Targeting the mitochondrial pathway to induce apoptosis/necrosis through ROS by a newly developed Schiff's base to overcome MDR in cancer

► Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of non-toxic, redox active, water-soluble Schiff's base PHMBA. ► PHMBA overcomes cancer MDR both in vitro and in vivo. ► PHMBA kills cancer cells irrespective of their drug-resistant status. ► Induces cell death through mitochondrial pathway. ► ROS/H2O2 plays a pivotal role in PHMBA-mediated cell death.