Rational design of DNA platonic polyhedra with the minimal components number from topological perspective.

DNA has been considered an ideal raw material to build nanostructures. However, the majority of known DNA branched polyhedra are composed of multiple components. In this research, we propose a rational approach to design and analyze DNA Platonic branched polyhedra with two components according to the topological view. The results show that the fragments number and the strand configurations give a great impact on the minimal number of components. Insights from our research can provide practical benefits for the design and synthesis of DNA polyhedra or other highly complex polyhedral structures in labs. • Two DNA fragments are designed to reduce component number. • The component number is reduced further from the aspect of topological view. • DNA Platonic polyhedra with two kinds of component are designed and analyzed. • Our results can provide practical benefits for the design and synthesis of DNA polyhedra or other polyhedral structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]