Uses of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid As Chemical Buffer

EDTA chemical chelator binds to bacteria and heavy metals.molecules of the chemical formula image by Oleg Verbitsky from Fotolia.com

The special characteristics of chemical chelators and buffers, like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, are useful as common agents that remove heavy metals and debris. At higher concentrations, EDTA can bind to particular substances, from macromolecules to charged ions in solution. In this way, EDTA can separate unwanted particles from substances and solutions. EDTA can remove toxic heavy metals. The EDTA buffer acts as a general antimicrobial, disinfecting, decontaminating agent. An EDTA solution in water acts as a mild antibacterial agent for common cleaning.

Antimicrobial Advantages of EDTA

EDTA acts as a general antimicrobial, antibacterial agent. EDTA shows considerable strength in binding to both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. An aqueous solution can disinfect the skin and soiled laundry. It can help to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens in the home on nearly every surface, including the synthetic non-wooden materials of kitchen, bathroom, table counters and furniture.

The general antibacterial activity of the EDTA buffer allows it to serve as a mild disinfectant. The separation capacity of EDTA can remove unnecessary compounds, macromolecules and ions from solids, mixtures and solutions. That is, EDTA can bind to bacteria, microbial pathogens, germs, unwanted enzymes, proteins, organic and inorganic debris. Its binding to these substances allows for the moderate disinfectant activity.

The sequestering activity of EDTA can remove organic and inorganic debris. EDTA can strongly bind to proteins, enzymes, bacteria, microbes and pathogens. EDTA alleviates the toxicity of several types of these solid mixtures and solutions. It can bind to and dissolve solid organic aggregates. It can dissolve unwanted solid debris from surfaces. Moreover, EDTA can separate toxic, heavy metals from compounds, solids and solutions. The EDTA buffer chelates heavy metals such as iron, copper, lead, mercury, zinc, magnesium, chromium, cobalt, manganese and calcium. When these heavy metals are in excess concentration, EDTA sequesters them from solids and solutions, and in effect prevents contamination.

EDTA chelates to harmful chemical radicals in aqueous solution and can be used to prevent free radicals from affecting the skin as it acquires a suntan. It can bind to potential radicals previously found in older models of refrigerators.