In this work, PtO2-loaded SnO2 nanoparticles containing 0-2 wt% Pt produced in a single step by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) technique were systematically evaluated for nitric oxide (NO) detection. Characterizations by various X-ray/electron microscopic and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the formation of PtO2 nanoparticles dispersed on SnO2 surfaces. The sensing films were fabricated by spin-coating and the gas sensing performances were studied towards NO at the operating temperatures ranging from 25 to 350 degrees C in dry air. It was found that the optimal Pt concentration of 0.2 wt% led to the highest sensor response of 2640 toward 5 ppm NO at the optimal operating temperature of 150 degrees C, which was about five times higher than that of unloaded one. In addition, the response rate analysis revealed the highest catalytic activity of PtO2 towards NO at 0.2 wt% Pt. Moreover, the PtO2-loaded SnO2 sensor offered improved NO selectivity against NO2, NH3, H2S, C2H5OH and H-2. Therefore, the incorporation of PtO2 to SnO2 nanoparticles by FSP is a promising mean to achieve responsive and selective detection of NO and can be useful for various environmental and biomedical applications.