Used in protein stabilization, especially in marine organisms, to counteract the denaturing effects of high pressure and urea in cells. Commonly found in deep-sea fish and sharks, it helps maintain proper protein folding and enzyme function under extreme conditions.

In research, it is applied to study protein structure and folding mechanisms. It can reverse the denaturing effects of chemicals like urea on proteins in vitro.

Also investigated for its role in cardiovascular health, as elevated TMAO levels—produced when gut microbiota convert dietary precursors (from seafood and red meat) into trimethylamine, which the liver then oxidizes to TMAO—are associated with increased risk of heart disease.

Used in biotechnology to improve solubility and stability of recombinant proteins during purification and storage.