Adonitol is primarily used in microbiological research as a carbohydrate source to differentiate and identify bacterial species. It serves as a substrate in various biochemical tests, helping to determine the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms. In clinical diagnostics, it aids in distinguishing between different strains of bacteria based on their ability to ferment or utilize adonitol. Additionally, it is utilized in the study of metabolic pathways and enzyme activities in microbial systems. Adonitol also finds application in the development of culture media for selective growth and isolation of specific microorganisms.