Z-β-Ala-OH is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a building block for creating specific peptide sequences. It is particularly valuable in the development of bioactive peptides and peptidomimetics, where its unique structure helps in mimicking natural peptides or enhancing stability. This compound is also employed in the study of enzyme mechanisms and protein interactions, as it can be incorporated into peptide chains to analyze their behavior. Additionally, it finds applications in the pharmaceutical industry for designing drug candidates with improved pharmacokinetic properties. Its role in research extends to the development of novel therapeutic agents targeting various diseases.