Photoactivated riboflavin in the presence of Cu(II) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can hemolyse human red blood cells (RBC). In the present work we examined the effect of sodium azide (NaN3) on RBC in the presence of riboflavin and Cu(II). The addition of NaN3 to the riboflavin-Cu(II) sys-tem enhanced K + loss and hemolysis. The extent of K + loss and hemolysis were time and concentration dependent. Batho-cuproine, a Cu(I)-sequestering agent inhibited the hemolysis completely.
