NBDHEX is primarily used in biomedical research as a fluorescent probe and a modulator of cellular processes. Its strong fluorescence properties make it valuable for imaging applications, particularly in tracking molecular interactions within cells. It is commonly employed to study protein dynamics and localization in live-cell imaging due to its high photostability and distinct emission spectrum.

One of the key applications of NBDHEX is its role as a glutathione S-transferase (GST) inhibitor. By targeting GST enzymes, it helps researchers investigate drug resistance mechanisms in cancer cells, especially in tumors that overexpress GST, which can contribute to chemotherapy failure. This inhibitory action also makes NBDHEX a useful tool in apoptosis studies, as it can trigger cell death pathways in certain cancer cell lines.

Additionally, NBDHEX is used in the development and testing of novel anticancer agents. Its ability to induce oxidative stress and disrupt redox balance in cells allows scientists to model cellular responses to stress and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies. Due to its cell-penetrating ability and specific intracellular targets, NBDHEX serves as a scaffold in designing hybrid molecules for targeted cancer therapy.