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Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption

GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It consists of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys chelated to a copper (II) ion. GHK-Cu has been the subject of substantial research interest due to its presence in biological fluids and its interactions with a broad range of biological processes at the cellular level. Heartland Bio Labs supplies GHK-Cu as a lyophilized research compound of verified purity.

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GHK-Cu is the copper complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a tripeptide that occurs naturally in human plasma and binds copper(II) with remarkable affinity. First isolated in the 1970s, it has one of the longest research histories of any peptide in this catalog, spanning copper transport, extracellular matrix signaling, and gene expression studies. Heartland Bio Labs supplies GHK-Cu for laboratory research in 50mg vials, independently verified for purity and identity.

What GHK-Cu is

The molecule is two parts: the tripeptide GHK, and the copper ion it chelates. The peptide alone is a copper carrier; the complex is what most research examines, because copper delivery is central to the enzymatic processes the literature focuses on. GHK-Cu declines in human plasma with age, an observation that has driven decades of research interest. Structural detail and the research landscape are covered in our GHK-Cu research overview.

The blue vial is not branding

Wondering why this is the one blue vial in the catalog? Our article on why GHK-Cu turns blue walks through the copper coordination chemistry behind the color and why the shade itself is a useful identity cue.

Properly complexed GHK-Cu is unmistakably blue, in powder and especially in solution, because the copper-peptide bond itself absorbs red light. That gives researchers a rare thing in this market: a visible first-pass identity cue. A vial labeled GHK-Cu that reconstitutes colorless or faintly gray is answering your first quality question before any instrument runs. Color is not a substitute for analysis, but with this compound it is an honest tell, and it is one reason uncomplexed or under-complexed material is easy to catch when a supplier publishes real testing.

Product characteristics

  • Copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide Gly-His-Lys
  • Distinctive blue color in powder and solution, from the copper-peptide bond
  • Supplied lyophilized in sealed vials
  • Available strength: 50mg; 25mg and 100mg appear on the selector with a notify option when not in stock
  • HPLC purity and mass spectrometry identity, tested by an independent laboratory
  • For laboratory research use only

How this product is verified

GHK-Cu is analyzed by an independent laboratory using HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity, with certificates published in our COA portal. Copper complexes add a wrinkle to analysis that single peptides do not have, which our article on HPLC vs mass spectrometry touches on: purity and identity are separate questions, and both need answering before material enters a study.

GHK-Cu alone or in a blend

GHK-Cu is the largest component by mass in both of our multi-compound blends: 50mg in the GLOW triple blend alongside BPC-157 and TB-500, and 50mg in the KLOW quad blend, which adds KPV. Programs studying copper-peptide signaling in isolation order this vial; programs studying it in combination take a blend and get one fixed ratio and one certificate.

Pricing, storage, and shipping

The 50mg vial is $59, in stock, shipping same-day from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area on orders before 2:00 PM Central. Store lyophilized vials sealed, cool, dry, and away from light; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and refrigerate the solution. Volume needs run through our wholesale program. Before buying from any supplier, run the checks in our guide to vetting a research peptide supplier.

Reconstitution math

Work out concentration (mg/mL), amount per volume and molarity for any vial size with the GHK-Cu reconstitution calculator, general peptide calculator. For the bench procedure see how to reconstitute peptides.

Research use only

GHK-Cu from Heartland Bio Labs is sold strictly for laboratory research and identification purposes. It is not a drug, it has not been evaluated by the FDA, and it is not for human or veterinary use of any kind. By purchasing, you affirm that you are qualified to handle research compounds and agree to our research use policy.

GHK-Cu is one of the most extensively published research tripeptides in the scientific literature. Studies have investigated its interactions with gene expression regulation, extracellular matrix remodeling, fibroblast activity, and copper transport pathways. It has also been examined in the context of antioxidant signaling and fibroblast cell biology. Research spanning multiple decades has explored its role in extracellular matrix modeling and cellular protective mechanisms.

This compound is supplied strictly for research purposes. No clinical or therapeutic application is implied or represented.

Analytical specifications for this product are available on request.

For research and laboratory use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. Not evaluated by the FDA. See full site disclaimer.

Handling Information

GHK-Cu should be handled in standard laboratory conditions. The blue-green coloration is characteristic and expected due to the copper complex. Use appropriate PPE. Protect from oxidizing agents. Minimize air exposure during handling. This compound is intended for qualified research use only.

Storage Requirements

  • Long-term (lyophilized): Store at -20°C, protected from light and moisture
  • Short-term (reconstituted): Store at 4°C; use within 14 days
  • Avoid exposure to reducing agents or strong bases
  • Keep in original sealed vial until point of use
How should I store this peptide?+

Lyophilized peptides should be stored at −20°C in a dry, light-protected environment. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Once reconstituted, store at 2-8°C and use within 4-8 weeks depending on the compound.

What should I reconstitute it with?+

Bacteriostatic water or sterile water for research use. We recommend our companion BAC Water for consistency. Specific reconstitution volume depends on your research protocol — refer to the Specifications tab for solubility data.

How quickly do orders ship?+

Orders confirmed before 2:00 PM CT ship the same business day from our facility in Tulsa, OK. Standard US transit is 2-5 business days. Tracking provided at shipment.

Is the COA verified independently?+

Yes. Every product is tested by HPLC for purity (target COA-verified purity) and mass spectrometry for molecular identity before release. The COA is generated from the actual test data, not a generic template.

Can I get bulk or institutional pricing?+

Yes — qualified research facilities and high-volume orders receive tiered pricing. Contact us with your institution information and target quantities.

Further reading

View this product's Certificate of Analysis

Every product is independently verified — HPLC purity, mass spec identity, lot number, storage parameters. Click below to view or download.

Look up COA in portal →
Research Use Only: This product is sold by Heartland Bio Labs for research and laboratory use only. Not intended for human or veterinary consumption, administration, or therapeutic use. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not a drug. Not a dietary supplement. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations.