Used in the synthesis of functional polymers and dendrimers due to its thiol and carboxylic acid groups, enabling conjugation and cross-linking in drug delivery systems. Employed in surface modification of nanoparticles, especially gold nanoparticles, where the thiol group provides strong anchoring and the carboxylic acid allows further chemical attachment. Serves as a building block in peptide chemistry and bioconjugation for introducing thiol handles. Also applied in the development of biosensors and hydrogels where controlled reactivity and biocompatibility are required.