Used as a key reagent in glycoengineering and synthesis of sialylated glycoconjugates, which are important in cell signaling, immune response modulation, and pathogen recognition. Commonly employed in enzymatic reactions with sialyltransferases to attach sialic acid residues to oligosaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. Plays a role in the production of biotherapeutics where proper glycosylation affects stability, solubility, and biological activity. Also utilized in research on sialic acid metabolism, particularly in studies related to neurological development and genetic disorders involving sialylation.