Six novel Ln(III) Schiff base complexes were synthesized using rare earth metals with threonine and 5-bromosalicylaldehyde, namely Pr(III), Sm(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Er(III) and Yb(III) Schiff bases. These complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductivity, Fourier transform infrared and UV-visible spectroscopies, and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis. The general formula of the complexes is [Ln(L)(NO 3 ) 2 (H 2 O)].NO 3 (L = Schiff base ligand). The spectroscopic data reveal that the Schiff base ligand behaves as a tridentate ligand with ONO donor atoms sequencing towards the central metal ion. An investigation of fluorescence properties of the Sm(III), Er(III) and Tb(III) complexes shows that the Ln(III) ions can be sensitized efficiently by the ligand to some extent. Antimicrobial activity testing indicates that all six complexes exhibit antibacterial and antifungal ability against microbes with broad antimicrobial spectra. In addition, the antioxidant properties of the complexes were also screened.