MartiniSurf: Automated Simulations of Surface-Immobilized Biomolecular Systems with Martini

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The rational design of biomolecule immobilization strategies requires molecular-level understanding of how surface properties, tethering geometry, and structural dynamics jointly influence stability and function. Recently, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations based on the Martini force field have emerged as an efficient framework for studying enzyme–surface interactions. However, the reproducible construction of immobilized systems with controlled orientations remains technically challenging, usually involving multiple computational tools. Here we present MartiniSurf, an open-source command-line package for the preparation of protein and DNA systems immobilized on solid supports within the Martini paradigm. MartiniSurf integrates automated structure retrieval and cleaning, coarse graining via tools from the Martini force field software ecosystem, customizable surface generation, and biomolecule orientation based on user-defined anchoring residues, producing complete GROMACS-ready simulation systems. The package supports both implicit restraint-based anchoring and explicit linker-mediated immobilization, including surfaces functionalized with user-defined ligands or linker-like moieties, enabling representation of mono- and multivalent attachment geometries at different modeling resolutions. Structure-based Go̅Martini potentials can be incorporated for proteins, while DNA systems are modeled using Martini 2. Optional substrate insertion, pre-coarse-grained complex handling, and automated solvation and ionization further extend system flexibility. By integrating these components into a unified workflow, MartiniSurf enables reproducible preparation and in silico exploration of surface-tethered biomolecular systems.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling
Published
2026-06-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jcim.6c00953
Primary Topic
Advanced Physical and Chemical Molecular Interactions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

MartiniSurf: Automated Simulations of Surface-Immobilized Biomolecular Systems with Martini

Fernando López‐Gallego, Xabier López, Juan C. Jiménez-García, David De Sancho
Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling
Advanced Physical and Chemical Molecular Interactions
article

MartiniSurf: Automated Simulations of Surface-Immobilized Biomolecular Systems with Martini

Fernando López‐Gallego, Xabier López, Juan C. Jiménez-García, David De Sancho
article en

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The rational design of biomolecule immobilization strategies requires molecular-level understanding of how surface properties, tethering geometry, and structural dynamics jointly influence stability and function. Recently, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations based on the Martini force field have emerged as an efficient framework for studying enzyme–surface interactions. However, the reproducible construction of immobilized systems with controlled orientations remains technically challenging, usually involving multiple computational tools. Here we present MartiniSurf, an open-source command-line package for the preparation of protein and DNA systems immobilized on solid supports within the Martini paradigm. MartiniSurf integrates automated structure retrieval and cleaning, coarse graining via tools from the Martini force field software ecosystem, customizable surface generation, and biomolecule orientation based on user-defined anchoring residues, producing complete GROMACS-ready simulation systems. The package supports both implicit restraint-based anchoring and explicit linker-mediated immobilization, including surfaces functionalized with user-defined ligands or linker-like moieties, enabling representation of mono- and multivalent attachment geometries at different modeling resolutions. Structure-based Go̅Martini potentials can be incorporated for proteins, while DNA systems are modeled using Martini 2. Optional substrate insertion, pre-coarse-grained complex handling, and automated solvation and ionization further extend system flexibility. By integrating these components into a unified workflow, MartiniSurf enables reproducible preparation and in silico exploration of surface-tethered biomolecular systems.

Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling
CIC biomaGUNE (ES), Donostia International Physics Center (ES)
Eusko Jaurlaritza, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, H2020 Future and Emerging Technologies
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Advanced Physical and Chemical Molecular Interactions
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.