Tetrachyrin is primarily used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to its strong light absorption and ability to generate reactive oxygen species when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. It acts as a photosensitizer, targeting abnormal or cancerous cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Its application is especially valuable in treating certain skin, lung, and bladder cancers.

In addition, Tetrachyrin shows promise in antimicrobial applications, where it can be activated by light to destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it useful for surface sterilization and treatment of localized infections.

It is also explored in environmental applications, such as the degradation of organic pollutants through photocatalytic processes, where it helps break down harmful substances in water and air under light exposure.