Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

EDTA has been used:

• as a medium supplement in embryo culture using synthetic oviduct fluid culture 1 (SOFC1) medium
• in incubation of EpCAM+ cells with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated antibody for cell sorting analysis
• in pre-treatment of single cell suspension of dendritic cells from spleen for cell sorting with magnetic beads

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a substituted diamine and a versatile compound in household with industrial applications. EDTA chelates metal divalent cations like calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese by forming metal-EDTA complexes. It finds its application in cleaning products and detergent formulations. In paper and pulp industries, EDTA reduces the adverse effect of metal ions on bleaching. It functions as an antibacterial agent by removing calcium and magnesium divalent cations from the outer membrane and causes loss of lipopolysaccharide from the membrane, making the bacteria susceptible to bactericidal agents. Free EDTA has adverse effect on reproduction and development in mammals. EDTA can chelate ions from deposits that contribute to atherosclerosis, cancers and heart diseases. It can help to overcome cell membrane injury by reducing radical reactions and oxidation processes. It binds to calcium and reduces the risk of hypercalcinemia in cancer patients. Transmembrane ammonium EDTA gradient method aids in drug delivery, increasing drug retention and efficacy of therapeutics and lowers the cytotoxicity levels.