AHK-Cu Serum 35 ml

AHK-Cu Serum 35 ml is an aqueous research formulation based on a copper-bond tripeptide, chemically a metallopeptide of alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine with a coordinated copper(II) ion. In scientific research, this compound is studied as a model compound for the coordination chemistry of peptide-metal complexes and as a reference standard in analytical work. The product is offered as a ready-to-use aqueous formulation of 35 ml, exclusively for laboratory and research purposes.

What is AHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu is a synthetic tripeptide with the sequence alanine-histidine-lysine (Ala-His-Lys) to which one copper(II) ion is coordinated; in cosmetic nomenclature, the compound is known as copper tripeptide-3. The binding site for the metal ion is formed by three nitrogen donors that the chain presents in a planar arrangement: the α-amino group at the N-terminus, the amide nitrogen atom of the first peptide bond, and the imidazole of the histidine. The basic lysine side chain remains outside this arrangement and ensures good water solubility. What distinguishes AHK-Cu within this class of substances is one small structural difference: at the N-terminus, there is an alanine instead of the glycine that the most studied copper tripeptide carries there. That extra methyl group makes the compound a sharp model for the question of how a single substitution alongside the coordinating histidine affects copper affinity.

In research models, the complex is primarily studied as a carrier and donor of copper: in vitro, under defined conditions, the coordinated ion can be transferred to competing ligands or to copper-dependent enzymes such as lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Additionally, the copper(II) center makes the formulation easy to monitor spectroscopically: alongside the UV absorption of the imidazole, a weak dd transition occurs in the visible region, which explains the bluish tint and makes the integrity of the complex measurable. In cell-free systems and cell culture models, copper homeostasis and VEGF-mediated signaling are further investigated. Accordingly, AHK-Cu is used as a model compound and reference substance within scientific research.

Research areas

In a laboratory context, AHK-Cu occurs in the following research areas, among others:

• Bioinorganic coordination chemistry: stability constants, stoichiometry and geometry of copper(II) tripeptide complexes.
• Structure-activity relationship study in which the N-terminal amino acid is varied.
• Enzymological research into copper-dependent enzymes, including lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase.
• Cell culture models for copper homeostasis, oxidative balance, and VEGF-mediated signaling.
• Analytical method development and validation (HPLC, UV-vis, LC-MS) with the formulation as reference material.
• Formulation and stability studies of metallopeptides in aqueous matrix.

Each of these applications involves controlled laboratory or preclinical model research.

AHK-Cu Serum in our research assortment

Within our range, this product falls under the category of ready-to-use aqueous investigational formulations in vial form. While this formulation focuses on metal coordination and the influence of a single amino acid substitution thereon, other components within the same product line have been specifically chosen to cover peptide receptor interactions or enzymatically mediated targets. These products share the aqueous serum base and vial packaging, but differ fundamentally in molecular class and investigated mechanism.

Specifications

Shape, handling and storage

The product is supplied as a ready-to-use aqueous formulation of 35 ml in a vial. No solid needs to be weighed: the active substance is already stabilized in the matrix, together with a preservative that inhibits microbial growth. The liquid has the bluish tint characteristic of copper(II) peptides, which comes from the coordinated metal ion. In a research setting, the formulation is applied to model substrates or cell culture preparations in accordance with the applicable laboratory protocol.

Store the vial in a cool, protected place away from direct light, and tightly closed when not in use. Copper(II) complexes are sensitive to light, heat, and oxidative conditions, more so in aqueous matrix than in dry form. Handle the product with standard laboratory precautions: work cleanly, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and prevent cross-contamination. Keep the packaging out of reach of unauthorized persons.

Composition and lab results

The AHK-Cu active ingredient in this formulation is offered with a controlled purity of ≥ 99% (HPLC). That figure refers to the processed metallopeptide and not to the preparation as a whole; the exact active ingredient concentration is available upon request.

You can find an overview of the available analytical documentation on our lab results page, where the reports are centrally collected.

Frequently Asked Questions

To which class of substances does AHK-Cu belong?
A metallopeptide: the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys with one coordinated copper(II) ion.

What makes the N-terminal alanine chemically relevant?
AHK-Cu differs at exactly one position from the most studied member of this family, which carries a glycine there. The extra methyl group results in a measurable difference in copper affinity and retention behavior.

In what form is this product delivered?
As a ready-to-use aqueous formulation of 35 ml with preservative, in a bottle.

How do I store the bottle?
Cool, dark, and tightly closed when not in use.