AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) (200mg) Research Peptide: A Structural Analogue for Hair Follicle & Dermal Cell Studies

If your research investigates copper peptide biology, dermal cell proliferation, or the molecular mechanisms underlying hair follicle growth and extracellular matrix remodelling, AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide — also known as Copper Tripeptide-3 or Ala-His-Lys-Cu — offers a precisely defined synthetic analogue of the well‑known copper peptide GHK‑Cu. AHK‑Cu is a synthetic copper tripeptide variant that differs from the naturally occurring GHK‑Cu (Copper Tripeptide‑1) by a single amino acid substitution: alanine replaces glycine at position 1 of the tripeptide sequence.

This seemingly minor structural modification — the addition of a single methyl group — produces notably different biological activities, with AHK‑Cu demonstrating enhanced specificity for hair follicle stimulation compared to its parent compound. AHK‑Cu increases dermal cell proliferation and viability while increasing the deposition of collagen to renew the extracellular matrix. This makes AHK‑Cu (200mg) research peptide a valuable tool for laboratories investigating hair growth biology, fibroblast signalling, copper‑mediated enzyme activity, and the comparative pharmacology of copper tripeptide analogues.

At Chinese Grey Peptides, we supply high‑purity AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide to research institutions and wholesale buyers across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and the USA. Every batch is lyophilised, HPLC‑verified to >99% purity, and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA), ensuring your investigations into hair follicle biology, dermal cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix dynamics begin with uncompromising quality.

What Is AHK‑Cu and How Does It Work?

To fully appreciate the research potential of AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide, it is essential to understand its biochemical identity, its relationship to GHK‑Cu, and the mechanisms by which it exerts its effects.

The Ala‑His‑Lys Copper Tripeptide

AHK‑Cu (Copper Tripeptide‑3) is a synthetic peptide complex consisting of three amino acids — alanine, histidine, and lysine — complexed with a copper ion (Cu²⁺). Its molecular formula is C₁₅H₂₄CuN₆O₄, with a molecular weight of approximately 415.93‑416.9 g/mol. The CAS number is 767286‑83‑9.

The key structural distinction from the better‑studied GHK‑Cu is the substitution of alanine for glycine at the N‑terminal position. This single amino acid change alters the three‑dimensional conformation of the peptide, potentially modifying its interactions with cellular receptors and signalling pathways relevant to the hair follicle microenvironment. AHK‑Cu is also known as Copper Tripeptide‑3, Ala‑His‑Lys‑Cu, and L‑Alanyl‑L‑Histidyl‑L‑Lysine:Copper(II).

Mechanism of Action: Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis Modulation

The biological activity of AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide is mediated through several intersecting mechanisms centred on dermal papilla cell biology and the follicular growth environment:

• Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation: AHK‑Cu significantly stimulates the proliferation of cultured dermal papilla cells (DPCs) at remarkably low concentrations ranging from 10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁹ M (picomolar to nanomolar). Dermal papilla cells are specialised fibroblasts with a potential to increase the growth and development of hair follicles.

• Anti‑Apoptotic Effects: AHK‑Cu reduces the number of apoptotic dermal papilla cells. It increases the Bcl‑2/Bax ratio (a marker of cell survival) and decreases cleaved caspase‑3 (by 42.7%) and PARP cleavage fragments (by 77.5%). These anti‑apoptotic effects suggest that AHK‑Cu protects dermal papilla cells from premature death, potentially maintaining dermal papilla volume and hair‑inducing capacity over time.

• VEGF Upregulation and TGF‑β1 Downregulation: AHK‑Cu increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production while simultaneously decreasing transforming growth factor‑beta1 (TGF‑β1) secretion by dermal fibroblasts. This dual effect has significant implications for androgenetic alopecia, where elevated TGF‑β1 drives follicle miniaturisation.

