Peptide
Reference library
Educational peptide reference — research use only.
Research & educational use only
For laboratory and educational research only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. This is not medical advice. Always follow applicable laws and consult qualified professionals.
The calculator performs unit math for research reference. It must not be used to plan or guide dosing in humans or animals. Verify all figures independently in your lab protocol.
AHK-Cu
A copper-binding tripeptide studied in hair follicle and skin research.
- Half-life (approx.)
- Topical — local action; systemic PK limited
- Diluent
- Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- Common vials
- 50, 100 mg
Half-life figures are literature approximations for educational reference — not pharmacokinetic advice.
Overview
AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys) studied alongside GHK-Cu in hair-follicle and dermal fibroblast models. Literature emphasizes extracellular matrix remodeling and copper-dependent enzyme activity. Copper tripeptide cousin to GHK-Cu, emphasized in hair-follicle rather than full-thickness wound research.
Structure & identity
Tripeptide Ala-His-Lys-Cu²⁺
- Sequence / structure
- Tripeptide Ala-His-Lys-Cu²⁺
Mechanism
Copper tripeptide modulates collagen gene expression and hair-follicle stem-cell signaling. Copper-dependent enzyme activation supports extracellular matrix gene programs in dermal papilla cells.
Studies & clinical programs
Hair follicle organ culture
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under Hair follicle organ culture experimental designs.
Human dermal papilla cells
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under Human dermal papilla cells experimental designs.
Research models in literature
- Hair follicle organ culture
- Human dermal papilla cells
Literature highlights
- Copper tripeptide effects on dermal papilla cells and hair-follicle organ culture reported.
- Collagen and laminin gene expression studied in fibroblast remodeling assays.
- Frequently cross-referenced with GHK-Cu in published topical peptide literature.
Combination research notes
Often studied alongside GHK-Cu in dermal research.
Key targets & pathways
Research areas
Routes in research literature
Also known as
Handling cautions
- Copper coordination sensitive to chelating diluents
Stability & storage phases
| Phase | Condition | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | Sealed vial, refrigerated (2–8 °C) | Intact lyophilized cake or powder is typically stable for months to years per published stability data; protect from moisture, light, and repeated freeze-thaw of the dry vial. |
| Reconstituted | Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), refrigerated | Most aqueous peptide solutions remain usable for approximately 2–4 weeks refrigerated; verify published stability data and label with reconstitution date. |
| Working aliquots | Pre-drawn syringes or microtubes, frozen (−20 °C) | Aliquot promptly after mixing to limit freeze-thaw cycles on the main vial; thaw once and use to reduce protease-mediated degradation. |
Stability windows are formulation-dependent — verify published data and your lab SOP.
Reconstitution reference table
| Vial (mg) | Diluent (mL) | mcg/mL | Units @ 100 mcg | Units @ 250 mcg | Units @ 500 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 5 | 10000.0 | 1 | 2.5 | 5 |
| 100 | 5 | 20000.0 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 2.5 |
U-100 insulin syringe scale (100 units = 1 mL). Illustrative only — not dosing guidance.
Reconstitution steps
- Allow vial to reach room temperature (15–30 min)
- Swab rubber stopper with alcohol prep pad
- Draw calculated bacteriostatic water into syringe
- Inject diluent slowly down vial wall — do not spray directly onto cake
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously
- Label with date, concentration, and diluent volume
- Refrigerate and use within your lab stability window
Concentration varies widely; follow the specific research protocol.
Laboratory record checklist
- Compound identity recorded in lab notebook (name, lot, preparation date)
- Analytical identity cross-checked against published sequence or structure
- Potency or concentration documented from analytical certificate when available
- Purity or HPLC data filed when provided with research material
- Appearance noted: intact lyophilized cake or uniform powder
- Sterility / endotoxin report archived when available
- Storage temperature applied immediately per published stability guidance