Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate is primarily used as a reducing agent in biochemical and molecular biology applications. It helps maintain the stability of proteins by preventing the oxidation of thiol groups, ensuring proper folding and function. In protein purification processes, it is often employed to break disulfide bonds, facilitating the separation and analysis of protein structures. Additionally, it is utilized in cell culture media to protect cells from oxidative stress, enhancing cell viability and growth. Its ability to act as a free radical scavenger also makes it valuable in various research and industrial applications where oxidation control is critical.