A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of pathological calculus and plaque formation is provided. The composition includes conjugates of polymers and metal binding agents that are particularly effective in inhibiting crystal nucleation, growth, and aggregation in the body, such as that observed in the formation of kidney stones. The composition is effective at low dosage, thereby avoiding the side effects typically associated with current treatments for kidney stones. The composition is also effective against plaque formation, and may have intrinsic antimicrobial activity. Also provided are methods of treating diseases and surfaces of devices and materials treated with the composition.
