Used primarily as an antibiotic in cell culture and microbiological applications, this compound is effective against a broad range of Gram-negative bacteria. It is commonly added to growth media to prevent bacterial contamination, especially in mammalian cell culture and genetic engineering workflows. Due to its stability and solubility, it is preferred in selection protocols involving recombinant DNA that includes beta-lactamase resistance markers. It is also used in combination with other antibiotics to maintain selective pressure in bacterial transformation experiments.