Used as a fluorescent probe to detect and quantify nucleic acids in biological samples. It selectively stains DNA and RNA, emitting different fluorescence colors—green for double-stranded DNA and red-orange for single-stranded RNA—allowing differentiation under fluorescence microscopy. Commonly applied in cell biology for viability assays, apoptosis detection, and microbial identification due to its ability to penetrate cell membranes and bind intracellular nucleic acids. Also utilized in antimicrobial research as it can intercalate into microbial DNA, inhibiting replication, showing potential for use in photodynamic therapy and as an antiseptic agent.