A tunable antimicrobial-loaded hydrogel formulation has a mechanical strength can be altered by changing the salt composition. The hydrogel formulation is preferably a Gellan film. The ion concentration in the gel material may be altered to obtain the desired gel strength. The hydrogel formulation is layered directly upon a skin area such as burnt skin. The hydrogel formulation includes a dosage of free antibiotic, such as the antibiotic is preferably vancomycin, for rapid release. The hydrogel formulation also includes microparticles and/or nanoparticles such as activated carbon powder that has adsorbed additional antibiotic. The particles are used to aid in attaining a timely or sustained release of the antibiotic drug.
