Thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid is primarily utilized in the field of biochemistry and pharmaceuticals due to its role as a precursor in the synthesis of various bioactive compounds. It is often employed in the production of thiazolidine derivatives, which exhibit significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These derivatives are explored for their potential in treating conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and microbial infections. Additionally, it serves as a building block in peptide synthesis, particularly in the development of modified peptides with enhanced stability and biological activity. Its chelating properties also make it useful in metal ion sequestration and detoxification processes.