Used in biochemical research as a model compound for studying chitinase enzyme activity and chitin metabolism. Serves as a building block in the synthesis of chitooligosaccharides for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Applied in microbiology to support the growth of specific bacterial strains that utilize chitin derivatives. Investigated for its potential in developing antimicrobial agents and plant defense activators due to its role in eliciting immune responses in plants. Also employed in the development of biocompatible materials and drug delivery systems leveraging its natural origin and biodegradability.