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Two thumbs up! BTEC hand sanitizer helps keep the Wolfpack well

Published June 1, 2020

Michele Ray-Davis speaks to a reporter in a BTEC lab where associates are working to manufacture hand sanitizer.
In a recent CBS17 news segment, Michele Ray-Davis, BTEC's assistant director for Operations, explains how the center is manufacturing hand sanitizer to fight the spread of COVID-19.

When laboratory work ceased at NC State earlier this spring, BTEC saw an opportunity to assist with the university's response to COVID-19 and help ensure the health of the campus community. That opportunity has been realized as BTEC is now manufacturing and supplying the university with hand sanitizer produced in the facility. The center's work was highlighted in a recent segment on CBS17 that is available to view online.

BTEC began efforts to manufacture hand sanitizer in March by registering the facility with the FDA and obtaining the required permits. The hand sanitizer is being produced in 200-liter batches and dispensed into one-gallon containers, which are being shared with the NC State campus community at no charge. Production will continue as long as the need exists and funding is available. 

The manufacturing process is based on the World Health Organization's formulation for hand sanitizer. The primary component is ethanol with additions of hydrogen peroxide, glycerol and high purity water. The final formulation is an 80% ethanol solution that is close to the consistency of water. Novozymes, a biotechnology firm represented on BTEC's Advisory Board, helped secure an ethanol supplier and also donated over 600 gallons of ethanol. The Kenan Institute provided funding for the remaining raw materials and consumables necessary to make the hand sanitizer. BTEC appreciates the generous contributions by both Novozymes and the Kenan Institute.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, hand hygiene, which includes the use of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) or handwashing, is an important part of the U.S. response to the emergence of COVID-19.

For more information about the hand sanitizer being produced at BTEC, email Michele Ray-Davis, assistant director of Operations.

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