Agarose is widely used in molecular biology for gel electrophoresis, a technique that separates DNA, RNA, and proteins based on their size. It forms a porous matrix when dissolved in water and then cooled, allowing molecules to migrate through the gel under an electric field. This makes it essential for analyzing nucleic acids and proteins in research and diagnostics.

In microbiology, agarose is used to create solid growth media for culturing bacteria and other microorganisms. Its ability to form a stable gel at low concentrations provides an ideal environment for microbial growth.

Additionally, agarose is employed in chromatography for purifying biomolecules. Its high porosity and low non-specific binding make it suitable for separating and isolating proteins, nucleic acids, and other macromolecules.

In biotechnology, agarose is used in techniques like immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis to study antigen-antibody interactions. It is also a key component in creating microcapsules for drug delivery systems.

Overall, agarose is a versatile material with critical applications in research, diagnostics, and biotechnology.