Coordination compounds of Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with the Schiff base obtained through the condensation of L1 and L2 (L1 – obtained through the condensation of 4-aminoantipyrine with furfuraldehyde and L2 – derived from 2-aminobenzothiazole and 3-nitrobenzaldehyde) were synthesized under reflux conditions. The newly formed complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, 1H NMR, UV–Vis., IR and ESR techniques. Cyclic voltammogram of the complexes in DMSO solution at 300 K was recorded and their salient features were summarized. The X-band ESR spectrum of the copper complex in DMSO solution at 300 and 77 K was recorded. The in vitro biological screening of the investigated compounds was tested against the bacterial species, and fungal species by disc diffusion method. The antimicrobial activity of metal complexes was dependent on the microbial species tested, ligand and the metal salts used. A comparative study of inhibition values of Schiff bases and their complexes indicates that the complexes exhibit higher antimicrobial activity than the free ligands. The DNA binding studies were performed for the complexes using cyclic voltammetry and electronic absorption spectra. Superoxide dismutase activity of these complexes has also been examined.