Synthesis of new quaternized chitosan Schiff bases and their N-alkyl derivatives as antimicrobial and anti-biofilm retardants in membrane technology.

New quaternized salicylidene chitosan Schiff bases (QSCSBs) and their N-octyl derivatives (OQCs) have been synthesized and characterized, aiming to develop innovative antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents. This research holds immense potential, as these compounds could be utilized as anti-biofouling additives in membrane technology in the future. The synthesis involved the modification of low molecular-weight-chitosan (LMC) through simultaneous Schiff base formation and quaternization processes to create QSCSBs.