Multifunctional hybrid nanoplatform based on Fe(3)O(4)@Ag NPs for nitric oxide delivery: development, characterization, therapeutic efficacy, and hemocompatibility

The combination of Fe(3)O(4)@Ag superparamagnetic hybrid nanoparticles and nitric oxide (NO) represents an innovative strategy for a localized NO delivery with a simultaneous antibacterial and antitumoral actions. Here, we report the design of Fe(3)O(4)@Ag hybrid nanoparticles, coated with a modified and nitrosated chitosan polymer, able to release NO in a biological medium. After their synthesis, physicochemical characterization confirmed the obtention of small NO-functionalized superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4)@Ag NPs. Antibacterial assays demonstrated enhanced effects compared to control. Bacteriostatic effect against Gram-positive strains and bactericidal effect against E. coli were demonstrated. Moreover, NO-functionalized Fe(3)O(4)@Ag NPs demonstrated improved ability to reduce cancer cells viability and less cytotoxicity against non-tumoral cells compared to Fe(3)O(4)@Ag NPs. These effects were associated to the ability of these NPs act simultaneous as cytotoxic (necrosis inductors) and cytostatic compounds inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest. NPs also demonstrated low hemolysis ratio (<10%) at ideal work range, evidencing their potential for biomedical applications. [Figure: see text]