Model system for multifunctional delivery nanoplatforms based on DNA-Polymer complexes containing silver nanoparticles and fluorescent dye

•DNA-polycation gene vectors with the inclusion of silver nanoparticles and luminescent dye were constructed and examined.•PDMAEM-AgNPs nanocomposite causes the DNA condensation in a solution.•After condensation of DNA in complexes with DAPI induced by PDMAEM-AgNPs, the dye remains in the nanostructures and shows the luminescence.•Certain increase in the luminescence intensity was observed due to the presence of silver nanoparticles inside the DNA-DAPI-PDMAEM-AgNPs compact structure.•PDMAEM-Ag complexes with pGFP plasmid were transfected into cells. Creation of multifunctional nanoplatforms is one of the new approaches to complex treatment and diagnosis with the monitoring of the curative process. Inclusion of various components into the drug delivery system may reduce toxicity and enhance or modify the therapeutic effects of medicines. In particular, some properties of metal nanoparticles and nanoclusters provide the ability to create new systems for treatment and diagnosis of diseases, biocatalysis and imaging of objects. For example, the ability of metal nanoparticles to enhance the quantum yield of luminescence can be used in bioimaging and therapy. The aim of the research was to construct and examine a multicomponent system based on DNA-polycation compact structure with the inclusion of silver nanoparticles and luminescent dye as a model system for delivery of genes and drugs with the possibility of modification and enhancement of their action.