A team of researchers at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) has created a cotton fabric that combines mosquito repellence, UV protection, and antibacterial properties—while remaining environmentally friendly.
Their herbal-finished textile aims to redefine how everyday protective fabrics are designed and used.
The innovation has emerged from the Department of Textile Chemistry at MSU’s Faculty of Technology and Engineering. The project was undertaken by master’s student Jayant Patil under the supervision of department head Bharat H. Patel, with additional guidance from co-mentor Devang P. Panchal.
According to the team, the fabric is treated with extracts of tulsi, lemongrass, and neem, applied through the pad-dry-cure method—a continuous finishing technique widely used in the textile industry. This process helps the herbal compounds bond uniformly with the cotton. “The pad-dry-cure approach ensures an even and durable finish across the material,” Patil told a section of the media.
Patel noted the eco-friendly and functional nature of the treatment, adding, “Neem and tulsi contribute to hygiene, while lemongrass brings a natural freshness to the fabric.”
The researchers believe the material could be especially useful in healthcare environments for items such as aprons, curtains, and bedsheets, and may also be suitable for baby-care textiles.
To validate their results, the team put the treated fabric through internationally recognised testing protocols. Colour characteristics were analysed using a spectrophotometer, and antibacterial performance was evaluated against two common pathogens—E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The treated fabric showed 98% antibacterial efficiency, which remained effective through roughly 30 standard wash cycles.
For mosquito repellence, globally accepted cage tests were conducted. The fabric showed strong repellent action against mosquito species known to transmit dengue, malaria, and Zika virus. It also displayed improved resistance to ultraviolet radiation, offering additional protection from sunlight.
These researchers plan to file a patent for the technology, with the intention of transferring it to industry partners after approval. They say this advancement could pave the way for next-generation sustainable protective textiles—everyday fabrics that act as natural barriers against insects, pathogens, and environmental exposure.
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