D-lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of D-lactic acid. It is widely used in clinical diagnostics to measure D-lactate levels in blood, which is essential for diagnosing conditions like D-lactic acidosis, a rare metabolic disorder often seen in patients with short bowel syndrome. In biotechnology, this enzyme is employed in the production of D-lactic acid, a key component in the synthesis of biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA). Additionally, it is utilized in research to study anaerobic metabolism in microorganisms, particularly in the context of fermentation processes. Its application extends to the food industry, where it helps in monitoring and controlling fermentation processes to ensure product quality and safety.