Laboratory

The Per

Inaugurated in 2020, the Rural Excellence Center (PER) is located in Coconi.

The Centre-West region of the island is the most dynamic area for the green economy. It brings many actors committed to the preservation and valorization of Mayotte’s natural resources, as well as local producers (vanilla, ylang-ylang, turmeric, ginger, etc.). The PER was established in the municipality of Coconi to be close to these key actors and to contribute to the economic capacity development of the island through innovation and the enhancement of its natural, cultural, and genetic heritage.

The PER consists of three hubs covering more than 700m²: the Ecotourism Hub, represented by the Centre West Community of Communes (3CO), the Economic Hub, and the Research Hub.

Discover the Rural Excellence Center on social media:

The research hub

The Research Hub aims to support the PAPAM sectors and to identify innovative topics that highlight untapped opportunities for local development while preserving Mayotte’s unique and precious ecosystem. These topics related to Mahoran biodiversity require technical and scientific support for commercial exploitation. They should also contribute to the island’s prominence in the world of research.

The PI²M is thus at the forefront of this innovative and increasingly comprehensive platform, specifically dedicated to the extraction and analysis of natural substances. This platform is equipped with modern equipment, allowing for effective local support and advanced, structured research work.

 

 

The Phytochemistry Laboratory

Housed within the Rural Excellence Center of Coconi and its Research Hub, the laboratory revolves around two main activities:

Extraction Unit
Using raw materials derived from terrestrial or marine plants, the laboratory is capable of performing a wide range of extractions using simple and traditional techniques (maceration, decoction, hydrodistillation, etc.) or more advanced techniques that include pressurized and high-temperature extraction. This method avoids using toxic solvents or those harmful to the environment, and reduces the quantity used.

The equipment is designed for process development to provide producers with turnkey solutions that can later be scaled up.

The focus is on utilizing green and innovative processes and solvents.

The laboratory is also equipped with low-tonnage drying techniques, with two solar dryers and a benchtop freeze dryer.
Additional equipment is on the way.

 

 

Analysis Unit
The laboratory is equipped with two chromatographic systems, allowing for both quantitative and qualitative analysis of extracts generated on the platform or provided by our partners.

The PI²M teams are thus able to analyze essential oils (ylang, vanilla, coconut, etc.), establish the chromatographic profile of various extracts, particularly those derived from plants used locally for their medicinal and cosmetic properties.

If more in-depth analysis is required, the laboratory is associated with the Bio2Mar analysis platform at the University of Perpignan.