Abstract: Provided herein are gold nanoparticles mediated non-viral delivery of miRNAs, siRNAs, genes and drugs. Nanoparticle platforms and combinatorial drug delivery vehicles comprises gold nanoparticles with a plurality of thilolated hyperbranched dendrons conjugated to the nanoparticle surface. The thiolated hyperbranched dendrons comprise chemically-modifiable surface groups, functionalized interior groups and nano-cavities within the hyperbranched structure to which a variety of payload molecules may be conjugated, optionally via a linker. Payload molecules may comprise nucleic acids, anticancer drugs and small molecule inhibitors, optionally with, non-cytotoxic signaling agents, for example, fluoroscein isothiocyanate. Successful manipulation of the degree of PEGylation and the amount of gold nanoparticles in a polyelectrolyte complex to evaluate the best formulation for highest payload delivery of chemically unmodified miRNA duplexes and stemloops is presented.