Description

 GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) 50mg Lyophilized Powder – High Purity Research Peptide

 The Blueprint for Matrix Regeneration

In the evolving landscape of regenerative science and dermal research, few molecules have garnered as much legitimate attention as GHK-Cu. Discovered in the 1970s by Dr. Loren Pickart, this naturally occurring copper-binding peptide has become a cornerstone of anti-aging and tissue repair studies. Our GHK-Cu 50mg presentation offers researchers a highly concentrated, lyophilized formulation of this potent signal peptide. Unlike superficial cosmetic ingredients, GHK-Cu operates at the genetic level, modulating gene expression to revert damaged tissue environments toward a more youthful, healthy state.

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine complexed with Copper (II)) is a tripeptide—a short chain of just three amino acids (Glycine, Histidine, Lysine)—that possesses a unique and powerful affinity for copper ions. This complex is bioidentical to fragments of human collagen. As humans age, circulating levels of GHK-Cu drop precipitously, from approximately 200 ng/mL in young blood to under 80 ng/mL by age 60. This decline correlates directly with diminished skin thickness, reduced wound healing capacity, and increased systemic inflammation.

By introducing exogenous GHK-Cu, researchers can study the reversal of these age-related biomarkers. The peptide acts as a transcription factor, upregulating beneficial genes (collagen, elastin, decorin) while downregulating inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6).

Key Specifications & Technical Data

• Molecular Formula: C14H22N6O4·Cu

• Molecular Weight: 403.92 g/mol (Copper complex)

• Purity: >99% (verified by HPLC)

• Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder

• Peptide Content: 50mg net weight

• Acetate Salt Content: <5%

• Endotoxin Level: <1 EU/mg

• Storage: Lyophilized powder stable at -20°C (avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles)

• Solubility: Soluble in sterile water, saline (0.9% NaCl), or bacteriostatic water

Mechanism of Action (The Science)

GHK-Cu is not merely an antioxidant; it is a matrix remodeling modulator. Upon reconstitution and application in research models, the peptide exerts four primary effects:

1. Collagen Upregulation: GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize Types I, II, III, V, and VII collagen. In controlled studies, GHK-Cu increased collagen synthesis by 50-70% compared to untreated controls.

2. Metalloproteinase (MMP) Regulation: While aging tissues over-express MMPs (leading to matrix destruction), GHK-Cu normalizes MMP activity, preventing scarring while clearing out damaged proteins.

3. Dermal Thickening & Re-epithelialization: In ex vivo skin models, GHK-Cu accelerates keratinocyte proliferation and migration, leading to faster barrier repair.

4. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant: The copper center scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) while downregulating the NF-kB pathway, reducing chronic low-grade inflammation.

Primary Research Applications

This 50mg vial is intended for laboratory and preclinical use in the following domains:

1. Dermatological & Wound Healing Studies

GHK-Cu remains the gold standard peptide for cutaneous repair. Researchers utilize this compound to assess healing rates in diabetic ulcer models, burn injuries, and surgical incisions. Its ability to reduce scar formation while accelerating angiogenesis makes it invaluable for dermal toxicology studies.

2. Senescence & Photoaging Reversal

UV exposure and chronological aging create a “senescent phenotype” in fibroblasts. Studies using GHK-Cu have demonstrated a reversal of this phenotype, with treated cells behaving like younger, healthier fibroblasts. Researchers analyze biomarkers such as p16, p21, and SA-β-gal to quantify these anti-senescent effects.

3. Hair Follicle Cycling

Due to its role in dermal papilla cell proliferation, GHK-Cu is frequently studied in translational models for alopecia. The peptide encourages the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle by increasing VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and improving blood supply to the follicle.

4. Systemic Tissue Repair

While often used topically, subcutaneous administration in research models has shown GHK-Cu improves systemic wound healing, tightens ligaments, and reduces pain associated with connective tissue degradation.

Reconstitution & Handling Protocol (For Research Use Only)

Given the 50mg concentration, precise volumetric measurement is required.

• Recommended Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (preferred for stability) or sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride.

• Calculation: Adding 2.5 mL of diluent yields a concentration of 20 mg/mL (20,000 mcg/mL). Adding 5 mL yields 10 mg/mL.

• Technique: Inject diluent gently against the vial wall. Do not shake. Swirl slowly until powder is fully dissolved. GHK-Cu dissolves readily, producing a characteristic clear-to-sky-blue solution (indicating proper copper binding).

• Storage After Reconstitution: Refrigerate at 4°C. Use within 30 days to maintain peptide integrity.

Note: GHK-Cu is known to cause a slight stinging sensation at injection sites in live models due to copper ionization; this is transient and part of the known pharmacological profile.

Quality Assurance & Safety

Our GHK-Cu 50mg is manufactured in a cGMP-compliant facility using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Every batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing for:

• Mass Spectrometry (MS) to confirm molecular identity.

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to guarantee >99% purity.

• Heavy Metals Analysis to ensure no residual palladium or mercury from synthesis.

• Bacterial Endotoxin Test (LAL) to confirm sterility.

Why Choose This 50mg Presentation?

The 50mg vial represents a strategic balance between value and versatility. For topical researchers, a single vial can produce approximately 500 mL of a 0.1% GHK-Cu solution (the standard anti-aging concentration). For injection studies using a 5 mg/kg dosage in a 70kg model, this vial provides two complete dosing cycles. This concentration minimizes the need for frequent repurchasing while avoiding the degradation risks associated with larger 100mg stocks.

Important Research Considerations

• Copper Overload: While rare in topical use, systemic research must account for baseline copper levels. GHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper; concurrent high-dose oral copper is not recommended.

• Synergy: GHK-Cu exhibits synergy with hyaluronic acid, growth factors (IGF-1, FGF), and matrix proteins. Antagonism is noted with strong chelators (EDTA).

• Visual Cue: A colorless solution after reconstitution suggests the copper has fallen out of complex or oxidation has occurred. The correct blue tint is a quality control metric.

Conclusion

The GHK-Cu tripeptide stands as one of the most validated molecules in the regenerative medicine toolkit. From tightening aged skin to accelerating post-surgical healing, its effects are broad, deep, and well-documented. Our GHK-Cu 50mg lyophilized powder offers the research community a high-purity, stable, and accurately dosed presentation of this powerful copper complex.