Used as a chelating agent in metal ion coordination, particularly effective in binding heavy metals due to the presence of multiple functional groups including amino and thiol groups. Its structure allows it to form stable complexes with transition metals, making it useful in analytical chemistry for metal detection and removal. Also investigated for potential applications in pharmaceuticals as a building block in the synthesis of metal-binding drugs or antioxidants. Additionally, it may serve as a precursor in the development of peptides with enhanced metal scavenging properties.