This compound is widely used in glycobiology research to study cell surface interactions and signaling pathways. It serves as a critical tool for investigating the role of sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates in cellular communication, immune responses, and pathogen recognition. In vaccine development, it is employed as a synthetic antigen to mimic natural glycan structures, aiding in the design of immunogens targeting specific pathogens. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of diagnostic assays to detect and characterize glycan-binding proteins, such as lectins and antibodies, which play a role in disease mechanisms. Its application extends to drug discovery, where it is used to screen for inhibitors of glycan-mediated processes, offering potential therapeutic avenues for infections, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.