Used extensively in biochemical research as a substrate for studying enzyme activity, particularly for glycosidases. It helps in identifying and characterizing enzymes that break down glycosidic bonds. In microbiology, it aids in understanding bacterial metabolism and enzyme kinetics. It is also employed in diagnostic assays to detect enzyme deficiencies or abnormalities. Additionally, it serves as a tool in synthetic chemistry for developing glycosylation reactions and studying carbohydrate-protein interactions. Its applications extend to pharmaceutical research, where it assists in designing enzyme inhibitors or therapeutic agents targeting glycosidase-related diseases.