Used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment, where it accumulates preferentially in tumor tissues and, upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light, produces reactive oxygen species that destroy cancer cells. Also serves as a precursor in heme biosynthesis, making it valuable in studying metabolic disorders related to heme production. Applied in fluorescence imaging due to its strong red fluorescence, enabling visualization of cellular structures and detection of malignant tissues during surgery. Investigated for use in biosensors and in the development of light-activated antimicrobial agents targeting drug-resistant pathogens.