The SIU Fermentation Science Institute is doing their part to keep campus safe by producing “Saluki Sanitizer”.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country hand sanitizer became scarce.
Distilleries were shut down, so some started making sanitizer to combat the shortage and create revenue.
Fermentation Science Institute Director Matt McCarroll and his lab manager Amanda Rothert investigated the possibility of making it in the soon to be open distillery.
Using the equipment they have and designing the process for safely handling explosive materials, Saluki Sanitizer started being produced.
McCarroll says Saluki Sanitizer is not only cleaner than over the counter products, but also cheaper for the University.
“That cut our cost a lot and we’re using our infrastructure for doing that, so taking advantage of that allowed us to produce it at cost that was about half of what we saw at the market price.”
McCarroll says there’s also plans to start selling it.
