Synthesis of chitosan-salicylaldehyde/vanillin Schiff base as antibacterial active compound on cotton fabrics

Abstract

Abstract In this study, chitosan-salicylaldehyde/vanillin was synthesis by reflux method via condensation reaction. The aim of this study was to apply the Schiff base compound to cotton fabrics and test its antibacterial activity. The chitosan-salicylaldehyde/vanillin Schiff base was applied to cotton fabrics using spray method and antibacterial activity tested using turbidimetric method. The Schiff base was achieved with formation of brownish-yellow solids. The characterization of chitosan-salicylaldehyde Schiff base showed C=N vibration at 1649.18 cm−1, the ratio of Schiff base formed was 0.403 in a yield of 56% (b/b). The treated cotton fabrics using chitosan-salicylaldehyde/vanillin Schiff base showed optimum inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus up to 69% at 6 hours and Escherichia coli up to 7% at 18 hours.