Preclinical
This study developed a multifunctional injectable hydrogel called HCG@CDs designed to treat radiation-induced skin injury (RISI), a common complication of cancer radiotherapy. The hydrogel was constructed by cross-linking carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) conjugated to a Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(II) complex (GHK-Cu²⁺) via dynamic Schiff-base bonds, with carbon dots (CDs) possessing superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity dispersed throughout the network. The system was designed for sequential, pH-responsive drug release: CDs are rapidly released in the acidic wound environment to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce early oxidative stress, while GHK-Cu²⁺ is released more gradually to promote inflammation modulation, cell migration, proliferation, and collagen deposition. Both in vitro cell-based assays and in vivo animal model experiments were conducted, with results reportedly showing reduced oxidative damage, attenuated inflammatory responses, and accelerated wound healing. Limitations include reliance on preclinical models (cell culture and animal studies), with no human clinical data presented. The translational relevance to human RISI treatment remains to be established through further clinical investigation.
Bioactive materials · Apr 2026DOI ↗ Preclinical
This study developed a novel injectable soft tissue filler by loading the GHK-Cu tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) onto hydroxyapatite microspheres (HAPs), which were then combined with carboxymethyl cellulose, glycerol, and water to form a gel formulation called GHK-Cu@CMHA. The researchers report this is the first combination of HAPs and GHK-Cu designed to address implant-induced inflammation. The formulation demonstrated sustained GHK-Cu release over 7 days in laboratory testing, along with good flowability and injectability. Using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model tested both in cell culture (in vitro) and in animals (in vivo), the study found that GHK-Cu@CMHA reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, suggesting antioxidant effects. Histological staining (H&E and Masson) indicated collagen deposition at treatment sites. Key limitations include the absence of human data, reliance on an LPS-induced inflammation model that may not fully replicate clinical filler complications, and no long-term safety or efficacy follow-up. These findings are preliminary and require further clinical validation before any conclusions about human benefit can be drawn.
Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces · Jul 2025DOI ↗ Preclinical
This study developed a composite hydrogel wound dressing (termed "GEK") by combining two food-derived biomaterials — oxidized konjac glucomannan (OKGM) from konjac and egg white (EW) proteins — cross-linked via Schiff base bonds to create a self-healing scaffold. The natural tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu (GHK-Cu) was incorporated into this hydrogel matrix. Researchers characterized the material's mechanical, self-repairing, and adhesive properties, then evaluated its biological performance in vitro and in vivo (likely using rodent infected wound models). The study reports that the GEK hydrogel demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, promoted hemostasis through tissue adhesion, and supported neovascularization and skin regeneration. The all-natural composition was highlighted for its biocompatibility and biodegradability, with the authors proposing it as a cost-effective clinical strategy for infected wound management. Key limitations include that this is a preclinical materials science study with no human clinical data; evidence of efficacy is derived from laboratory and animal experiments. The translation of these findings to human wound care remains to be established through clinical trials.
Biomaterials research · Feb 2025DOI ↗ Preclinical
This study investigated whether the copper-bound tripeptide GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu²⁺) could reduce lung inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis — a serious occupational lung disease caused by chronic inhalation of crystalline silica (CS) with no approved specific treatment. Researchers first established a silicosis mouse model by exposing mice to CS, then assessed GHK-Cu's effects on lung inflammation and fibrosis. In parallel, they used the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line (an in vitro model of alveolar macrophages) to study cellular mechanisms. Using molecular docking and binding studies, they identified peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) as a potential molecular target of GHK-Cu. The study reported that GHK-Cu bound to PRDX6 and attenuated CS-induced oxidative stress in alveolar macrophages, which was associated with reduced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in the mouse model. No significant systemic toxicity was observed in the treated animals. Key limitations include reliance on animal and cell-line models with no human clinical data, and the mechanistic link to PRDX6 requires further validation. The authors conclude that GHK-Cu warrants investigation as a potential therapeutic candidate for silicosis.
Redox biology · Jun 2024DOI ↗