Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelates metal divalent cations like calcium, magnesium by forming metal-EDTA complexes.EDTA is used in a wide range of applications: as a buffer component in nucleic acid purification and electrophoresis, an inhibtor of enzymes like metalloproteases and nucleases, an anti-bacterial agent and in cleaning products and detergent formulations. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelates metal divalent cations like calcium, magnesium by forming metal-EDTA complexes.EDTA is used in a wide range of applications: as a buffer component in nucleic acid purification and electrophoresis, an inhibtor of enzymes like metalloproteases and nucleases, an anti-bacterial agent and in cleaning products and detergent formulations.