Amino acid hydroxamates, such as DL-serine hydroxamate, are primarily utilized in biochemical and pharmaceutical research due to their ability to chelate metal ions. This property makes them valuable in studying enzyme inhibition, particularly for metalloenzymes, where they can act as competitive inhibitors. They are also employed in the development of therapeutic agents targeting diseases related to metal ion dysregulation, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, DL-serine hydroxamate is used in agricultural research to explore its potential as a growth regulator or in pest control, leveraging its interaction with biological systems.