GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper chelate first isolated from human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973. This small molecule, with a molecular weight of approximately 403.9 Da for the free peptide (or ~467 Da as the copper complex), is found at concentrations of approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults, declining significantly with age. Research spanning over five decades has revealed GHK-Cu's remarkable ability to modulate gene expression related to tissue remodeling, with studies identifying over 4,000 genes influenced by this peptide. Its primary mechanisms involve copper(II) ion delivery to tissues, activation of tissue remodeling pathways, promotion of collagen and elastin synthesis, and upregulation of decorin and glycosaminoglycan production. This makes GHK-Cu one of the most extensively studied peptides in regenerative and dermatological research.

Key Research Findings: The Scientific Foundation

The scientific significance of GHK-Cu is supported by decades of peer-reviewed research. Dr. Pickart's pioneering work, along with subsequent studies published in journals including the Journal of Biological Chemistry and Dermatologic Surgery, has established GHK-Cu as a peptide with broad regenerative potential:

• Collagen Remodeling: GHK-Cu has been shown to stimulate synthesis of collagen types I, III, and V, along with elastin and decorin, the key components of the extracellular matrix essential for skin structure and wound repair.
• Wound Healing Acceleration: In multiple in vitro and animal models, GHK-Cu demonstrated significant acceleration of wound closure, increased angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and enhanced nerve outgrowth, suggesting broad tissue repair capabilities.
• Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Activity: Research has documented GHK-Cu's ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), reduce oxidative damage markers, and activate antioxidant defense genes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-related enzymes.
• Gene Expression Modulation: Genome-wide expression profiling studies have identified that GHK-Cu influences over 4,000 human genes, with significant upregulation of genes involved in tissue repair, stem cell biology, and antioxidant defense, while downregulating genes associated with tissue destruction and inflammation.

Biochemical Properties and Stability

At Bergdorf Bioscience, GHK-Cu is supplied as a high-purity, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. This manufacturing process ensures maximum chemical stability and a long shelf life when stored properly.

• Amino Acid Sequence: Gly-His-Lys:Cu²⁺ (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) complex)
• Molecular Weight: ~403.9 Da (free peptide GHK) / ~467.0 Da (copper complex GHK-Cu)
• Plasma Half-Life: Approximately 30 minutes. GHK-Cu is rapidly degraded by plasma aminopeptidases, which is characteristic of short bioactive peptides.

Buy GHK-Cu at Bergdorf Bioscience: Quality for the Highest Demands

When you buy GHK-Cu for your laboratory, you need absolute reliability. GHK-Cu is available at Bergdorf Bioscience in the following vial sizes:

• 50 mg
• 100 mg

Each vial is filled under the strictest laboratory conditions and individually sealed. All batches are analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and feature a guaranteed purity of at least 99%. Our quality assurance also includes detailed mass spectrometry to confirm the exact molecular weight, as well as rigorous endotoxin testing.

Worldwide Shipping – Safe and Hassle-Free

We offer reliable worldwide shipping for all our research peptides. Thanks to professional lyophilization, the GHK-Cu powder is highly temperature-stable in its unmixed state. The molecular integrity and high biological activity of the peptide are fully preserved at normal ambient temperatures throughout global transit. However, after reconstitution (mixing with bacteriostatic water), we highly recommend proper storage in a refrigerator.