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.
GHK-Cu
A copper-binding tripeptide studied in skin and tissue research.
- Half-life (approx.)
- Topical/local or short systemic (approx.)
- 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
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) with extensive literature on wound healing, collagen synthesis, and gene expression profiling. It appears in dermatology, hair-loss, and systemic tissue-repair research at varying concentrations. Copper peptide with extensive dermal remodeling literature in fibroblast and wound models.
Structure & identity
Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys + copper(II)
- Sequence / structure
- Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys + copper(II)
Mechanism
Copper peptide resets gene expression toward a younger fibroblast profile; stimulates collagen and elastin. Gene-expression reset toward youthful collagen/elastin balance is a recurring transcriptomic theme.
Studies & clinical programs
Fibroblast culture
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under Fibroblast culture experimental designs.
Wound closure rats
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under Wound closure rats experimental designs.
Gene expression arrays
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under Gene expression arrays experimental designs.
Research models in literature
- Fibroblast culture
- Wound closure rats
- Gene expression arrays
Literature highlights
- Fibroblast gene-expression arrays show reset toward younger collagen/elastin profiles.
- Wound-closure and angiogenesis endpoints in rodent dermal injury models.
- Copper coordination chemistry affects diluent compatibility in laboratory preparation.
Combination research notes
Component of GLOW and KLOW blends.
Key targets & pathways
Research areas
Routes in research literature
Also known as
Handling cautions
- Copper peptide — avoid 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