Wen-Yuan Qiu

Molecular design of DNA polyhedra based on genus

Topology plays an important role as a guiding principle for the design of novel molecules. It is well known that polyhedral links could be served as mathematical models for DNA polyhedra. In this study, we have proposed a serial of novel design strategies to extend DNA polyhedral links to be embedded in high-genus surfaces. Three families of polyhedral links are theoretically constructed by integrating odd edges, introducing crossed vertices, as well as templating on high-genus substrates. Formulas for calculating the genus of these polyhedral links are given, by using the operation of Seifert construction. Research on genus reveals that these aesthetics and extremely complex architectures provide novel candidates for chemical synthesis, especially for DNA cages.

Models of virus capsids containing 72 pentameric capsomeres

A simple model for describing the non-quasi-equivalent icosahedral virus capsid composed of 72 pentameric capsomeres is developed. By means of six-step operations, a new 4-gons polyhedron P is obtained which contains 72 pentagons, 80 trigons and 210 quadrilaterals. More importantly, it bears icosahedral symmetry. The rationality of the existence of the 4-gons polyhedron P is further discussed. The results show that this model can be used to represent the capsids of papovaviruses.