Description
GHK-Cu 100mg — Product Identity & Molecular Specification
The labelled mass of every GHK-Cu presentation refers to the copper-peptide complex, not the peptide component alone.
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)) is a naturally occurring copper-chelating tripeptide first isolated from human plasma by Pickart and Thaler in 1973. Each vial supplied by Core Research contains 100 mg of GHK-Cu acetate salt in lyophilised form, manufactured under controlled laboratory conditions and released only after independent analytical verification. The compound is supplied as the copper(II) complex of the GHK tripeptide; the free tripeptide (GHK, without copper) is a structurally distinct compound with different analytical and biological properties.
Analytical Specification
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | Copper(2+); 2-[[2-[(2-aminoacetyl)amino]-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoate |
| Common Name | GHK-Cu; Copper Tripeptide-1; Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper(II) |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 (copper complex); 49557-75-7 (free tripeptide GHK, distinct compound) |
| Molecular Formula | C14H23CuN6O4 (copper complex; PubChem CID 73981) |
| Molecular Weight | 403.9 g/mol (copper complex) |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys · Cu²⁺ |
| Physical Form | Lyophilised powder; blue-green colour associated with Cu²⁺ chelation |
| Salt Form | Acetate |
| Nominal Mass per Vial | 100 mg |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99.0% |
| Identity Confirmation | ESI-MS (electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry) |
| Endotoxin | <1 EU/mg (LAL method; non-sterile research material) |
| Intended Use | In vitro and laboratory research only (RUO) |
Note: An endotoxin specification does not confer sterility. GHK-Cu 100mg is a non-sterile research reagent. Researchers requiring sterile conditions should apply appropriate filtration in accordance with their institutional SOPs.
Analytical Quality & Batch Documentation
Every batch of GHK-Cu 100mg released by Core Research is subject to a multi-stage analytical workflow before dispatch. Purity is determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) against a validated reference standard, with a release specification of ≥99.0%. Molecular identity is confirmed by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), verifying the correct molecular ion [M+H]⁺ and the characteristic copper isotope pattern (⁶³Cu/⁶⁵Cu ratio ≈ 2.24) that distinguishes the intact copper complex from the free tripeptide. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting lot number, HPLC purity, MS identity, endotoxin result, and storage conditions is available for each release via the CoA Portal.
| Test | Method | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | RP-HPLC (C18 column, UV 220 nm) | ≥99.0% |
| Molecular identity | ESI-MS; MW 403.9 g/mol confirmed | ±0.5 Da |
| Copper chelation | Cu²⁺ isotope pattern (⁶³Cu/⁶⁵Cu) | Characteristic ratio confirmed |
| Endotoxin | LAL (limulus amebocyte lysate) | <1 EU/mg |
| Appearance | Visual inspection | Blue-green lyophilised powder |
| Water content | Karl Fischer titration | ≤5.0% |
The blue-green colouration of GHK-Cu powder is associated with Cu²⁺ chelation and is a useful visual indicator during receiving inspection. However, colour alone is not a substitute for analytical identity confirmation — ESI-MS is the definitive identity test. Researchers should record the lot number from the CoA against experimental data for full traceability.
Storage and Transport Conditions
| Condition | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised (sealed vial) | −20 °C, desiccated, protected from light | Store in original sealed vial until use |
| Transit | Ambient; cold-chain packaging included | Lyophilised form is stable during standard UK domestic shipping |
| Intended Use | In vitro and pre-clinical laboratory research only | Not for human or veterinary use |
Note: Reconstituted solution storage, solvent selection, working concentration, and pH guidance are not provided, consistent with Core Research’s Research Use Only supply policy. Researchers should refer to their institutional SOPs and the published literature for handling reconstituted copper peptide solutions.
Physical Form & Laboratory Receiving
GHK-Cu 100mg is supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed glass vial with a rubber septum and aluminium crimp cap. The lyophilised form maximises long-term stability by removing residual moisture and minimising oxidative degradation of the Cu²⁺ chelate. The characteristic blue-green colour of the powder is associated with intact Cu²⁺ chelation and is a useful visual check during receiving inspection; however, colour is not a substitute for analytical identity confirmation by ESI-MS. Researchers should inspect each vial visually upon receipt and record the lot number from the CoA against experimental data for full traceability.
For guidance on receiving inspection procedures for research peptides, refer to the Research Product Receiving Inspection & Batch Acceptance Checklist.
Analytical Note — Core Research Quality Team
GHK-Cu presents a distinctive analytical signature: the Cu²⁺ isotope pattern in ESI-MS (⁶³Cu/⁶⁵Cu ratio ≈ 2.24) provides a reliable identity check that distinguishes the intact copper complex from the free tripeptide GHK or partially dechelated material. Our QC team verifies this isotope pattern on every batch before release. Batches where the copper isotope pattern is absent or atypical are rejected regardless of HPLC purity result, as a high HPLC purity score alone cannot confirm that the copper chelate is intact. Researchers requiring batch-specific analytical data should access the CoA Portal or contact the laboratory team directly.
Regulatory and Compliance Status
GHK-Cu 100mg is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory and research use only. It must not be administered to humans or animals. Purchase, possession, and use are subject to applicable UK and international regulations governing research chemicals. Core Research accepts no liability for misuse of this product outside its intended research application. For the full supply boundary, refer to the RUO Compliance Policy.
Related Laboratory Guides
Research context
The published literature on this material is summarised in the laboratory guides linked below. This record describes the material as supplied: identity, format, analytics, storage and documentation. It does not describe effects, and none should be inferred from the catalogue category.
Research Use Only — Not for Human or Veterinary Use
GHK-Cu 100mg is supplied exclusively for in vitro and pre-clinical laboratory research. It is not a medicinal product, has not been approved for therapeutic use in any jurisdiction, and must not be administered to humans or animals. Procurement confirms the purchaser is a qualified researcher operating within an institutional or commercial laboratory setting.
