Used in glycoscience research to study cell surface interactions and pathogen recognition, particularly in the investigation of sialic acid-binding proteins involved in viral infections such as influenza. Serves as a ligand in assays analyzing selectin-mediated cell adhesion, which plays a role in immune response and cancer metastasis. Also employed in the development of glycan arrays for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate-protein interactions. It binds specifically to proteins such as antibodies or lectins that recognize the α(2-6) sialyl linkage structure. Additionally, used as a standard in analyses with techniques like spectroscopy or chromatography in glycobiology research. Its ethylamine linker allows for easy immobilization onto solid supports like biosensors or microplates, enhancing its utility in diagnostic and therapeutic research, including vaccine design and infection inhibitors.