Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for delivering RNA constructs to cells for functional expression and/or activity. In some aspects, the disclosure provides a composition comprising a multi-functionalized nanoparticle. The multi-functionalized nanoparticles comprise a core functionalized with at least one RNA molecule, at least one cell penetrating peptide (CPP), and at least one positively charged moiety, each of which is independently attached to the core, optionally with linker moieties. In some embodiments, the RNA molecule is an uncapped mRNA molecule with the 5? end attached to a linker moiety that is attached to the core. The multi-functionalized nanoparticle is substantially neutral, negatively or positively charged.

Abstract: Functionalized biocompatible nanoparticles capable of penetrating through a mammalian cell membrane and delivering intracellularly a plurality of bioactive molecules for modulating a cellular function are disclosed herein The functionalized biocompatible nanoparticles comprise: a central nanoparticle ranging in size from about 5 to about 50 nm and having a polymer coating thereon, a plurality of functional groups covalently attached to the polymer coating, wherein the plurality of bioactive molecules are attached to the plurality of the functional groups, and wherein the plurality of bioactive molecules include at least a peptide and a protein, and wherein the peptide is capable of penetrating through the mammalian cell membrane and entering into the cell, and wherein the protein is capable of providing a new functionality within the cell. The protein may be a transcription factor selected from the group consisting of Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, Lin28, cMyc, and Klf4.