Joseph A. Hankin

Papers

Total Citations

587

H-Index

About

Joseph A. Hankin is a leading figure in the development of mass spectrometric imaging (MSI), with his work fundamentally shaping how researchers visualize molecular distributions in biological tissues. His most celebrated contribution, the 2007 paper "Sublimation as a method of matrix application for mass spectrometric imaging," has garnered over 587 citations and introduced a paradigm-shifting technique for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging. By demonstrating that common matrices like 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid can be applied via sublimation without decomposition, Hankin solved a critical bottleneck in MSI: achieving uniform, solvent-free matrix deposition. This innovation dramatically improved spatial resolution and reproducibility, enabling more precise mapping of lipids, metabolites, and proteins in tissue sections. Beyond this landmark work, Hankin’s research has consistently advanced the frontiers of analytical chemistry, particularly in lipidomics and neurochemistry. His methods have been widely adopted in labs worldwide, accelerating discoveries in disease pathology and drug distribution. Hankin’s impact is evident not only in citation counts but in the enduring utility of his techniques, which remain staples in modern MSI workflows.