% Cu²⁺ occupancy and validated by UV-Vis (λₘₐₓ = 525 nm, ε = 85 M⁻¹cm⁻¹) and LC-MS. Supplied exclusively for in vitro, ex vivo, and preclinical research — not for human or veterinary use.

🔬 Note: GHK-Cu is not licensed by the MHRA, FDA, or EMA for any therapeutic or cosmetic use. It is supplied under strict RUO (Research Use Only) protocols.

Scientific Identifiers

Usage and Reconstitution

GHK-Cu is supplied freeze-dried for optimal complex integrity. For experimental protocols, reconstitute using:
✅ Ultrapure water (18.2 MΩ·cm) — preferred for spectroscopy & cell assays
✅ Sterile PBS (pH 7.4) — for physiological compatibility
❌ Avoid: EDTA, DTT, ascorbic acid, or strong chelators — they strip Cu²⁺ and inactivate the complex.

⚠️ Critical Handling Notes:
– Dissolve gently by swirling; do not vortex or sonicate — shear forces disrupt Cu coordination.
– Solution should retain faint blue/violet hue — colour loss indicates reduction to Cu⁺ or dissociation.
– Filter through 0.22 µm PVDF (low metal-binding) for cell work.

Post-Reconstitution Storage:
– Short-term: 2–8°C, protected from light — ≤72 hours (Cu²⁺ slowly reduces in air)
– Long-term: Aliquot, seal under argon (optional), and store at −80°C — ≤6 months

📌 For long-term studies, prepare fresh working solutions daily from −80°C stock.

🛒 Recommended reconstitution accessories will be auto-added to cart → Adjust before checkout.

GHK-Cu Research Peptide: Key Investigational Pathways

GHK-Cu is actively studied for its multimodal regenerative bioactivity. Key research applications include:

• Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Remodelling
  Investigated in:
  → Dermal fibroblasts for collagen I/III, elastin, fibronectin mRNA/protein (qPCR, Western)
  → MMP-1/2/9 and TIMP-1/2 balance (zymography, ELISA)
  → 3D collagen contraction & tensile strength assays
• Antioxidant & Anti-Ageing Signalling
  Explored via:
  → Nrf2/ARE pathway activation (luciferase reporter, HO-1 induction)
  → SOD1/CAT upregulation and ROS scavenging (DCFDA, MitoSOX)
  → Protection against UVB/oxidant-induced senescence (SA-β-gal, p16/p21)
• Wound Healing & Angiogenesis
  Studied in:
  → Keratinocyte migration (scratch assay) and re-epithelialisation
  → HUVEC tube formation and VEGF secretion
  → Diabetic murine wound models (closure rate, granulation tissue)
• Anti-Fibrotic & Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  Evaluated in:
  → Hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) for α-SMA/collagen suppression
  → Macrophage polarisation (M2 shift via IL-10/Arg1)
  → TGF-β1/Smad3 inhibition in keloid fibroblasts

⚠️ All accessories (syringes, filters, vials) are for laboratory use only — not medical devices.

Why Order GHK-Cu from NovaVitality?

• 🔬 Complex-validated purity: Every lot includes full CoA
• 🇬🇧 UK-based & compliant: MHRA-aligned documentation, metal-cleanroom handling, next-day tracked dispatch
• 📚 Research-first ethos: No cosmetic or consumer claims — full technical support for mechanistic studies
• 🛡️ RUO integrity: Meets MHRA GMP Annex 1, FDA 21 CFR 1271, ISO 10993-12 (extractables) expectations
• 💬 Expert support: Get help with UV-Vis validation, Cu stability in media, or dose-response in 3D skin models

Legal and Safety Information

NovaVitality supplies GHK-Cu strictly for laboratory research, assay development, and educational purposes (RUO).

❌ This product is not approved by the MHRA, FDA, EMA, or any regulatory authority for:
→ Human use
→ Veterinary use
→ Diagnostic use
→ Cosmetic or supplement use

⚠️ Critical Responsibilities for Researchers:
– Handle in accordance with COSHH (copper compounds: mild irritant)
– Use only under approved biosafety protocols
– Comply with local ethics oversight (e.g., AWERB for in vivo work)
– Do not compound, dispense, or administer to living subjects

🔒 NovaVitality disclaims all liability for unauthorised or off-label use. By purchasing, you affirm compliance with all applicable laws and institutional policies.

Ready to Advance Regenerative Pathway Research?

📦 [Bacteriostatic Water]
💉 [Research Syringes]
📄 [GHK-Cu Storage & Stability Datasheet]