Nucleic Acid Preservation and Extraction: Chelates Mg2+/Ca2+ to inhibit DNases/RNases; key component of TE buffer for DNA/RNA storage and purification.

Enzymatic Reaction Quenching: Stops Mg2+-dependent enzymes (e.g., polymerases, nucleases) by rapid chelation of divalent cations.

Protein Purification: Included in lysis and purification buffers to inhibit metalloproteases and prevent metal-catalyzed oxidation.

Cell Lysis and Permeabilization: Weakens Gram-negative outer membranes (e.g., E. coli) by chelating divalent cations, facilitating plasmid minipreps and periplasmic releases.

Biofilm Disruption: Destabilizes Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent biofilm matrices (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) for improved cell recovery and antimicrobial assays.

Buffer and Reagent Conditioning: Removes trace metal ions to prevent precipitation and protect metal-sensitive reagents.

Cell Culture Workflows: Used to prepare PBS-EDTA and trypsin-EDTA solutions for gentle detachment of adherent cells.

Competent Cell Preparation: Helps maintain DNA integrity and reduce nuclease activity during transformation workflows in E. coli.