• Collagen Synthesis: AHK‑Cu stimulates the formation of collagen type I by 300% compared to control in normal human dermal fibroblasts. It increases dermal cell proliferation and viability while increasing the deposition of collagen to renew the extracellular matrix.

• Antioxidant Properties: AHK‑Cu is posited to have potent antioxidant qualities, primarily due to its distinct amino acid structure. Copper ions are also suggested to exhibit antioxidant properties.

Key Research Applications for AHK‑Cu (200mg)

AHK‑Cu (200mg) research peptide is a versatile tool with applications spanning several domains of biomedical research.

1. Hair Follicle & Hair Growth Research

The most established application of AHK‑Cu lies in its ability to stimulate hair follicle elongation and dermal papilla cell proliferation. The foundational study on AHK‑Cu, published in the Archives of Pharmacal Research in 2007, demonstrated that AHK‑Cu stimulated the elongation of isolated human hair follicles and the proliferation of dermal papilla cells at concentrations ranging from 10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁹ M. Research applications include:

• Dermal Papilla Cell Biology: Investigating how AHK‑Cu promotes DPC proliferation and prevents apoptosis.

• Hair Follicle Elongation: Studying the mechanisms by which AHK‑Cu stimulates the elongation of human hair follicles.

• Androgenetic Alopecia Models: Exploring how AHK‑Cu’s dual effect — increasing VEGF while decreasing TGF‑β1 — may counteract follicle miniaturisation.

• Hair Cycle Regulation: Investigating the role of copper peptides in anagen phase maintenance and catagen transition.

2. Fibroblast & Extracellular Matrix Research

AHK‑Cu has been suggested to exhibit its potential primarily on fibroblasts, responsible for maintaining and growing the extracellular matrix (ECM) components surrounding the cells. Research applications include:

• Fibroblast Proliferation: Studying how AHK‑Cu increases the proliferation and viability of dermal fibroblasts.

• Collagen Synthesis: Investigating the signalling pathways by which AHK‑Cu stimulates collagen type I production by 300%.

• ECM Remodelling: Exploring how AHK‑Cu modulates the balance of ECM synthesis and degradation.

• VEGF Signalling: Studying the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and its role in angiogenesis.

3. Wound Healing & Tissue Repair Research

AHK‑Cu is valued for its role in promoting wound healing, collagen synthesis, and overall skin regeneration. Research applications include:

• Wound Healing Models: Investigating how AHK‑Cu accelerates wound closure and tissue repair.

• Skin Regeneration: Studying the peptide’s role in supporting the skin’s natural repair processes.

• Dermal Tissue Engineering: Exploring the incorporation of AHK‑Cu into biomaterials for tissue regeneration.

4. Comparative Copper Peptide Research

AHK‑Cu provides a valuable tool for comparative studies with GHK‑Cu. Research applications include:

• Structure‑Activity Relationship Studies: Investigating how the single amino acid substitution (alanine vs. glycine) affects receptor binding and biological activity.

• Hair vs. Skin Specificity: Comparing the tissue‑specific effects of AHK‑Cu (hair) and GHK‑Cu (skin).

• Copper Delivery Mechanisms: Studying how different copper peptide structures influence copper ion delivery and bioavailability.

5. Anti‑Inflammatory & Antioxidant Research

AHK‑Cu has demonstrated anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research applications include:

• Inflammatory Pathway Modulation: Investigating how AHK‑Cu decreases TGF‑β1 secretion.

• Oxidative Stress Studies: Exploring the antioxidant qualities of AHK‑Cu and its potential to mitigate oxidative damage.

• Cytokine Regulation: Studying the balance of pro‑ and anti‑inflammatory mediators in response to AHK‑Cu treatment.

Chemical & Physical Specifications

Accurate characterisation of AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide is essential for reproducible experimental design.

Note: The 200 mg mass refers to the weight of the peptide in its lyophilised form. AHK‑Cu is typically supplied as a copper complex. The peptide is for research use only (RUO). Not for human consumption. AHK‑Cu is not FDA‑approved for therapeutic use.

