Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of Schiff base of chitosan and acylated chitosan

Chitosan, a biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic polymer, is prepared from chitin, which is the second most naturally occurring biopolymer after cellulose. Schiff base of chitosan, sorbyl chitosan, and p‐aminobenzoyl chitosan were synthesized working under high‐intensity ultrasound and their antimicrobial properties were analyzed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus niger. The structures of the derivatives were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The results of antimicrobial activities indicated that the antimicrobial activities of the derivatives increased with increasing the concentration. The antibacterial activity of schiff base of chitosan against E. coli was stronger, while acylated chitosan had better inhiting effect on S. aureus than others. It was also found that the antifungal activities of the derivatives were stronger than that of chitosan, and schiff base of chitosan was obviously superior to acylated chitosan. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012