This chemical is widely used in glycobiology research to study the structure and function of sialylated glycoproteins. It plays a crucial role in understanding cell-cell interactions, immune responses, and pathogen recognition mechanisms. In vaccine development, it is utilized to design glycoconjugate vaccines that target specific sialic acid receptors on pathogens. Additionally, it is employed in the development of diagnostic tools for detecting diseases associated with abnormal glycosylation patterns, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Its application extends to the study of viral infections, as many viruses, including influenza, bind to sialic acid residues on host cells. In biotechnology, it is used to engineer glycoproteins with enhanced therapeutic properties, such as improved stability and targeting efficiency.