1,2-Dioctanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate (sodium salt) is primarily used in research and development within the field of lipid biochemistry. It serves as a synthetic phospholipid analog, aiding in the study of lipid membranes and their interactions with proteins or other biomolecules. Its application extends to investigating enzymatic activities, particularly those involving phospholipases and kinases, which are crucial in cellular signaling pathways. Additionally, it is employed in the formulation of lipid-based drug delivery systems, where its amphiphilic nature helps in stabilizing emulsions or liposomes for targeted therapeutic delivery. In biophysical studies, it is used to model membrane dynamics and phase behavior, providing insights into the structural and functional properties of biological membranes.