Peptide Lab HQ Research Guide
GHK-Cu
A research-focused compound profile covering GHK-Cu identity, copper peptide research, dermal matrix signaling, tissue-remodeling models, concentration reference, reconstitution reference, and safety considerations.
Compound Data
Compound Profile
| Compound Name | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Complex |
| Common Synonyms | Copper Peptide GHK-Cu, Cu-GHK, Copper Tripeptide-1, Prezatide Copper |
| Compound Type | Synthetic copper tripeptide complex |
| CAS Number | Commonly listed as 89030-95-5 or 49557-75-7 depending on form/reference |
| PubChem CID | 378611 for Cu-GHK |
| Amino Acid Length | 3 amino acids with copper complexation |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Gly-His-Lys-Cu |
| Short Sequence | GHK-Cu |
| Molecular Formula | Form-dependent; PubChem-listed Cu-GHK: C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | Form-dependent; PubChem-listed Cu-GHK: approximately 403.92 g/mol |
| Research Category | Copper peptide, dermal matrix, collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycan, wound-healing, angiogenesis, antioxidant, and tissue-remodeling research |
| Appearance | Blue to blue-green lyophilized powder, depending on copper-peptide form and supplier documentation |
| Use | For laboratory research use only. |
Research Applications
Key Research Applications
GHK-Cu is commonly discussed in controlled research models involving copper peptide signaling, dermal matrix remodeling, collagen-associated pathways, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, wound-healing models, angiogenesis-related observations, antioxidant response, and inflammatory-pathway research.
Dermal Matrix Research
GHK-Cu is commonly studied in dermal matrix models involving collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, fibroblast behavior, and skin-remodeling observations.
Wound-Healing Models
Used in research involving wound closure, tissue repair, cellular migration, extracellular matrix remodeling, and regenerative response documentation.
Angiogenesis Research
GHK-Cu is frequently discussed in research involving blood-vessel outgrowth, endothelial behavior, vascular signaling, and tissue-repair support mechanisms.
Antioxidant Response Models
Relevant to research involving oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activity, DNA repair context, and cellular protection pathways.
Inflammatory-Pathway Research
Studied in models involving inflammatory cytokines, tissue-injury response, immune-cell behavior, and repair-associated signaling.
Hair Follicle / Scalp Models
GHK-Cu is commonly discussed in hair follicle, scalp tissue, dermal papilla, and follicle-supporting extracellular matrix research contexts.
Research Scope
These applications are provided for educational and research-reference purposes only. Research outcomes may vary based on copper-peptide form, purity, concentration, formulation, model type, timing, and laboratory conditions.
Reference Only
Reconstitution / Research Dosing Reference
Select Reference Vial
Select a vial size to update the concentration, U-100 unit references, and frequency table below.
Quick Reference Summary
| Reference Vial | 50 mg GHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| Primary Solution Volume | 3 mL bacteriostatic water |
| Primary Concentration | 16.67 mg/mL |
| Measurement Reference | On a U-100 syringe, 1 unit = 0.01 mL. |
| Amount per U-100 Unit | At 16.67 mg/mL, 1 unit equals 0.1667 mg / 166.67 mcg GHK-Cu. |
| Storage Reference | Refrigerate at 2–8°C / 35.6–46.4°F after reconstitution, protected from direct light. |
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3 mL bacteriostatic water using a sterile syringe for the main concentration reference shown below.
- Slowly add the BAC water down the side of the vial wall.
- Gently roll or swirl the vial until the material is completely dissolved. The solution may appear clear to light blue depending on concentration and supplier format. Do not shake!
- Label with compound name, vial amount, concentration, solvent volume, preparation date, storage conditions, and handling notes.
- Store refrigerated at 2–8°C / 35.6–46.4°F, protected from direct light.
