Biopolymers have become very popular; because they are biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, and
renewable. As a result of its intrinsic reactive amino groups, chitosan stands out among other
biopolymers. Chemical reactions have been used to modify chitosan using these amino groups to
accomplish a variety of structural modifications. The imine functionalization of chitosan, CSBs (chitosanbased
Schiff bases) are recommended for essential practice in water treatment, catalysis, bioscience,
sensors, etc. CSBs are prepared by condensation reaction between carbonyl compounds and chitosans
amino groups. This review first introduces the synthesis of different types of Schiff base ligands and then
CSBs. Then the biological utilization of CSBs, including their tissue engineering capabilities,
antimicrobial, antibacterial, anticancer, drug-carrying, and antioxidant are discussed. Later, CSBs are
shown to be applied to catalysis, adsorption, and sensors.
Keywords: Biopolymers; Chitosan; Polysaccharide; Schiff Base;