Flavinantine is primarily used in biochemical research as a fluorescent probe due to its strong emission properties under UV light. It is employed to study protein interactions and enzyme activity, especially in assays involving redox reactions. Its ability to mimic natural cofactors makes it useful in monitoring metabolic pathways in live cells. Flavinantine also finds application in the development of biosensors, where it helps detect changes in cellular oxidation states. Additionally, it is utilized in photodynamic therapy research for its light-sensitive characteristics, showing potential in targeted cell inactivation.