Characterisation and analysis of biological compounds

Logo Unité Analytique CYROI

CYROI Analytical Chemistry Unit

A unique analytical platform in the Indian Ocean

The range of equipment, including 600 MHz high-resolution NMR and Mass Spectrometry (Triple Quadrupole and Ion Trap), makes the Analytical Unit a unique resource in the Indian Ocean, serving institutions, academic partners and local companies.

These high-performance instruments, widely recognised in analytical chemistry for providing structural information to identify organic compounds, are combined with extensive experience and high-level expertise to deliver services across the 4 main areas listed below:

Laboratoire Unité Analytique CYROI

OUR RESEARCH AREAS

Aromas and fragrances

  • Qualitative study of the chemical composition of essential oils,
  • Static headspace analysis of aromatic plants,
  • Determination of organic substances by Solid Phase Microextraction coupled with mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS/MS),
  • Identification of chemical signatures (e.g. markers) through mapping of organic compounds.
Partners:
APLAMEDOM, UMR-PVBMT, la Vanilleraie.
Equipment:
Gas Chromatography coupled with Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS).

Food and agriculture

Screening of veterinary drug residues (e.g. antibiotics) in animal biological fluids and meat juice.

Partners:
Qualireg, CIRAD.
Equipment:
Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

OUR EQUIPMENT

600 MHz High-Resolution NMR
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer for structural analysis of organic compounds.
Technical specifications:
High-field superconducting magnet
¹H, ¹³C and two-dimensional analyses
High sensitivity for complex structures
Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry
LC-MS/MS system for the accurate detection and quantification of trace substances.
Technical specifications:
High selectivity and sensitivity
Detection limit at the ppb scale
Coupled with liquid chromatography
Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
GC-MS/MS system specialised in the identification of volatile compounds and fragmentation analyses.
Technical specifications:
MS² and MS³ analyses for structural elucidation
Coupled with gas chromatography
Ideal for essential oils and volatile compounds

OUR RESEARCH PROJECTS

Prop'OMiel Project

Étude, caractérisation et valorisation des produits de la ruche dans l'océan Indien — INTERREG VI Océan Indien

Projet Prop'OMiel - Ruches expérimentales

Innovation serving biodiversity

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, a major scientific innovation is turning biodiversity preservation into a sustainable economic opportunity.

The Prop'O Miel project aims to study, characterise and valorise hive products in the Indian Ocean. Led by CYROI, it relies on experimental beehives distributed across Réunion Island, Seychelles and Comoros to compare the impact of different island ecosystems on the molecular signatures of bee products.

The CYROI Analytical Chemistry Unit brings its expertise to characterise the molecular signatures of bee products, assess their biological properties, develop regional reference libraries and establish structured traceability tools.

Our objectives

The project aims to address major challenges through four strategic focus areas:

  • Preserving melliferous biodiversity and tropical island ecosystems
  • Analysing the impact of ecosystems on the quality and properties of hive products
  • Supporting the development of sustainable beekeeping sectors with strong valorisation potential (health, environment, food and agriculture)
  • Fostering regional scientific cooperation through training, skills transfer and a collaborative approach

An exceptional collaborative network

25 partners across 3 territories collaborate through a participatory approach:

  • Academics and scientists
  • Beekeeping sector and associations
  • Local producers
  • Territorial institutions

This complementary expertise guarantees the co-creation of sustainable solutions and effective skills transfer.

Prop'OMiel featured on Loca'Terre

An in-depth look at the work conducted within the Analytical Unit, featuring Jennyfer Yong Sang, co-leader of the project.

Report extracted from the Loca'Terre TV show – broadcast on Réunion La 1ère (France Télévisions), produced by Blabla Prod.

This project is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI Indian Ocean programme, whose managing authority is the Réunion Regional Council.

THE TEAM

Jimmy Chane-Ming

Jimmy Chane-Ming

Head of the Analytical Unit

Jennyfer Yong-Sang

Jennyfer Yong-Sang

Research Engineer

Maxime Picard

Maxime Picard

Study Engineer

David Hoarau

David Hoarau

Study Engineer

Williams Perianin

Williams Perianin

Technician

François Pédinielli

François Pédinielli

Research Engineer