Widely used as a zwitterionic detergent in biochemical research, it is particularly effective in solubilizing membrane proteins without denaturing them. This property makes it invaluable in protein purification processes, where maintaining the native structure and function of proteins is crucial. It is also employed in gel electrophoresis to improve the resolution of protein bands by reducing protein aggregation. Additionally, it is utilized in cell lysis protocols to break open cells while preserving the integrity of intracellular components. Its ability to stabilize proteins and prevent nonspecific interactions further enhances its application in various immunological assays, such as ELISA and Western blotting.