Exploring Drug Distribution and Effects in a New Dimension: Spatial Insights from Mass Spectrometry Imaging
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Overview
Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) is shedding new light on the molecular complexity of tissues. The term describes a range of techniques where ions ejected from a solid surface are used to reconstruct images of the distribution of the species from which they originated. By revealing the spatial distribution of lipids, metabolites, drugs, and proteins directly within tissue in a label-free manner, MSI bridges the gap between molecular and histological data. When integrated with traditional histology and bioinformatics, MSI provides a multidimensional view of tissue composition that enables a deeper understanding of physiological and pathological processes such as tissue development, cancer heterogeneity, treatment response, and drug–tissue interactions.
Join us for an engaging introduction to MSI, where we’ll walk you through the entire workflow - from sample preparation to image generation and analysis - and discuss how each step contributes to high-quality molecular imaging. We will give a brief description of the instrumentation used to generate and analyse the ions, along with an overview of the software used to produce, enhance, classify, and interpret such images. The focus will be on the two most widely used techniques, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation (MALDI) and Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (DESI), and we will also present recent advances in the field.
We’ll showcase two real-world case studies from our laboratory:
Oncology: Mapping tumor biomarkers and metabolites to uncover insights into heterogeneity and disease progression.
Drug Distribution: Visualizing drug localization, metabolism, and tissue penetration to support pharmaceutical development.
Whether you're in translational research, pharmacology, or drug discovery, this session will highlight how MSI opens new dimensions in molecular analysis.
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Experts
Meet Our Speakers
Malcolm Clench
Scientific Consulant
Malcolm R. Clench is a mass spectrometrist with over 40 years of experience in analytical chemistry and academic research. He earned his PhD in 1988 for his work on applying Fast Atom Bombardment mass spectrometry to protein and peptide structure elucidation.
After positions in the scientific instrument industry at Kratos Analytical, VG Tritech, and VG Biotech, he joined Sheffield Hallam University (formerly Sheffield City Polytechnic) in 1990, where he taught and led research in applied mass spectrometry. Over three decades, he served as Head of Research at the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre and supervised 34 PhD students.
A pioneer in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), he has authored over 130 peer-reviewed papers, including 75 focused on MSI. He has also served as Vice President of the Mass Spectrometry Imaging Society, Chair of the Imaging and MALDI Special Interest Group of the British Mass Spectrometry Society, and Associate Editor for Proteomics and Nature Scientific Reports.
Since retiring in 2023, he has continued his work in the field as founder of Imagtech Ltd and Consultant at Selvita. He currently serves as Chair of the Trustees of the International Mass Spectrometry Imaging Society (IMSIS).
Ana Butorac
Lead Scientist at Selvita
Ana Butorac is a Lead Scientist and Team Leader of Omics Platform at Selvita. She holds a PhD in Biotechnology and is an analytical scientist with 15 years of experience in applying mass spectrometry to the life sciences.
Her expertise includes method development, biomolecule characterization, and advanced proteomics research with a strong emphasis on integrating mass spectrometry-based techniques to support both fundamental research and applied projects in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. To date, she has mentored numerous graduate students, participated in 6 scientific research projects, and a co-authored 25 scientific articles indexed in the Web of Science.
Since joining Selvita in 2024, her work has focused on Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) based techniques, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation (MALDI-MSI) and Desorption Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging (DESI-MSI). Her research in this area contributes to the understanding of drug distribution, metabolism, and molecular interactions, supporting innovation in pharmaceutical research and drug discovery.
Mislav Novokmet
Lead Scientist at Selvita
Mislav Novokmet is a Lead Scientist within the Omics Platform at Selvita. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biosciences and is an analytical scientist with 18 years of experience in academia, pharma, and biotech, specializing in mass spectrometry-based analytics.
His expertise includes glycomics and glycoproteomics, advanced LC-MS workflows for biomolecule characterization, and high-throughput analytical approaches. Over the course of his career, he has led R&D teams, managed scientific and commercial projects, and contributed to several European Framework initiatives (FP7, Horizon 2020).
For the past decade, his research has focused on exploring the role of protein glycosylation in metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Since joining Selvita in 2024, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) workflows, including Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation (MALDI-MSI) and Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (DESI-MSI). His work provides deep insights into the spatial distribution and biological relevance of molecules in complex biological systems, driving innovation in drug discovery.
This research was supported by Croatian National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026 (project NPOO.C3.2.R3-I1.04.0266: Spatial omics for profiling of colorectal cancer heterogeneity, identification of biomarkers, microbiota characterization and translation into personalized therapy).
