Cationic schiff base amphiphiles and their metal complexes: Surface and biocidal activities against bacteria and fungi

A series of cationic surfactants containing schiff base groups was synthesized by condensation of four fatty amines namely: dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl and octadecyl amine and 4-diethyl aminobenzaldehyde (1–4), as well as their metal complexes with divalent transition metal ions including Co, Cu and Mn (5–16). The surface activities of the synthesized surfactants were influenced by their chemical structures and the type of the transition metals. The biological activity measurements of the parent cationic schiff bases showed high efficacy against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains and fungi. While on complexation, the biocidal activity was increased remarkably. The biocidal activity of the tested compounds against sulfur reducing bacteria showed promising results in the field of biocide applications.