Dextran sulfates are widely used in biomedical and laboratory applications due to their anticoagulant and polyanionic properties. They are commonly employed in cell culture studies to modulate cell adhesion and to induce experimental models of inflammation, particularly in research related to colitis. In molecular biology, dextran sulfates are used to promote hybridization in nucleic acid techniques such as in situ hybridization and blotting, where they help increase the efficiency of probe binding. They also serve as stabilizing agents in some diagnostic formulations and are explored for their antiviral activity, particularly in topical microbicides. Additionally, due to their negative charge and biocompatibility, they are investigated in drug delivery systems for controlled release and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.