Development of Antibiotic-Protected Antimicrobial Tetracycline-Loaded GU (Guar Gum) Gel for Long-Term Storage

Gels are widely used in our everyday lives, spanning personal care, cosmetics, oral care, food and beverages, household products, medical supplies, electronics, and arts and crafts. Their adaptable characteristics contribute to improved product performance, user satisfaction, and overall convenience. However, generation of microbial invasion is a common obstacle observed on gels and its formulations. Antibiotic loaded on gels is a better alternative to chemical-based preservative for long-term storage of gels. In this research, the gel was fabricated with two different components with guar gum (GU) and tetracycline (TC) and its antimicrobial ability was tested over a period of time. We conducted morphological analyses that revealed a solid and rough surface on both GU and reduced sign of microbial attack on TC/GU-based gels. Identification of functional groups is observed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy that confirms the gel is well hydrated and make it suitable to deliver antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial ability performed by antibiotics was tested using disc diffusion method. The unloaded GU gel does not exhibit an observed antimicrobial property, whereas GU/TC gel reveals a better antibacterial efficiency on S. aureus compared to E. coli. Our findings suggest that GU/TC gel can effectively safeguard gels from microbial attacks during long-term storage. Furthermore, this GU/TC gel can be used as a drug transport system for bioactive agents in biomedical applications.