Coniferaldehyde is primarily used in the field of lignin chemistry and plant biology research. It serves as a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of lignin, making it valuable for studying cell wall formation in plants. Due to its role as a monolignol, it is utilized in enzymatic and metabolic pathway studies to understand lignification processes.

In synthetic biology and bioengineering, coniferaldehyde is employed to develop lignin-modified biomass, which can improve the efficiency of biofuel production by enhancing the digestibility of plant material. It is also used in the development of biobased polymers and resins, where its reactive aldehyde group allows for chemical modifications to create novel materials with tailored properties.

Additionally, coniferaldehyde exhibits antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, leading to its investigation in pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications. It acts as a building block in the synthesis of more complex natural products and flavor compounds, particularly in the fragrance and food industries.