β-lactamase is widely used in medical and research fields due to its ability to break down β-lactam antibiotics. In clinical diagnostics, it is employed to detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria, helping healthcare providers choose effective treatments. In biotechnology, β-lactamase serves as a reporter gene in molecular biology experiments, enabling the study of gene expression and regulation. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of β-lactamase inhibitors, which are combined with antibiotics to enhance their efficacy against resistant bacterial strains. This enzyme also plays a role in environmental studies, where it helps assess the spread of antibiotic resistance in various ecosystems.