Used in biochemical research to study carbohydrate metabolism and enzyme activity, particularly in the analysis of amylases and other starch-degrading enzymes. Serves as a substrate in diagnostic assays for detecting enzyme function in clinical and industrial settings. Also utilized in the development of oligosaccharide-based standards for chromatography and electrophoresis. Plays a role in prebiotic studies due to its potential to influence gut microbiota when used in nutritional research.