Crystallization of L-cystine is a critical step in the pathogenesis of cystine kidney stones. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in situ study of cystine crystals offers a directly quantitative characterization of features such as crystal growth velocity, terrace width and the dependence of step roughness on imposter structure and concentration. The comparison of L-cystine crystal step growth rate in (001) face under effect of different imposters reveal that growth inhibition relies on (i) the size of the perturber moiety, (ii) additional interactions introduced by the perturber moiety, (iii) precise or commensurate match between the lengths of the imposter and the cystine crystal binding site, (iv) certain interactions, most notably non-covalent intermolecular S�S interaction between the imposter and the L-cystine crystal step site. Such measurements, coupled with molecular modeling, have the potential for unraveling the key factors responsible for molecular recognition between molecular imposters and L-cystine crystal step sites. Collectively, these findings suggest a prospective strategy and play an instructive role in molecular design for the prevention of cystinuria.

Molecular imposters for the inhibition of L-cystine crystal growth

245th National Meeting (2013)

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