Abstract
Pearl powder is an ingredient in complex of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment on skin. However, how pearl powder affects cells especially cancer cells is unclear. Here we investigated the pearl powder electrochemical characters and biological functions. We found the major component of carbon and calcium with metals of Mn and Fe in pearl powder. The possible magnetic and non-peroxidase nanozyme activity suggest the complex functions of pearl powder in biological response. Moreover, the pearl powder at mixed nanoscale can inhibit cancer cells spreading. Our data suggest that pearl powder at mixed nanoscale can exert more efficient function in cells. Nano Chinese medicine may play complicated roles in therapy.