Used in biochemical research as a peptide mimic and enzyme inhibitor, particularly in studies involving proteases and peptidases. Its structure allows it to interact with active sites of enzymes that recognize branched-chain amino acids, making it valuable in the development of metabolic pathway inhibitors. Also employed in the synthesis of modified peptides for drug design, where its stereochemistry supports high specificity in binding. Shows potential in the study of amino acid transport systems and in designing antimicrobial or antitumor agents due to its ability to disrupt protein metabolism in targeted cells.