GHK-Cu is the 1:1 copper complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine — the most extensively documented signalling peptide in dermal research. Full Kiwi Peps GHK-Cu peptide profile inside.
The GHK-Cu peptide is the 1:1 coordination complex of the tripeptide GHK (Gly-His-Lys) with divalent copper (Cu²⁺). The complex coordinates copper through the imidazole nitrogen of histidine, the α-amino group of glycine and a deprotonated peptide nitrogen, producing the signalling-active species with a characteristic deep-blue colour. Because copper coordination is what activates the biology, the GHK-Cu peptide is chemically distinct from uncomplexed GHK.
The GHK-Cu peptide has one of the largest citation footprints of any dermal-research peptide. Published in-vitro literature documents its role in extracellular-matrix gene expression, antioxidant-enzyme upregulation and angiogenic-marker modulation in cultured cells.
GHK-Cu peptide structure
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys |
| Peptide mass (GHK) | ~340.4 Da |
| Complex stoichiometry | 1:1 GHK : Cu²⁺ |
| Copper content (theoretical) | ~17–20% by mass |
| Characteristic UV-Vis absorbance | ~620 nm (Cu²⁺ d-d transition) |
| Documented purity spec | ≥ 98% HPLC on GHK backbone |
Documented in-vitro signalling
- Modulates extracellular-matrix gene expression in cultured dermal fibroblasts.
- Upregulates SOD and metallothionein antioxidant-enzyme expression.
- Documented decorin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis signalling in dermal-model culture.
- Supports angiogenic-marker upregulation in cell-culture wound-model literature.
- MMP/TIMP balance modulation reported across published dermal-culture datasets.
COA verification checklist for the GHK-Cu peptide
- ≥98% HPLC purity on the GHK backbone.
- Quantified copper content (~17–20% by mass for the 1:1 complex).
- LC-MS confirmation of GHK mass (~340.4 Da).
- UV-Vis absorbance at ~620 nm consistent with the Cu²⁺ complex.
- Batch identifier matching outer-box and inner-vial labels.
GHK-Cu peptide FAQ
What is the GHK-Cu peptide?
GHK-Cu is the 1:1 coordination complex of the tripeptide GHK (Gly-His-Lys) with divalent copper — the signalling-active species with a characteristic deep-blue colour.
How is GHK-Cu different from GHK?
Uncomplexed GHK lacks the copper coordination that drives most of the signalling literature. The GHK-Cu peptide is the chemically defined active species.
How is GHK-Cu supplied for research?
As a lyophilised deep-blue powder, reconstituted per the batch COA. Copper content should be reported alongside HPLC purity.
Where can New Zealand researchers buy the GHK-Cu peptide?
Kiwi Peps supplies research-grade GHK-Cu at ≥98% HPLC purity with third-party COA and same-day domestic dispatch. Research use only.
