Dextran sulfate sodium salt is widely used in biomedical research due to its ability to mimic certain disease conditions. It is commonly employed to induce colitis in animal models, helping researchers study inflammatory bowel diseases and test potential treatments. Its polyanionic nature makes it useful in cell culture applications, where it can inhibit viral replication by binding to viral particles. Additionally, it is utilized in chromatography as a ligand for purifying proteins and nucleic acids, leveraging its affinity for specific biomolecules. In clinical diagnostics, it acts as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes, preventing clot formation during sample processing. Its versatility and effectiveness in these applications make it a valuable tool in both research and medical settings.