Recent Applications of Schiff Bases in Biomedical Sciences

Abstract

Schiff base compounds exhibit multidimensional application potential in the biomedical field due to their unique imine bond (C〓N) structure and modifiability. This chapter systematically reviews the research progress of Schiff bases and their metal complexes in antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antitumor applications , as well as drug delivery and sensing/imaging. Structural design optimization strategies, such as introducing functional groups, metal coordination, and hybrid-ization with natural products, significantly enhance their bioactivity and targeting specificity. These advancements have not only elucidated the dynamic reversible nature of imine bonds and the molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of metal coordination, laid a solid interdisciplinary theoretical foundation for developing environmentally responsive smart theranostic systems, but also provide theoretical foundations and technical references for the molecular design and inter-disciplinary applications of Schiff bases.