C12FDG is widely used in biological research as a fluorescent substrate for detecting β-galactosidase activity. It is particularly valuable in studies involving gene expression, where β-galactosidase is used as a reporter enzyme. When C12FDG is cleaved by β-galactosidase, it releases a fluorescent product, allowing researchers to visualize and quantify enzyme activity in cells or tissues. This property makes it a useful tool in cell biology, microbiology, and molecular genetics for tracking gene expression patterns, studying cellular processes, and screening for genetic modifications. Its lipophilic nature also enables efficient uptake into cells, enhancing its effectiveness in live-cell imaging applications.