Used in research settings as a non-proteinogenic amino acid analog to study amino acid metabolism and transport mechanisms. It serves as a building block in the synthesis of peptides with modified biological activity, particularly in developing enzyme inhibitors or probes for biochemical assays. Its structural similarity to natural amino acids allows incorporation into peptide chains to alter stability, conformation, or receptor binding properties. Also utilized in the design of novel therapeutic agents where controlled hydrophobicity or resistance to degradation is required.