GHK-Cu is the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with a copper(II) ion. The histidine imidazole and the peptide backbone chelate the copper, producing the characteristic deep blue colour and giving the molecule its distinct copper-transport chemistry versus the free GHK peptide.

The blue colour is a direct visual signal of the copper(II) coordination complex. A GHK-Cu powder or solution that appears white, colourless or faded generally indicates the copper is absent, dissociated or degraded — a useful first-pass identity check alongside the batch COA.

How should GHK-Cu be reconstituted?

Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inner vial wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized cake, then swirl gently until fully dissolved — never shake. A 50mg vial with 5.0 mL yields 10 mg/mL. Additional ratios are in the reconstitution table above.

How long is reconstituted GHK-Cu stable?

Reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and refrigerated at 2–8 °C, laboratory stability is typically referenced at up to roughly 28–30 days. Sterile water contains no preservative and is generally referenced at 24–48 hours. Copper complexes are light sensitive, so keep the vial shielded from direct light.

What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?

GHK is the free tripeptide; GHK-Cu is the same tripeptide bound to copper(II). Most published research on the copper-transport and matrix-remodelling behaviour of this molecule concerns the copper-bound complex, which is what PX1 Research supplies.

Is PX1 Research GHK-Cu manufactured in the United States?

Yes. It is synthesized, purified and lyophilized in our US cGMP-compliant facility and dispatched from a US warehouse. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research use and is not for human or veterinary use.

Compound reference

GHK-Cu copper peptide: research overview, reconstitution & sourcing

GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine chelated to a copper(II) ion — the deep blue copper complex studied for its copper-transport and matrix-signalling chemistry. This page consolidates the molecular profile, reconstitution mathematics, storage handling and purity documentation behind every PX1 Research GHK-Cu lot.

US cGMP facility

≥99% HPLC purity

Public batch COAs

Same-day dispatch

View GHK-Cu vials See batch COAs

Molecular & product profile

Common names	GHK-Cu, copper tripeptide-1, copper peptide
Compound class	Copper(II)-binding tripeptide complex
Sequence	Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys) chelated to Cu²⁺
Molecular formula	C14H22N6O4 · Cu (peptide C14H24N6O4)
Molar mass	≈ 340.8 g/mol (GHK-Cu complex); 340.4 g/mol free GHK
CAS number	89030-95-5 (GHK-Cu) / 72957-37-0 (GHK)
Appearance	Deep blue lyophilized powder — colour indicates copper coordination
Presentation	Lyophilized powder — 50mg and 100mg vials
Purity specification	≥ 99% by HPLC, confirmed by LC-MS
Storage (lyophilized)	-20 °C long term; 2–8 °C short term, protected from light

Reconstitution reference

Concentration is peptide mass divided by diluent volume. Add bacteriostatic water slowly against the vial wall, swirl until the cake fully dissolves, and confirm the solution is a clear blue and free of particulate before use.

5.0 mL bacteriostatic water

10 mg/mL (10,000 mcg/mL)

50mg GHK-Cu vial

10 units (0.1 mL) = 1,000 mcg

5.0 mL bacteriostatic water

20 mg/mL (20,000 mcg/mL)

100mg GHK-Cu vial

10 units (0.1 mL) = 2,000 mcg

10.0 mL bacteriostatic water

10 mg/mL (10,000 mcg/mL)

100mg GHK-Cu vial

10 units (0.1 mL) = 1,000 mcg

Use the reconstitution calculator →

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store at -20 °C for long-term holding; 2–8 °C is acceptable for short-term working inventory. Keep sealed and shielded from light — copper complexes are photosensitive.
Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) is referenced at up to ~28–30 days; sterile water at 24–48 hours.
Avoid: vigorous shaking, freeze/thaw cycling, strong chelators, and high-pH buffers that can strip copper from the complex.
Verification: a clear, deep blue solution is expected. Loss of blue colour, cloudiness or precipitate indicates copper dissociation, contamination or degradation.

GHK vs GHK-Cu at a glance

Attribute	GHK (free peptide)	GHK-Cu (complex)
Copper bound	No	Yes — Cu(II) chelated
Appearance	White / off-white powder	Deep blue powder
CAS	72957-37-0	89030-95-5
Primary research focus	Peptide signalling studies	Copper transport & matrix remodelling models

Sourcing & documentation

PX1 Research is a primary manufacturer, not a reseller. GHK-Cu is synthesized, complexed, purified and lyophilized in our US cGMP-compliant facility, then tested by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited third-party laboratory. Each lot ships with a batch-matched certificate of analysis covering HPLC purity, LC-MS identity, endotoxin, and sterility screening — published publicly rather than supplied on request.

Frequently asked questions

GHK-Cu vial

50mg / 100mg copper tripeptide

GHK-Cu category hub

All formats, strengths and pricing

Glow research stack

GHK-Cu paired research blend

Reconstitution calculator

Solve any vial size and target dose

Tesamorelin research hub

GHRH analog compound reference

Certificates of analysis

Search published COAs by batch

Research use only. Products described on this page are supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not for human or veterinary use, not for diagnostic procedures, and have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nothing here is medical advice.