This chemical is primarily used as a substrate in enzymatic assays to detect and measure the activity of neuraminidase enzymes. Neuraminidases are crucial in various biological processes, including viral replication and cell signaling. When the enzyme cleaves the substrate, it produces a colored or fluorescent product, allowing researchers to quantify enzyme activity. This makes it valuable in studying viral infections, such as influenza, where neuraminidase plays a key role. Additionally, it is employed in biochemical research to investigate carbohydrate metabolism and glycoprotein function. Its specificity and sensitivity make it a useful tool in both diagnostic and research laboratories.