These compounds exploit the advantage that the spectrum of β-D-ribofuranosidase activity in many bacteria differs from that of other glycosidases commonly used for diagnostic purposes. This difference may be used to devise new media in diagnostic microbiology. One study on the evaluation of beta-D-ribofuranosides in the differentiation of Gram-negative bacteria has been published. 

Indoxyl-β-D-ribofuranosides such as 5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl β-D-ribofuranoside (70180) are protected by US Patent 7,323,488.