Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of hydroxyapatite-binding molecules.

Carboxyl-containing molecules can bind to HA with sufficient affinity to prevent the uptake of AZ by this mineral. Structural features that favor binding can be discerned. Isolated carboxyls are inactive; adjacent dicarboxylic functions are marginally active. Crowding of oxygens in the form of vicinal carboxyls or hydroxyls contributes the property of HA binding ability. This property exhibits gradation in magnitude and the variation can be correlated with structural features of the carboxyl-containing molecule. Phospho functions are generally more powerful contributors to HA binding property than are carboxyls.