Quantitative Lipid Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle Preparations: A Perspective

Abstract

Quantitative lipidomic analysis performed by mass spectrometry is required for determination of the lipid content of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Such methods can provide information about the total amount of lipids, the lipid species composition, the purity of EV samples as well as the cellular origin of the EVs. There are, however, many pitfalls when performing lipid analyses. Thus, any non-specialist should collaborate with experts in lipidomics. In addition to many good review articles giving advice about lipid analyses, we recommend the information and guidelines published by the Lipidomic Standard Initiative, an interest group affiliated with the International Lipidomics Society.

Keywords: exosomes; extracellular vesicles; lipid analyses; mass spectrometry; membranes.