Standard lipid analyses require large amounts of sample and the development of micro-methods would reduce this need. With improved technological and analytical capabilities, 'microquantity' approaches that require only micrograms of sample and microlitres of solvents have been developed for estimating lipid content. The screening of oleaginous organisms has extensive application in both research and industry settings for identifying and producing food supplements and renewal biofuels ( Ratledge 2002 Ratledge, C., Regulation of lipid accumulation in oleaginous micro-organisms.