Reconstitution & Handling Protocol for AHK-Cu (200mg)

Proper reconstitution of AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide is critical for maintaining its structural integrity and biological activity.

Step 1 – Preparation

• Bring the sealed AHK‑Cu vial and your chosen solvent (appropriate organic solvent or specialised formulation as per product datasheet) to room temperature.

• Clean your work surface with 70% ethanol and lay out sterile syringes, alcohol wipes and a clean work mat.

• Note: AHK‑Cu may require solubilisation in organic solvents or specific formulations. Always consult the product datasheet for recommended reconstitution protocols.

Step 2 – Reconstitution

• Draw your desired volume of solvent into a sterile syringe. A common starting concentration for research applications is 200 mg per 20 mL of solvent, yielding a 10 mg/mL stock solution.

• Insert the needle and slowly inject the solvent against the inner glass wall. Do not spray directly onto the lyophilised powder.

• Gently swirl the vial until the solution is clear and fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously, as shaking can cause denaturation.

Step 3 – Aliquoting & Storage

• Immediately after dissolution, aliquot the reconstituted AHK‑Cu into single‑use sterile vials.

• Store aliquots at –20°C for up to 1 year or at –80°C for up to 2 years.

• Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles, as peptides are susceptible to degradation.

• Once thawed, store at 2‑8°C and use within a short period.

Concentration Reference Table for AHK-Cu (200mg)

Adjust solvent volume based on your experimental requirements. For cell culture applications, typical working concentrations may range from 0.1‑10 µM.

Storage & Stability Guidelines for AHK-Cu (200mg)

Why Choose Chinese Grey Peptides for AHK-Cu (200mg)?

As an authentic licensed peptide supplier based in the USA, we supply AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide and a wide range of research‑grade compounds under rigorous quality assurance protocols, fully aligned with Google’s E‑E‑A‑T standards (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

• Verified Purity: Independent HPLC analysis with purity guaranteed >99% for every batch.

• GMP‑Compliant Manufacturing: All peptides are synthesised under strict quality control conditions.

• Full Traceability: Batch‑specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) are available for every order.

• Wholesale Supply: We serve research institutions, laboratories, and wholesale buyers across the UK, EU, and USA with flexible volume pricing and reliable logistics.

• USA‑Based Regulatory Compliance: All products are supplied strictly as research‑grade reagents for laboratory use only (RUO). AHK‑Cu is not FDA‑approved for therapeutic use.

Researchers across the United States—including those at leading institutions—trust us for fast domestic delivery, transparent documentation and professional technical support.

FAQ: AHK-Cu (200mg) Research Peptide

What is AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide?
AHK‑Cu (Copper Tripeptide‑3, Ala‑His‑Lys‑Cu) is a synthetic copper tripeptide variant that differs from GHK‑Cu by a single amino acid substitution: alanine replaces glycine at position 1. It is used in research to study hair follicle growth, dermal cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix dynamics.

What is the sequence and molecular weight of AHK‑Cu?
The sequence is Ala‑His‑Lys‑Cu²⁺. Its molecular formula is C₁₅H₂₄CuN₆O₄, and its molecular weight is approximately 415.93‑416.9 g/mol.

What are the primary research applications for AHK‑Cu?
AHK‑Cu is used in hair follicle and hair growth research (dermal papilla cell proliferation, hair follicle elongation), fibroblast and extracellular matrix research (collagen synthesis, VEGF upregulation), wound healing and tissue repair research, comparative copper peptide research (AHK‑Cu vs. GHK‑Cu), and anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant research.

What is the mechanism of action of AHK‑Cu?
AHK‑Cu promotes dermal papilla cell proliferation at picomolar to nanomolar concentrations, reduces apoptosis (increases Bcl‑2/Bax ratio, decreases cleaved caspase‑3 and PARP), increases VEGF production while decreasing TGF‑β1 secretion, and stimulates collagen type I synthesis by 300%.

