Used as a pH indicator in laboratory applications, particularly in gel electrophoresis to monitor the progress of DNA or RNA separation. It changes color from yellow to blue as the pH increases, typically around pH 3.0 to 4.6. Commonly added to sample buffers to visualize sample migration during agarose or polyacrylamide gel runs. Also serves as a tracking dye, allowing real-time observation of molecular movement. Its distinct color change and solubility in aqueous solutions make it suitable for use in microbiological and biochemical assays where pH monitoring is essential.