Widely used as a zwitterionic detergent in biochemistry and molecular biology for solubilizing and stabilizing membrane proteins. It effectively maintains protein structure and function during extraction and purification processes. Commonly employed in gel electrophoresis and chromatography techniques to enhance protein separation and analysis. Also utilized in cell lysis procedures to isolate proteins without denaturing them. Its mild nature makes it suitable for maintaining enzymatic activity in various biochemical assays.