In early April, MSU Extension, in partnership with Sparrow Health System, developed a new way to sanitize N95 respirator masks so they may be recycled for medical personnel amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Consumers Energy Foundation granted $100,000 in critical start-up funds for the project.
The protocol—awaiting Food and Drug Adminisration emergency approval—involves heating N95s in commercial ovens to kill off contaminants, including the virus that causes COVID-19.
“Our scientists in the Food Processing and Innovation Center were able to spool up this process in less than a week,” says Jeff Dwyer, director of MSU Extension.
Having clean PPE, especially N95 masks has the potential to save lives in hospital settings in Michigan and throughout the world. We are grateful that the Consumers Energy Foundation saw the potential and is willing to help fund our front-line workers.
Delta Dental of Michigan also provided $25,000 for the efforts and was the first corporate partner to get involved.
LEARN MORE about support for the project by contacting MSU Extension Director of Development Bridget Paff at paff@msu.edu or by calling (517) 353-1337.
A CrowdPower funding page has also been set up for individual gifts.
