The invention provides a composition comprising two or more of a) genetic material; b) a condensing agent; c) a membrane destabilizing agent; d) a targeting/stabilizing agent, and optionally e) an ionic cross-linking agent. The components of the composition can self-assemble to form particles via electrostatic and/or lipophilic interactions. Methods of making and using the composition are also provided. The compositions can be used, for example, to transfer genetic material to cells in vitro or in vivo.