GHK-Cu 50mg

Molecular structure

GHK-Cu consists of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine associated with a copper ion through coordination chemistry. This differs from a simple mixture of a peptide and an unbound copper salt.

The histidine imidazole ring provides a nitrogen donor site. Peptide nitrogen and oxygen atoms can also participate in coordination, depending on the protonation state and surrounding conditions.

Copper coordination changes the electronic environment of the metal and can influence the complex's spectral properties, ligand-exchange behavior, and interactions with other molecules.

Physicochemical properties

The complex exists within a system of equilibria influenced by pH, competing ligands, ionic strength, and copper-to-peptide ratio. Protonation and deprotonation of donor groups can change the coordination geometry.

Consequently, the exact chemical species present in a solution may differ from the simplified formula used to describe the nominal complex.

Biochemical mechanisms

Copper-binding peptides are studied for their ability to coordinate metal ions and participate in metal-dependent chemical processes. Any proposed redox activity or interaction with a particular enzyme must be evaluated separately, because copper coordination does not automatically imply catalytic activity.

Scientific evidence

The identity of GHK and its ability to coordinate copper are established. A precise specification should additionally identify the copper oxidation state, stoichiometry, counterions, and hydration state where relevant.

GHK-Cu is supplied strictly for research use only. This compound is not intended for human or animal consumption, clinical use, diagnostic application, or therapeutic purposes.