ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with DNA barcoding and GC-MS to assess the quality and purity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Fourier transform infrared spectra of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) samples were acquired using attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR). The main objective the study was to determine chemical composition 11 collected from different areas in Morocco chemometric analysis ATR-FTIR fingerprints and identifying adulterated among bought local markets countries (Spain, Iran, Morocco). authenticity purity validated through a molecular (DNA barcoding coupled sequencing) chromatographic GC-MS. results showed vibration intensities six distinct fingerprint regions displaying statistically significant differences. spectrum sample Timjicht (Taznakht) typical bands due 3000–2800 cm-1 (the richest carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids) 1800–1725 region carbonyl ester groups) classified single subset scatter plot. Then Boulmane (S2), Ain Leuh (S3), Taliouine (S6), Taznakht (S7-S8) close each other, which indicates similarity their mainly acids, esters. Similarities terms proteins hydroxyl groups revealed between El Mers (S11) (S1). Finally, last sub-group contained Ourika, Azilal Atia, low all components. Furthermore, detect unknown origin, comparison carried out with pure that peaks at 1706, 1732, 1225 (linked crocin are present primarily saffron) absent one (SI). Interestingly, use another plant species named Arrhenatherum elatius as materiel for adulteration confirmed by barcoding) GC-MS