Characterization of bis-Schiff bases synthesized using ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles as catalyst, and examination of their antibacterial and in vitro cytotoxic properties

In this study, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a hydro/solvothermal method, and their structures were characterized by infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. These ZnFe2O4 NPs were used in the synthesis of new bis-Schiff bases by condensation of hydroxyl-substituted aldehydes with various aromatic diamines in aqueous media. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesized bis-Schiff bases were tested against gram-negative as well as gram-positive bacteria. The MTT method was used to assess the anticancer activity of the bis-Schiff bases towards human lung and breast cancer cell lines. The results indicated that these compounds could be considered as new anti-tumor candidates.