Inhibition of growth of l-cystine crystals by N-acetyl-l-cysteineThis work was supported by funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 51403104), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20141465, BK20131414), and a project funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions.Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6ce01749e

N -Acetyl- l -cysteine, a thiol drug used commonly as an expectorant, was used to inhibit the growth of l -cystine crystals. Dual effects of a chemical decomposition reaction and crystallization inhibition ensure that N -acetyl- l -cysteine has an unusual inhibitory effect on the growth of l -cystine crystals, and could aid its development as a new drug for the treatment of l -cystine stones. Dual effects of a chemical decomposition reaction and crystallization inhibition ensure that N -acetyl- l -cysteine has an unusual inhibitory effect on the growth of l -cystine crystals, and could aid its development as a new drug for the treatment of l -cystine stones.