Used as a crosslinking agent in hydrogel formation for biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. Its functional carboxy groups allow covalent attachment to proteins or peptides, enabling the development of biocompatible networks that respond to physiological conditions. Commonly employed in controlled release formulations due to its water solubility and tunable degradation. Also utilized in modifying therapeutic agents to improve solubility, stability, and circulation time in vivo.