Effect of Glycerol Content in Gelatin/Glycerol Composite Films Loaded with Erythromycin

Due to wide application of biomaterials in drug delivery systems for wound healing, this research work is focused on the development and characterization of a Gelatin/Glycerol composite film for delivering the antibiotic Erythromycin. The aim was preparing gelatin/glycerol films loaded with erythromycin suitable for a future application as a patch for skin wound healing application. A set of films were prepared with various gelatin to glycerol weight ratio and the impact of glycerol content on the mechanical, physicochemical and thermal behavior of film evaluated. Erythromycin was loaded into the film and the antibacterial activity evaluated versus E.coli and S.aureus. Results demonstrate a correlation between the content of glycerol and the physico-chemical properties of the film. The Ge/GY films containing the drug show good antibacterial effects only against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. TGA and DSC of Ge/ GY thin films showed thermal stability until 110°C, however, the complete decomposition occurred at 350°C.