TPS61170: Importance of L1 in the power supply design and alternative

I am working on project of TIDA-00626 in which this boos voltage circuitry is used to achieve 8.5V. my concern is that what is the significance of L1 in the circuit also how we can try to replace that without affecting the design. as we are not getting L1 in our local Market. L1 is ME3220-183KLB which is 18 uH and 0.7 A. can we find any subtitute for this any help will be appreciated