H2O2-responsive release of Fe3+ and NO: Anti-tumor therapy of Roussin’s black salt

Abstract In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor therapy of Roussin’s Black Salt (RBS). RBS decomposed into iron ions and NO after been triggered by H2O2 at acidic conditions, revealing that RBS acted as a multifunctional and H2O2-responsive drug. The released iron ions, NO, together with the generated hydroxyl radicals ( OH) cause death of tumor cells through DNA, mitochondrial damage and lipid peroxidation. In mouse model of subcutaneous tumors and lung metastases of B16-F10, RBS inhibited growth and metastasis of tumors. This study resolves the problem of penetration depth of UV irradiation light that limited anti-tumor application of RBS.