The coupling of spectroscopy and chemometrics/Machine learning for plant’s Full-time

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields

The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco’s frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa.

Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

Morocco known as among the richest countries and major producers of different aromatic plants and extracts. Aromatic plants are valued for their diverse applications in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic industries. Accurate varietal identification of these plants is crucial for ensuring product quality and authenticity and even to avoid the toxicity risks (similarity of toxic plants with other benefic ones). The conventional methods used in the varietal identification of aromatic plants are based on phenological descriptors and molecular markers (DNA analysis) or chromatographic analysis of the extracts using GC/MS and LC-MS methods known as very costly and time-consuming methods. The present research project will focus on the development of new low-cost and rapid tools for the varietal identification of aromatic plants and the valuation of local products. This by, on the one hand, the development of analysis methods for the classification of the different varieties of the different aromatic plant of interest of this project (namely, thyme, oregano, and chamomile), and on the other hand, the establishment of a tool for the origin certification in order to promote local products, based on the coupling of spectroscopic techniques (infrared, Raman, hyperspectral imaging, etc.) which are low cost, fast, ecofriendly and reliable techniques and which can be transported to the fields with chemometric and machine learning tools.

The selected PhD student will be responsible of carrying out the research work, and build a spectral database of Moroccan aromatic plants, after samples collection caravan of aromatic plants of interest (thyme, oregano, and chamomile) in the targeted regions. The specific objective of the PhD thesis concerns the development of a rapid method for the varietal identification of selected plants (thyme, oregano, and chamomile). The candidat should be familiar with spectroscopy, Chemometrics (PLS-DA, SVMR, …) that will be set-up on the spectroscopic data, and plant science.

UM6P.