Ruhr University scientists have created a dodecahedron (a geometric shape with twelve surfaces) from DNA building blocks.

The 20-nanometer particles were self-assembled from 20 trisoligonucleotide building blocks, consisting of a “branching junction” and three short DNA strands.

Additional functional molecules can be attached, allowing for highly complex nanoconstructions resembling viruses in shape and size. Potential applications include medical diagnostics to nanoelectronics.