DL-TBOA is primarily utilized in neuroscience research as a potent inhibitor of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), particularly EAAT1 and EAAT2. By blocking these transporters, it prevents the reuptake of glutamate, a key excitatory neurotransmitter, in the brain. This action is crucial for studying the role of glutamate in synaptic transmission and its involvement in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers use DL-TBOA to induce elevated extracellular glutamate levels, allowing them to investigate excitotoxicity, synaptic plasticity, and the mechanisms underlying glutamate-related pathologies. Its application extends to in vitro and in vivo experiments, providing insights into the development of therapeutic strategies targeting glutamate dysregulation.