Dextran sulfate sodium salt is widely used in biochemical and medical research due to its ability to mimic certain biological processes. It is commonly employed to induce colitis in animal models, helping researchers study inflammatory bowel diseases and test potential treatments. In molecular biology, it serves as a co-precipitant in nucleic acid isolation, enhancing the efficiency of DNA and RNA extraction. Additionally, it is utilized in cell culture applications to prevent cell clumping and improve the growth of specific cell types. In clinical settings, it has been explored for its anticoagulant properties, though its use in this area is limited compared to other compounds. Its ability to bind proteins and other molecules also makes it valuable in various separation and purification techniques.