Used primarily as a fluorescent labeling reagent in biochemical research, it reacts with amino acids, peptides, and proteins to create highly fluorescent derivatives. This property makes it valuable for detecting and quantifying these biomolecules in various analytical techniques, such as chromatography and electrophoresis. Additionally, it is employed in studying enzyme activity and protein structure due to its sensitivity and specificity. Its application extends to fluorescence microscopy, where it aids in visualizing cellular components and processes.