A series of secondary amine-modified cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives was synthesized with diverse exterior terminal groups (i.e., hydroxyl, methyl, methoxyl, and primary amine). Subsequent reaction with nitric oxide (NO) gas under alkaline conditions yielded N-diazeniumdiolate-modified CD derivatives. Adjustable NO payloads (0.6-2.4 mu mol/mg) and release half-lives (0.7-4.2 h) were achieved by regulating both the amount of secondary amine precursors and the functional groups around the NO donors. The bactericidal action of these NO-releasing cyclodextrin derivatives was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative pathogen, with antibacterial activity proving dependent on both the NO payload and exterior modification. Materials containing a high density of NO donors or primary amines exhibited the greatest ability to eradicate P. aeruginosa. Of the materials prepared, only the primary amine-terminated heptasubstituted CD derivatives exhibited toxicity against mammalian L929 mouse fibroblast cells. The NO donor-modified CD was also capable of delivering promethazine, a hydrophobic drug, thus demonstrating potential as a dual-drug-releasing therapeutic.