CEDOC CBS PhD Valorization of Fish Oil: Characterization and Functionalization Toward Sustainable

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.

Description of the research entity (CBS)

The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering Department (CBS) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program, of international level, to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, in particular on green and environmental chemistry applied to all aspects of chemical sciences: organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, biochemical and thermal reactions.

Research at CBS is organized around several major areas, which aim to answer challenging industrial questions, from complex chemical and biochemical reactions to scale-up and validation of process engineering. CBS projects aim at developing in-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying all chemical transformations in order to propose original, and innovative alternatives promoting efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability.

Context:

Fish oil, extracted directly from fish and fish processing waste, represents a valuable and under-utilized renewable resource that aligns with the principles of marine waste recovery and the circular economy. Being rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fish oil has unique chemical structures that lend themselves very well to functionalization and polymer synthesis.

The aim of this thesis work is to thoroughly characterize and purify crude fish oil, identifying its fatty acid composition, degree of unsaturation, and oxidative stability, etc. Following purification, fish oil can be chemically modified, for example, via hydroxylation or hydroformylation, epoxidation to introduce functional groups suitable for polymer production. These processing techniques offer a powerful gateway for designing customized monomers, polyols, and polymer precursors derived from biobased oils. Such tailored intermediates significantly expand the material portfolio for diverse applications, including polyurethane synthesis, fertilizer encapsulation, sustainable packaging, and other environmentally responsive technologies.

Keywords: Fish oil, Bio-based polymers, Chemical functionalization, Hydroformylation, Circular economy

Specific objectives for the PhD candidate:

• Characterize the crude fish oil derived from processing waste.
• Purify the fish oil to remove impurities that could interfere with subsequent chemical functionalization reactions.
• Chemically modify the purified oil through functionalization reactions.
• Synthesize bio-based monomers, polyols, and polymeric precursors from the modified oils, tailored for the development of sustainable polymers.
• Develop polymers and copolymers from the synthesized bio-based monomers, exploring various polymerization strategies.
• Investigate potential applications of the developed bio-based polymers, particularly in the fields of polyurethanes, fertilizer encapsulation systems, and sustainable packaging materials.

Profile:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, Physics of Inorganic Materials, Physical Chemistry, Chemical or Mineral Engineering, or a related field
• Solid understanding in organic chemistry, functionalization reactions and polymer chemistry
• Interest in the valorization of renewable resources and the synthesis of sustainable polymeric materials
• Good communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a collaborative research environment

UM6P.