Vadodara: Imagine a cotton fabric that not only keeps mosquitoes at bay but also shields you from harmful UV rays and fights bacteria — all while being eco-friendly. Researchers at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) have turned this vision into reality, developing a herbal-treated fabric that could change the way we think about everyday protective clothing.
The project, conducted at the department of textile chemistry, faculty of technology and engineering, was led by master's student Jayant Patil under the guidance of department head Bharat H Patel and co-mentor Devang P Panchal.
The team claimed they had infused cotton fabric with tulsi, lemongrass, and neem extracts using the pad-dry-cure technique, a continuous industrial finishing process that ensures uniform and long-lasting results.
Patel highlighted the ecological and practical benefits of the innovation. "Neem and tulsi provide hygienic benefits, while lemongrass adds freshness," he said. "This fabric can be especially useful in hospitals — for aprons, curtains, and bedsheets — and also in baby care products."
Colour properties were measured with a spectrophotometer, while antibacterial activity was tested against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, common infection-causing bacteria. The results showed 98% antibacterial effectiveness, lasting up to 30 normal washes.
Mosquito repellency was tested using the cage test. The fabric demonstrated strong repellency against mosquito species responsible for dengue, malaria, and zika virus. It also offered enhanced UV resistance, providing an additional layer of protection from sunlight.
The team is preparing to file a patent for the technology and plans to transfer the know-how to industry partners once approved.
Researchers say this development could signal a shift toward next-generation protective clothing, where everyday fabrics serve as sustainable shields against disease, infection, and environmental hazards.
