Used as a non-ionic surfactant in biochemical and biotechnological applications, particularly in electrophoresis and membrane washing steps. Commonly employed in Western blotting to block nonspecific binding sites and reduce background noise. Also utilized in cell lysis buffers to solubilize membrane proteins while maintaining protein stability. Its mild detergent properties make it suitable for use in enzyme assays and immunoassays where preservation of protein function is critical. Widely applied in pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetic products as an emulsifier and stabilizer.