Melanocortins & Copper Peptides

Melanocortins are analogues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a 13-amino-acid sequence cleaved from the precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin; the synthetic analogues are typically substituted at individual positions or closed into a ring to make the chain less accessible to peptidases. Copper peptides are short sequences that bind a copper(II) ion in a defined coordination geometry, which also gives the dry material its blue colour.

MT1 is a linear alpha-MSH analogue with substitutions at two positions. MT2 belongs to the same family but is a cyclic lactam analogue with a shortened backbone. GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine as its copper complex and is offered in several vial sizes, each with its own product page and price. A further melanocortin-derived sequence, the tripeptide KPV, is catalogued under peptide fragments.

The peptides are supplied as a freeze-dried powder in a sealed vial. Incoming goods are recorded with their delivery date and storage location, so that a vial can be matched to the documentation that belongs to it. The material is tested at regular intervals by an external, independent laboratory, with HPLC used for purity and mass spectrometry for identity, alongside heavy-metal and endotoxin tests. The available certificates are published in the lab area, each naming the tested product and the test date; material for which no certificate has been published is marked as pending. The figures are explained in the guide to reading a certificate of analysis.

Sealed vials are stored cool, dry and protected from light, which for copper complexes also limits oxidation of the dry substance; see the guide to storing lyophilised peptides. Shipping is from Germany within the EU, securely packed.

All items in this category are research chemicals for in-vitro use only. They are not cosmetics, not medicinal products and not intended for use in or on humans or animals.