A molecular tectonics–crystal engineering approach for building organic–inorganic composites. Potential application to the growth control of hydroxyapatite crystals

The effect of bisamidinium type dications as tectons on the crystal formation of hydroxyapatite was investigated. Evidence of the structural interactions between three tectons with different numbers and locations of H-bond donor sites and hydroxyapatite crystals has been shown. Some correlations between the molecular structure of the organic tectons and the morphology of hydroxyapatite crystals were observed. These results may be of interest in the control of hydroxyapatite morphogenesis as well as its surface properties.