The synthesis and antioxidant activity of the Schiff bases of chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan

Five kinds of Schiff bases of chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) have been prepared according to a previous method and the antioxidant activity was studied using an established system, such as superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging. Obvious differences between the Schiff bases of chitosan and CMCTS were observed, which might be related to contents of the active hydroxyl and amino groups in the molecular chains.

The Schiff bases of chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) were synthesized and their antioxidant activity was assessed using an established system. The Schiff bases of chitosan and CMCTS have different scavenging ability on superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, which could be related to contents of the active hydroxyl and amino groups.