Published Research Context
| Reference Type | Reported Amount / Context | Research Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compound Identity Reference | GHK-Cu, copper complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine | GHK-Cu is commonly discussed as a copper peptide in tissue-response, extracellular-matrix, and cellular-signaling research contexts. |
| Dermal Matrix / Tissue Remodeling Research | Model-dependent in-vitro and in-vivo context | Research discussions commonly include collagen-related markers, elastin-related markers, extracellular matrix, and tissue-remodeling observations. |
| Wound-Response / Inflammatory Marker Research | Experimental and model-dependent context | GHK-Cu is commonly discussed in wound-response, angiogenesis, antioxidant, inflammatory-marker, and cellular-aging research contexts. |
| Public Protocol-Style Reference | Microgram-to-milligram reference examples | Public protocol-style references are not clinical dosing standards and should not be treated as research-chemical use instructions. |
| Clinical / Research-Chemical Status | No universal research-chemical protocol established | Published study references, public protocol-style references, clinical-use references, or wellness protocols should not be treated as dosing instructions for research-chemical vial formats. |
Concentration Reference
| Vial Amount | Solution Volume | Final Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | 3 mL | 16.67 mg/mL |
| 100 mg | 3 mL | 33.33 mg/mL |
Research Dosing Amount / Volume Reference
| Reference Amount | Volume at 16.67 mg/mL | U-100 Unit Reference | Approx. References per 50 mg Vial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mg / 500 mcg | 0.03 mL | 3 units | 100 |
| 1 mg / 1000 mcg | 0.06 mL | 6 units | 50 |
| 2 mg / 2000 mcg | 0.12 mL | 12 units | 25 |
| 5 mg / 5000 mcg | 0.30 mL | 30 units | 10 |
| 10 mg / 10000 mcg | 0.60 mL | 60 units | 5 |
| 20 mg / 20000 mcg | 1.20 mL | 120 units | 2.5 |
| 50 mg / 50000 mcg | 3.00 mL | 300 units | 1 |
Research Frequency / Amount Reference
| Research Window | Frequency | Reference Amount | Units / Volume Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Conversion Reference | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 0.5 mg / 500 mcg reference amount | 3 units / 0.03 mL |
| Low-to-Mid Conversion Reference | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 1 mg / 1000 mcg reference amount | 6 units / 0.06 mL |
| Standard Conversion Reference | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 2 mg / 2000 mcg reference amount | 12 units / 0.12 mL |
| Mid-Range Conversion Example | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 5 mg / 5000 mcg reference amount | 30 units / 0.30 mL |
| Upper Conversion Example | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 10 mg / 10000 mcg reference amount | 60 units / 0.60 mL |
| High Conversion Example | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 20 mg / 20000 mcg reference amount | 120 units / 1.20 mL |
Common Research Windows
| Reference Window | Common Length | Research Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cell-Culture / Marker Observation Window | 24–72 hours | May be used for cellular-response, extracellular matrix marker, inflammatory-marker, oxidative-stress-marker, or pathway documentation depending on the model. |
| Acute Observation Window | Single session to several days | Used for short-term response tracking, timing comparison, early marker observation, or preparation comparison depending on the research design. |
| Short Research Window | 1–2 weeks | May be used for early controlled observation involving tissue-response, collagen-related, dermal matrix, or recovery-model documentation. |
| Standard Protocol-Style Window | 2–4 weeks | Commonly used in public protocol-style references for structured observation and comparison across baseline and follow-up periods. |
| Extended Observation Window | 4–8 weeks | Used when longer documentation is needed for extracellular matrix, tissue-remodeling, collagen-related, cellular-aging, or marker-trend observation. |
| Follow-Up / Washout | 1–4 weeks | Used to document post-study observations, marker return, delayed response patterns, or follow-up data depending on the research model. |
Research Note: These tables are provided for educational, research-planning, concentration, frequency-reference, and volume-reference purposes only. GHK-Cu is commonly discussed in copper-peptide signaling, dermal matrix, tissue-response, extracellular matrix, collagen-related marker, oxidative-stress-marker, and cellular-aging research contexts. The selector above updates calculations for 50 mg and 100 mg vial references, each reconstituted with 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water. Published study references and public protocol-style frequency references are not universal research-chemical dosing standards and should not be treated as dosing instructions for research-chemical vial formats. This information is not medical advice, dosing instruction, injectable-use guidance, or a recommendation for human or animal use.
Research Notes
Research Findings & Safety Notes
Research Findings
GHK-Cu is commonly discussed in research involving dermal matrix remodeling, collagen and elastin synthesis, glycosaminoglycan production, wound-healing models, angiogenesis, antioxidant response, inflammation, and tissue-repair pathways.
Study Limitations
GHK-Cu research includes in vitro, ex vivo, topical, cosmetic, animal, and tissue-model references. Findings should be interpreted according to model type, formulation, concentration, copper-complex form, route, and study design.
Safety Considerations
Copper peptide materials should be handled using appropriate PPE, clean technique, proper labeling, batch documentation, qualified research procedures, and attention to formulation stability.
Use Restriction
Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease when discussed as a research-use material.
Related Supplies
Research Supplies
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Bacteriostatic Water
Commonly referenced in laboratory preparation workflows.
Research Syringes
Supply category for controlled laboratory research preparation.
Prep Supplies
Supporting supplies for clean handling, preparation, and documentation.
Lab Handling
Handling & Storage
Storage
Store materials according to product-specific requirements. Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light.
After Reconstitution
Keep refrigerated after reconstitution unless otherwise specified by the product documentation.
Handling
Use appropriate laboratory PPE, clean handling practices, and qualified research procedures.
Documentation
Maintain batch details, COA records, preparation notes, and internal research documentation.