Novel Chitosan-Based Schiff Base Compounds: Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology

Background:

• Chitosan (CS) and its derivatives are recognized for biocompatibility and broad-spectrum activities.
• There is a continuous need for novel antimicrobial agents with improved efficacy and solubility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel chitosan Schiff bases (CSSB).
• To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of CSSB against key bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Chitin (Cn) extracted from Astacus leptodactylus was deacetylated to obtain CS.
• CS reacted with 4-(2-chloroethyl) benzaldehyde (aldehyde-1) and 4-(bromoethyl) benzaldehyde (aldehyde-2) to synthesize CSSB-1 and CSSB-2.
• Characterization involved elemental analysis, GPC, FTIR, TG, and DSC.

Main Results:

• The synthesized CSSB compounds exhibited significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans.
• Increased antimicrobial efficacy correlated with improved solubility of CSSB compared to unmodified CS.
• Characterization confirmed the successful synthesis and structural integrity of the novel chitosan derivatives.

Conclusions:

• Novel chitosan Schiff bases (CSSB) possess potent antimicrobial properties.
• The enhanced activity and solubility of CSSB present promising opportunities for antimicrobial applications.
• CSSB can be considered for use in food preservation, cosmetics, and material restoration to prevent microbial contamination.