This chemical is widely used as a fluorescent probe in biological research, particularly for studying membrane potential in cells. Its ability to distribute across cell membranes based on the membrane potential makes it a valuable tool for monitoring changes in cellular activity. It is often employed in experiments involving mitochondria, neurons, and other electrically active cells to visualize and measure electrical gradients. Additionally, it is utilized in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry to assess cell viability and apoptosis, providing insights into cellular health and function. Its sensitivity to membrane potential changes also makes it useful in drug screening assays to evaluate the effects of compounds on cellular electrophysiology.