AHK-CU

Compound Overview

AHK-CU is a synthetic copper tripeptide variant used in cosmetic and dermal-cell research. The source data defines the compound as a copper-binding tripeptide built around the AHK sequence, displayed as Ala-His-Lys + Cu²⁺. Within that supplied framework, AHK-CU is relevant to controlled laboratory workflows that compare copper-binding peptide behavior, especially against GHK-Cu.

The provided structural description identifies AHK-CU as an Ala-His-Lys copper(II) complex and notes that it is commonly identified as Copper Tripeptide-3. This page uses those descriptors only as compound-identity and research-context language. They are not presented as cosmetic-use instructions, topical-use guidance, human-use claims, veterinary-use claims, or therapeutic claims.

Because the AHK-CU source record flags identifier variability across vendor references, researchers should treat the exact form as documentation-dependent. The supplied warning specifically notes that AHK-CU identifiers should be verified against current lot documentation to confirm whether the vial is supplied as free peptide, copper complex, acetate salt, or another counter-ion form.

Research Background & Published Literature

The supplied research background states that public references for AHK-CU are less standardized than references for GHK-Cu. That limitation matters for laboratory procurement and documentation because names, masses, salts, and complex forms may not be interchangeable across suppliers or databases. Nexus therefore presents AHK-CU with the identifiers provided in the source record and avoids extending the description with unsupported external assumptions.

The research record positions AHK-CU in cosmetic and dermal-cell research workflows, particularly comparative workflows evaluating copper-binding peptide behavior against GHK-Cu. The source material does not provide study-specific endpoints, cell lines, assay systems, author names, PubMed citations, DOI identifiers, or quantitative findings. Those details are not added here.

The supplied source list includes the following public reference pages for context:

Researchers should interpret these references as background resources and should rely on lot-specific documentation for analytical identity, purity, and form confirmation before incorporating AHK-CU into a controlled research workflow.

Researchers reviewing the literature around this compound can use the peer-reviewed resources below for additional context on mechanism of action, signaling pathways, and controlled laboratory research applications:

• Pyo et al. (2007) — Arch Pharm Res

Storage, Handling & Stability Guidelines

The provided storage guidance is to store lyophilized AHK-CU at -20°C, desiccated and protected from light. After reconstitution, the source data directs laboratories to aliquot the material and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

• Store sealed lyophilized AHK-CU at -20°C.
• Keep lyophilized material desiccated.
• Protect the compound from light during storage and handling.
• After reconstitution, separate material into aliquots when compatible with the research workflow.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles after reconstitution.

The supplied AHK-CU record does not specify a reconstitution solvent, working concentration, post-reconstitution expiration interval, or formal stability-study data. Those details should be established only from current lot documentation or a laboratory-validated protocol, not inferred from this product description.

Lab Verification

Nexus maintains research-compound verification records through the Lab Verified archive. In general terms, HPLC verification is used to review chromatographic purity and Mass Spectrometry verification is used to support molecular-identity confirmation where current lot documentation is available.

No exact AHK-CU COA values were provided in the current product record. The data does not include a batch number, purity percentage, test date, retention time, mass-found value, expected-mass confirmation field, or analyst field. Because AHK-CU references can vary by complex and salt form, researchers should review the current /lab-verified record and any available COA before using the material in a controlled in-vitro study.