  We report the design and development of a dual-functional magnetic
nanoparticle platform for potential treatment of H. pylori infection. We show
that an ultralow concentration of Mn0.3Fe2.7O4@SiO2 nanoparticles subjected to
a moderate AC magnetic field, without bulk heating effect, can deposit heat
locally and effectively inhibit H. pylori growth and virulence in vitro. When
coupled with antibiotic amoxicillin, the dual-functional amoxicillin loaded
Mn0.3Fe2.7O4@SiO2 further decreases the bacteria survival rate by a factor of 7
and 5, respectively, compared to amoxicillin treatment and nanoparticle heating
alone. The synergistic effect can be partially attributed to the heating
induced damage to the cell membrane and protective biofilm, which may increase
the permeability of antibiotics to bacteria. Our method provides a viable
approach to treat H. pylori infection, with the potential of reducing side
effects and enhancing the efficacy for combating drug resistant strains.
