This protocol is designed/used for extraction of total cellular lipids from cyanobacteria samples (either lab cultures or field samples) collected on polycarbonate filters for use in lipid analysis and quantification via mass spectrometry. Please contact Dr. Steven Wilhelm ([email protected]) or Robbie M. Martin ([email protected]) for additional information regarding this protocol. Modified from Guan, X. L., Riezman, I., Wenk, M. R., & Riezman, H. (2010). Yeast lipid analysis and quantification by mass spectrometry. Methods in Enzymology, 470, 369-391.