Gujarat innovation delivers mosquito-proof, UV-safe cotton

Dec 11, 2025

A team at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, has developed an eco-friendly cotton fabric that naturally repels mosquitoes, blocks UV rays, and fights bacteria. Using the Pad Dry Cure technique, researchers infused cotton with herbal extracts of tulsi, neem, and lemongrass, creating a durable, industrial-grade protective finish. International tests showed the fabric is 98% antibacterial, with its effectiveness lasting up to 30 washes. It also demonstrated strong mosquito-repellent properties against vectors of dengue, malaria, and Zika. The team is now preparing to patent the technology. Backed by the Gujarat government’s Innovation Driven Gujarat initiative, the innovation is rapidly progressing from laboratory research to practical, everyday applications.