Gelatin-PEG Based Metronidazole loaded Vaginal Delivery Systems: Preparation, Characterization, Antimicrobial Efficiency

In this work, Gelatin-PEG (polyethylene glycol) composite hydrogels are investigated as vaginal drug delivery vehicles, taking advantage of PEG’s improved solubility and stability as well as Gelatin’s biocompatibility and biodegradability. Using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent, hydrogels were created in different ratios (20:0, 19:1, 18:2, 17:3, 16:4). Metronidazole (MZ) was added for its antibacterial properties against E. coli. The hydrogels’ in vitro metronidazole (MZ) release behaviour was closely studied. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the MZ-loaded hydrogels was assessed against E. coli, a bacterium commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Swelling, humidity, UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TGA, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, and haemolysis tests were used for characterisation. The results showed stability, controlled swelling, thermal stability, excellent antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility. The ratio of 16:4 demonstrated the best capacity for swelling. These results establish Gelatin-PEG hydrogels as potentially effective drug delivery systems for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and other medical conditions.