Used as a pH indicator in laboratory applications, particularly in gel electrophoresis to monitor the progress of DNA, RNA, or protein migration. It provides a visible blue color that helps track the movement of samples through the gel. Also serves as a tracking dye due to its distinct color and consistent migration rate in agarose and polyacrylamide gels. Commonly included in sample loading buffers to ensure even loading and to visualize buffer front during electrophoresis.