Automated and modular protein binder design with BinderFlow

Deep learning has revolutionised de novo protein design, with new models achieving unprecedented success in creating novel proteins with specific functions, including artificial protein binders. However, current workflows remain computationally demanding and challenging to operate without dedicated infrastructure and expertise. To overcome these limitations, we present BinderFlow, an open, structured, and parallelised pipeline that automates end-to-end protein binder design. Its batch-based architecture enables live monitoring of design campaigns, seamless coexistence with other GPU-intensive processes, and minimal user intervention. BinderFlow's modular design facilitates the integration of new tools, allowing rapid adaptation to emerging methods. We demonstrate its utility by running automated design campaigns that rapidly generate diverse, high-confidence candidates suitable for experimental validation. To complement the pipeline, we developed BFmonitor, a web-based dashboard for real-time campaign monitoring, design evaluation, and hit selection. Together, BinderFlow and BFmonitor make generative protein design more accessible, scalable, and reproducible, streamlining both exploratory and production-level research. The software is freely available at https://github.com/cryoEM-CNIO/BinderFlow under the GNU LGPL v3.0 license.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
PLoS Computational Biology
Published
2025-11-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1013747
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Protein Structure and Dynamics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.61
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Automated and modular protein binder design with BinderFlow

Nayim González-Rodríguez, Óscar Llorca, Rafael Fernández-Leiro, Carlos Chacón-Sánchez
2 citations
PLoS Computational Biology
Protein Structure and Dynamics
1.61
article

Automated and modular protein binder design with BinderFlow

Nayim González-Rodríguez, Óscar Llorca, Rafael Fernández-Leiro, Carlos Chacón-Sánchez
article en
2 citations

Abstract

Deep learning has revolutionised de novo protein design, with new models achieving unprecedented success in creating novel proteins with specific functions, including artificial protein binders. However, current workflows remain computationally demanding and challenging to operate without dedicated infrastructure and expertise. To overcome these limitations, we present BinderFlow, an open, structured, and parallelised pipeline that automates end-to-end protein binder design. Its batch-based architecture enables live monitoring of design campaigns, seamless coexistence with other GPU-intensive processes, and minimal user intervention. BinderFlow's modular design facilitates the integration of new tools, allowing rapid adaptation to emerging methods. We demonstrate its utility by running automated design campaigns that rapidly generate diverse, high-confidence candidates suitable for experimental validation. To complement the pipeline, we developed BFmonitor, a web-based dashboard for real-time campaign monitoring, design evaluation, and hit selection. Together, BinderFlow and BFmonitor make generative protein design more accessible, scalable, and reproducible, streamlining both exploratory and production-level research. The software is freely available at https://github.com/cryoEM-CNIO/BinderFlow under the GNU LGPL v3.0 license.

PLoS Computational BiologyVol. 21(11)
Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 14%
Protein Structure and Dynamics
1.61
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Automated and modular protein binder design with BinderFlow — Nayim González-Rodríguez, Óscar Llorca, et al. · PLoS Computational Biology (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS