SPION-Smac mimetic nano-conjugates: putative pro-apoptotic agents in oncology.

Non-covalent (NP-1/3) and covalent (NP-A-1/3) pro-apoptotic SPION-Smac mimetic nano-conjugates antitumor agents are reported. The solution synthesis of key Smac mimetics, their support onto SPIONs through non-covalent adsorption (NP-1/3) or APTES-mediated covalent binding (NP-A-1/3), the analytical characterization of SPION-Smac mimetic conjugates, their target affinity in cell-free assays, and their cytotoxicity against tumor cells are thoroughly described.