Dextran sulfate sodium salt is widely used in biochemical and medical research due to its unique properties. It is commonly employed as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes, helping to prevent clotting during sample processing. In cell culture, it is utilized to mimic inflammatory conditions by inducing the release of cytokines, making it valuable for studying immune responses and inflammation-related diseases.

Additionally, it is used in molecular biology as a co-precipitant for DNA and RNA isolation, enhancing the efficiency of nucleic acid recovery. In drug delivery systems, dextran sulfate sodium salt serves as a carrier for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, particularly in cancer treatment. Its ability to bind to proteins and other molecules also makes it useful in chromatography for purification processes. Furthermore, it is a key component in experimental models of colitis, where it is administered to induce intestinal inflammation in animals for studying inflammatory bowel disease mechanisms and potential treatments.