Avanti lipid tools: Connecting lipids, technology, and cell biology

•A multi-faceted lipid toolbox is essential to characterize lipid function.•Lipid snoopers assist in investigating protein–lipid interactions.•High purity lipid-binding antibodies are available for disease and cell signaling research.•Solvent-free delivery systems enhance cellular response to lipids.•Gold-labeled lipids are high resolution contrasting agents for membrane imaging.

Lipid research is challenging owing to the complexity and diversity of the lipidome. Here we review a set of experimental tools developed for the seasoned lipid researcher, as well as, those who are new to the field of lipid research. Novel tools for probing protein–lipid interactions, applications for lipid binding antibodies, enhanced systems for the cellular delivery of lipids, improved visualization of lipid membranes using gold-labeled lipids, and advances in mass spectrometric analysis techniques will be discussed. Because lipid mediators are known to participate in a host of signal transduction and trafficking pathways within the cell, a comprehensive lipid toolbox that aids the science of lipidomics research is essential to better understand the molecular mechanisms of interactions between cellular components. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Tools to study lipid functions.