Used in photodynamic therapy research due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species when exposed to light. It serves as a photosensitizer in experimental cancer treatments, particularly in targeting tumor cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Also employed as a fluorescent probe in biochemical assays to study heme metabolism and porphyrin-related disorders. Its distinct optical properties make it useful in spectroscopic studies and development of diagnostic tools for detecting abnormal cell growth. Suitable for comparative studies of porphyrin family efficacy in biological systems and development of light-activated treatments for other conditions, such as skin diseases or certain microbial infections.