Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of nylon-8, a polyamide with applications in specialty plastics and fibers. Its amino and carboxylic acid functionality allows it to act as a building block in peptide-like polymers and other functional materials. Commonly employed in research for developing biodegradable polymers and drug delivery systems due to its ability to form amide bonds and biocompatible structures. Also utilized in the preparation of surfactants and surface modifiers where controlled chain length and polarity are required.