Xanthoplanine is primarily used in microbiological research as an antimicrobial agent, particularly effective against certain Gram-positive bacteria. It has been studied for its ability to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, making it a candidate for developing new antibiotics. Due to its specific mode of action, it is also used as a selective agent in culture media to isolate resistant strains or to suppress unwanted bacterial growth in complex microbial communities. Additionally, Xanthoplanine serves as a biochemical tool in studies related to ribosome function and antibiotic resistance mechanisms.