Latex beads made of polystyrene are widely used in various scientific and industrial applications due to their uniform size and surface properties. In biomedical research, they serve as calibration standards for flow cytometry and microscopy, helping to ensure accurate measurements of cell size and fluorescence intensity. They are also employed in immunoassays, where they act as solid supports for attaching antibodies or antigens, facilitating the detection of specific biomolecules in diagnostic tests.

In material science, polystyrene latex beads are used as templates for creating nanostructured materials, such as photonic crystals, due to their ability to self-assemble into ordered arrays. They are also incorporated into coatings and composites to enhance properties like strength, durability, and optical characteristics.

Additionally, these beads are utilized in environmental studies as tracers to monitor water flow and contaminant transport in aquatic systems. Their versatility and consistency make them valuable tools across multiple disciplines.