Molecular Authentication and Traceability of Artisanal Palm Oil from Côte d’Ivoire through a Multispectroscopic Approach
NONGBE Medy Camille
*
Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technologies (LTSE), Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Daloa, BP 150 Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire and National Laboratory for Testing, Quality, Metrology and Analysis (LANEMA), Abidjan, 01 BPV 174 Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire.
KONE Aboudramane
Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technologies (LTSE), Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Daloa, BP 150 Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire.
KONE Mawa
National Laboratory for Testing, Quality, Metrology and Analysis (LANEMA), Abidjan, 01 BPV 174 Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire and Laboratory of Matter Constitution and Reaction (LMCR), Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire.
EKOU Lynda
Laboratory of Thermodynamics and Environmental Physico-Chemistry, Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire.
EKOU Tchiroua
Laboratory of Thermodynamics and Environmental Physico-Chemistry, Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire.
YAO Benjamin
Laboratory of Industrial Processes, Synthesis, Environment and New Energies, National Polytechnic Institute Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To authenticate artisanal palm oil from Yamoussoukro (Côte d’Ivoire) by generating a quantitative molecular fingerprint using a multispectroscopic approach and to evaluate its nutritional and technological attributes.
Study Design: Experimental analytical investigation combining compositional profiling and structural assessment using three complementary spectroscopic platforms.
Methodology: Three batches of palm bunches (~15 kg each; total 45 kg) were collected, processed, and Soxhlet-extracted (50 g dried pulp; 12 h; 250 mL hexane). The oil was analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), proton/carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H/¹³C NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Triacylglycerol (TAG) distribution, fatty acid profiles, iodine value and molecular integrity were determined.
Results: ESI-MS resolved 18 TAG species within m/z 853–939, dominated by PPO (26.62%), POO (22.41%), POS (10.71%) and PPP (7.45%), accounting for 67.19% of total intensity. ¹H NMR analysis quantified oleic acid at 38.39%, linoleic acid at 8.26%, linolenic acid at 0.51%, and total saturated fatty acids at 52.84% (palmitic/stearic predominance). Unsaturated fatty acids represented 47.16%, with a calculated iodine value of 47.63 g I₂/100 g, indicating intermediate fluidity and good oxidative stability. FTIR spectra featured characteristic ester C=O (1745 cm⁻¹), CH₂ stretching (2922–2853 cm⁻¹), weak olefinic =C–H (3006 cm⁻¹), and minimal trans absorption (942 cm⁻¹), confirming preserved triglyceride structures and low degradation.
Conclusion: The multispectroscopic workflow generated a reproducible molecular fingerprint for Yamoussoukro artisanal palm oil, confirming authenticity and a balanced lipid profile. Its high monounsaturate level (>38%), low polyunsaturates (<1%), moderate iodine value (~48) and dominant TAG families (>67%) highlight its nutritional value and processing suitability. This integrated diagnostic approach provides a rapid, non-destructive tool for traceability, fraud detection, labeling assurance and premium market valorization.
Keywords: Artisanal palm oil, ESI-MS, NMR, FTIR, triacylglycerides, fatty acids, authentication, traceability, valorization