Composite HPMC-Gelatin Films Loaded with Cameroonian and Manuka Honeys Show Antibacterial and Functional Wound Dressing Properties

Antimicrobial resistance in infected chronic wounds present significant risk of complications (e.g., amputations, fatalities). This research aimed to formulate honey-loaded hydrocolloid film comprising gelatin and HPMC, for potential treatment of infected chronic wounds. Honeys from different sources (Cameroonian and Manuka) were used as the bioactive ingredients and their functional characteristics evaluated and compared. The formulated solvent cast films were functionally characterized for tensile, mucoadhesion and moisture handling properties. The morphology and physical characteristics of the films were also analyzed using FTIR, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed to study the inhibition of <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> by honey components released from the films. The % elongation values (8.42-40.47%) increased, elastic modulus (30.74-0.62 Nmm) decreased, the stickiness (mucoadhesion) (0.9-1.9 N) increased, equilibrium water content (32.9-72.0%) and water vapor transmission rate (900-298 gm² day^-1) generally decreased, while zones of inhibition (2.4-6.5 mm) increased with increasing honey concentration for 1 and 5% <i>w</i>/<i>v</i>, respectively. The results generally showed similar performance for the different honeys and demonstrate the efficacy of honey-loaded hydrocolloid films as potential wound dressing against bacterial growth and potential treatment of infected chronic wounds.