Yep, I’m reading this John. I had to have a good look around to see how glycerol (glycerine is the same thing, but glycerol is the “proper” name). works before I could answer. I may not be completely correct, but in essence glycerol works as a humectant, keeping things moist by attracting water through its hygroscopic properties. It therefore maintains the moisture content of the plant material, stopping it from drying out and therefore not allowing the cellulose component to become brittle.
What has probably happened with your stored solutions is that they have been in a damp environment and are no longer hydroscopic? Not sure why yours became mouldy though Neil, glycerol has anti microbial and antiviral properties?