AHK-Cu is a skin & hair research compound currently in stock directly from a verified Chinese manufacturer. Every batch is HPLC-verified and shipped with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Sourcing is direct — no intermediaries. Minimum order value is $600 USD. International shipping available.
AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys copper complex) is a synthetic tripeptide complexed with Cu²⁺ ions, structurally analogous to the copper-binding tripeptide GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys). The substitution of glycine with alanine at the N-terminus alters the peptide's conformational flexibility while preserving the histidine-mediated copper chelation that is central to the biological activity attributed to copper-peptide complexes. Research interest in AHK-Cu centers on its copper-dependent interactions with growth factor receptors and extracellular matrix proteins, paralleling the biological profile studied for GHK-Cu in skin biology and tissue remodeling research.
Copper-peptide complexes have been studied in the context of wound healing, collagen and elastin production, and angiogenesis — biological processes in which copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase, ceruloplasmin) play critical roles. Research has examined whether AHK-Cu modulates fibroblast activity, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) balance, and growth factor production in skin cell culture models. Its smaller size compared to GHK-Cu provides a complementary tool for studying minimal peptide-copper pharmacophores in receptor-mediated and enzymatic contexts.
PeptidesFromChina.co supplies AHK-Cu as a lyophilized powder at 99%+ purity, verified by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. Certificate of Analysis accompanies every batch. All products are for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.
| Chemical Class | Copper-peptide complex (tripeptide) |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Ala-His-Lys copper complex, AHK copper tripeptide |
| Sequence | Ala-His-Lys |
| Amino Acids | 3 |
| Copper Chelation | Cu²⁺ via histidine imidazole nitrogen and N-terminal amine |
| Research Areas | Skin biology, fibroblast research, wound healing, copper-dependent enzyme biology, extracellular matrix |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Storage | −20°C long-term; 2-8°C aqueous (short-term); protect from light |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₂H₂₄CuN₆O₄ (copper complex) |
| Molecular Weight | ~416 Da (copper complex) |
| CAS Number | Available on COA |
| Name | Strength | Pack Size | Purity | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHK-Cu | 100 mg | 10 vials | ≥98% | In Stock | $69.00 |
Testing method: HPLC / LC-MS. Every batch is tested before shipment. Purity ≥99% confirmed per batch.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) is included with every order. Documentation covers purity, molecular weight, and batch identification.
AHK-Cu is studied as a structural variant of GHK-Cu in copper-peptide pharmacology research. The His residue provides a high-affinity coordination site for Cu²⁺, forming the stable 3N coordination complex (imidazole N, N-terminal amine, backbone amide nitrogen) characteristic of copper-tripeptide complexes. Research has compared AHK-Cu with GHK-Cu in terms of copper-binding affinity (Kd), copper delivery efficiency to cellular cuproenzymes, and receptor-mediated activity in fibroblast models.
Copper-dependent lysyl oxidase (LOX) is required for collagen and elastin crosslinking — a fundamental ECM maturation process. Research has examined whether AHK-Cu can serve as a copper donor for LOX activity in fibroblast culture models, improving ECM organization markers. Studies of TGF-β1 expression, collagen synthesis rates, and MMP/TIMP balance in AHK-Cu-treated fibroblast cultures contribute to understanding of copper-peptide effects on connective tissue biology.
Copper is an essential cofactor for angiogenesis — endothelial migration and tube formation require copper-dependent enzyme activity, and copper chelation suppresses angiogenic responses in vitro. Research has examined AHK-Cu's ability to promote endothelial cell migration, tube formation in Matrigel assays, and VEGF expression in wound healing model systems, as part of broader copper-peptide angiogenesis research.
Both are copper-peptide triplex complexes with similar histidine-mediated Cu²⁺ chelation. GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys) is the more extensively studied compound with a well-characterized research literature in wound healing and skin biology. AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys) is a structural variant used to probe how the N-terminal residue affects copper-binding geometry, receptor interactions, and biological activity in parallel research models.
The copper ion in copper-peptide complexes is not incidental — it is hypothesized to be required for the biological activity associated with these compounds. The Cu²⁺ coordinates with cellular receptors and delivers copper to cuproenzymes (LOX, SOD) that drive the downstream effects on ECM synthesis, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Decomplexed peptide alone shows reduced activity in most research models, confirming the copper's functional role.
AHK-Cu is synthesized to 99%+ purity, verified by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. Certificate of Analysis from the manufacturing facility is included with every batch.
Lyophilized AHK-Cu should be stored at −20°C, protected from moisture and light. Copper-peptide complexes can undergo oxidation of Cu²⁺ to Cu⁰ in solution under certain conditions — use degassed buffers and minimize air exposure for aqueous preparations.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. PeptidesFromChina.co is a B2B wholesale supplier operating under strict research-use-only terms. All products are sold exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research purposes.