How does AHK‑Cu differ from GHK‑Cu?
AHK‑Cu differs from GHK‑Cu by a single amino acid substitution: alanine replaces glycine at position 1. This structural modification produces enhanced specificity for hair follicle stimulation compared to GHK‑Cu. GHK‑Cu has broader skin repair and anti‑aging data, while AHK‑Cu has demonstrated specific efficacy in stimulating dermal papilla cell proliferation and hair follicle elongation.

 What purity does your AHK-Cu (200mg) meet?
Our AHK‑Cu is tested to >99% purity by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is supplied with every order.

 How should I reconstitute AHK-Cu (200mg)?
Reconstitute with appropriate organic solvent or specialised formulation as per the product datasheet. Allow the vial to reach room temperature, then slowly inject the solvent against the inner glass wall and swirl gently. Do not shake.

How should I store reconstituted AHK‑Cu?
Reconstituted AHK‑Cu should be stored at –20°C for up to 1 year or at –80°C for up to 2 years. Aliquot immediately into single‑use vials and avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles.

Is AHK‑Cu research peptide legal to purchase in the USA?
Yes. AHK‑Cu is a laboratory reagent sold for research use only (RUO). It is fully legal to purchase, possess, and use in the United States for legitimate in‑vitro or in‑vivo scientific research, provided it is not marketed with therapeutic claims. Note: AHK‑Cu is not FDA‑approved for therapeutic use and is used primarily as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI listed).

 Does Chinese Grey Peptides ship internationally?
Yes. We ship across the UK, Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy), and the USA from our US warehouse. Wholesale pricing is available for bulk orders.

AHK-Cu (200mg)

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• PubMed AHK-Cu research reference
• PubChem AHK copper complex record
• PubChem L-Alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine
• FDA Cosmetics Labeling Claims
• Google Product Structured Data
• Rank Math WooCommerce Product Schema

AHK-Cu (200mg)

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Chinese Grey Peptides supports shipping to the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and Europe where permitted.

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Important Compliance Notice

AHK-Cu 200mg may be regulated differently depending on the country, product type, labeling, intended use, buyer type, and destination. Chinese Grey Peptides does not provide medical advice, dosing instructions, injection guidance, hair-growth claims, wound-healing claims, collagen-boosting claims, anti-aging claims, disease claims, treatment claims, cosmetic formulation instructions, or personal-use recommendations.

Customers are responsible for understanding and following all local laws, import rules, cosmetic ingredient requirements, prescription requirements, compounding rules, labeling rules, and permitted-use requirements before ordering.

From its discovery as a synthetic copper tripeptide variant specifically optimised for hair growth applications to its well‑characterised role in stimulating dermal papilla cell proliferation, modulating the Bcl‑2/Bax ratio, and increasing collagen synthesis by 300%, AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide provides a precisely defined and mechanistically distinct platform for advanced hair follicle and dermal research.

Its ability to promote hair follicle elongation, reduce apoptosis, and upregulate VEGF while downregulating TGF‑β1—supported by the foundational 2007 study published in the Archives of Pharmacal Research and subsequent in vitro research—makes it a valuable addition to any laboratory investigating hair growth biology, fibroblast signalling, or the comparative pharmacology of copper peptides. By choosing high‑purity, lab‑verified AHK-Cu (200mg) research peptide from Chinese Grey Peptides, you ensure that your research is built on a foundation of quality, reproducibility, and scientific integrity.

Ready to advance your research with AHK-Cu (200mg)? Browse our product catalogue, request a wholesale quote, or contact our support team today to discuss your laboratory’s specific needs. Place your order now and receive GMP‑grade AHK‑Cu delivered directly to your facility in the USA, UK, or Europe.AHK-Cu (200mg)

AHK-Cu (200mg)

AHK-Cu (200mg)