Used as a fluorescent probe in biochemical research to study protein interactions and conformational changes. It binds to hydrophobic regions of proteins, enhancing fluorescence and allowing detection of structural alterations. Commonly applied in fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy for analyzing protein folding, aggregation (including amyloid fibrils associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's), and binding dynamics. Also utilized in environmental studies to monitor hydrophobic pollutants in water systems. Its sensitivity to polarity changes makes it valuable in assessing membrane integrity and lipid-protein interactions.