Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) binds divalent cations and serves as a chelator for calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions during trypsin-dependent dissociation of cells and tissues. The binding of Ca and Mg weakens cell-cell contacts and increases the enzymatic activity of trypsin. EDTA is also used in diagnostic medicine as a calcium buffer in the anticoagulation of blood samples (EDTA blood) or to block metalloproteases, which require divalent cations for their activity.
For our product, EDTA was dissolved in PBS at a 1 % w/v concentration. The solution contains no magnesium or calcium ions.