AHK-Cu Capsules

AHK-Cu (tripeptide Ala-His-Lys complexed with copper(II)) is a synthetic copper-peptide complex studied for its roles in extracellular matrix remodelling, antioxidant signalling, and angiogenesis models. Sequence Ala-His-Lys; CAS 126828-32-8 (free tripeptide) / 682809-81-0 (copper complex HCl salt); molecular weight 354.41 g/mol (free peptide, C15H26N6O4). Supplied in encapsulated form at HPLC ≥99% purity. For laboratory research use only; not for human or veterinary use.

Swap a single amino acid at the front of a famous copper-peptide and you get its lesser-known cousin. AHK-Cu is the tripeptide alanyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper(II) — a blue copper complex that trades GHK's N-terminal glycine for alanine while keeping the histidine-lysine motif that clamps the metal in place. Like its relative, the copper ion is not a passenger but the chemically active centre of the molecule.

A His-anchored copper motif. The His-Lys arrangement at the core of AHK belongs to the same family of N-terminal copper-binding sequences that coordination chemists have mapped in detail, where placing a histidine in the third position creates a defined, high-affinity Cu(II) pocket (Gonzalez et al., 2017). Comparative thermodynamic and structural work on related Xxx-His and DAHK/GHK motifs has shown how subtly the residue identity shifts copper affinity and redox potential — the chemistry that gives each tripeptide its distinct profile (Trapaidze et al., 2012; Hureau et al., 2011).

Within the applied literature, copper tripeptides of this class are studied as scalp- and hair-oriented actives and as redox-active complexes, placing AHK-Cu alongside GHK-Cu in dermatological and cell-biology research (Patel et al., 2024).

What the research explores. Across cell-culture and animal systems, AHK-Cu and closely related copper tripeptides have been investigated along several converging lines:

• Hair-follicle & dermal research — tripeptide-copper complexes examined for effects on human hair growth in vitro and in scalp-treatment regimens (Pyo et al., 2007; Patel et al., 2024).
• Osteogenic & differentiation signalling — a vitamin-C-conjugated AHK tripeptide studied for BMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation in C2C12 myoblasts (Jung et al., 2018).
• Copper coordination & redox chemistry — characterised for its Cu(II)-binding geometry and redox behaviour, the basis of its antioxidant-relevant activity (Gonzalez et al., 2017; Hureau et al., 2011).

The activity described here is drawn from in-vitro and animal studies; it characterises biological behaviour in experimental models and does not establish efficacy or safety in humans. Full citations are listed under the Scientific References tab.

Physicochemical profile. CAS No. 682809-81-0 · Molecular formula C15H26N6O4·Cu (copper complex) · Molecular weight 417.95 g/mol · Sequence Ala-His-Lys · copper(II) complex · Appearance: Blue lyophilized powder (copper complex) · Solubility: Soluble in water.

Specification & quality. Each bottle contains 60 HPMC (vegan) capsules, each providing 2mg of AHK-Cu at ≥98% (HPLC). Encapsulated — no reconstitution required. Every batch is independently third-party tested, and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available. Store at -20°C, protect from light and moisture; shelf life 24 months from the manufacture date. EU warehoused.

This product is intended for laboratory research use only (RUO). It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or dietary supplement, and is not for human or veterinary use, ingestion, or diagnostic application. Handling is restricted to qualified research professionals operating in an appropriately equipped laboratory.