Molecular Characteristics
Complete Specifications
Structural Composition
Ala-His-Lys
Physical Properties
AHK-Cu is a short tripeptide, Ala-His-Lys, that forms a stable coordination complex with a copper (II) ion through its histidine imidazole and terminal amine groups. This metal-binding configuration is the defining feature of the molecule and is responsible for its characteristic blue coloration in solution. Because the copper centre is integral to the complex rather than an incidental additive, handling protocols that avoid chelating agents and strong reducing conditions help preserve the intended coordination chemistry during laboratory work.
Analysis & Documentation
Identity
Each production lot is checked against the reference structure recorded for this compound:
- Classification — Synthetic copper-binding tripeptide complex
- Molecular formula — C₁₅H₂₄CuN₆O₄
- Expected mass — 415.93 Da
- CAS registry — 682809-81-0
- Chain length — 3 amino acids (copper (II) coordinated)
- PubChem CID — 169450582
Analytical Methods
Testing is carried out per lot by an independent laboratory. The methods measure what the material is and how much of it is the target compound:
- RP-HPLC — reverse-phase separation of the target from process-related impurities; purity is reported as area percent of the main peak
- Mass spectrometry — observed mass compared against the expected molecular mass above
- Retention time — compared against a reference standard run under the same conditions
- Chromatogram — reproduced on the certificate so the peak and any shoulders can be inspected directly
Material & Documentation
What arrives, and how to tie it back to its paperwork:
- Appearance as supplied — Blue to blue-violet lyophilized powder
- Solubility — Water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)
- Lot number — printed on the container label and used to look up the certificate
- Certificate — indexed by lot at Certificates of Analysis
Laboratory Handling and Storage Protocols
Lyophilized Powder Storage
- Store at –20°C to –80°C in the original, sealed vial
- Protect from light exposure and moisture
- A desiccated storage environment is recommended
- Stability data suggests extended stability when stored at −20 °C or below.
Reconstituted Solution Storage
- Short-term storage: Up to 7 days at 4°C
- Long-term storage: Store at –20°C in aliquots
- Use single-use aliquots to preserve peptide integrity
- Minimize freeze–thaw cycles; single-use aliquots are strongly recommended
Stability Characteristics
AHK-Cu is a metal-coordinated peptide complex, and its stability profile reflects both peptide and coordination chemistry. The lyophilized powder is stable under standard cold, desiccated storage, while reconstituted solutions are best protected from prolonged light exposure and from buffers containing strong chelating agents such as EDTA, which can compete for the copper centre. Solutions typically present a blue to blue-violet colour; noticeable loss of colour may indicate dissociation of the complex. When handled according to standard peptide laboratory protocols, AHK-Cu maintains structural integrity and solubility suitable for in vitro and analytical research applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu is a synthetic tripeptide composed of alanine, histidine, and lysine, coordinated to a copper (II) ion. It belongs to the same broad family of copper-binding peptides as GHK-Cu but carries a distinct amino acid sequence, and it is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research.
Is AHK-Cu approved for human use?
No. AHK-Cu is not approved by the FDA or any comparable regulatory authority for human or veterinary use. It is sold exclusively for research and educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How is AHK-Cu supplied for research purposes?
AHK-Cu is supplied as a lyophilized powder in a sealed vial, available in 50 mg and 100 mg presentations. Vials are shipped without diluent; reconstitution with sterile water, or PBS is performed by the receiving laboratory according to its own protocols.
How should AHK-Cu be stored?
Store the lyophilized powder at –20°C to –80°C in a desiccated environment, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, store at 4°C for short-term use of up to seven days, or at –20°C in single-use aliquots for longer periods. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and buffers containing strong chelating agents.
What quality standards are applied to AHK-Cu products?
Every production lot is tested by independent third-party laboratories using HPLC to verify a purity of ≥99%, with mass spectrometry used to confirm identity. A lot-specific Certificate of Analysis is generated for each batch and is available for the exact lot supplied.
This product is not for human consumption. It is sold strictly for research and educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Any clinical data or research information referenced on this page is derived from peer-reviewed scientific literature and official publications. This information is provided for educational reference only and does not constitute medical advice or product claims.
By purchasing this product, you acknowledge that you are a qualified researcher and agree to use it in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
