Kanamycin sulfate is widely used in microbiology and molecular biology as an antibiotic to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It is particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria and is often added to cell culture media to prevent contamination. In research, it serves as a selective agent in the cultivation of genetically modified organisms, where it helps ensure that only cells containing the desired antibiotic resistance gene survive. Additionally, it is utilized in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections in animals. Its application in medicine includes treating serious infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria, although its use is limited due to potential side effects like ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.