Transition metal complexes of symmetrical and asymmetrical Schiff bases as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer agents: progress and prospects

Abstract

AbstractThe huge research on Schiff base coordination complexes in the past few decades has given rise to several new molecules that have been of biological importance. The ease with which the Schiff base ligands are designed and prepared and their pattern is elucidated have made them to be referred to as “fortunate ligands” possessing azomethine derivatives, the C=N linkage that is essential for biological activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, and diuretic activities. A variety of Schiff base and its complexes have been studied as model molecules for biological oxygen carrier systems. The uses of Schiff bases as DNA-cleaving agents and its mode of interaction and free-radical scavenging properties are described. The review encapsulates the applications of Schiff bases and their complexes.