This chemical is widely used in biological research as a fluorescent probe for monitoring membrane potential in living cells. Its ability to distribute across cell membranes based on the membrane potential makes it a valuable tool for studying cellular physiology, particularly in neurons and other electrically active cells. The compound exhibits a shift in fluorescence intensity or wavelength depending on the membrane potential, allowing researchers to visualize and quantify changes in real-time. It is also employed in drug discovery and toxicology studies to assess the impact of compounds on cellular health and membrane integrity. Additionally, it has applications in flow cytometry and microscopy for analyzing cell populations and their responses to various stimuli.