High-Throughput Miniaturized Biotransformation Testing Using Activated Sludge Enables Rapid Chemical Persistence...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Microbiology

Background:

• Chemical development poses risks to human and ecosystem health.
• Safe-by-design (SSbD) approaches and regulatory frameworks necessitate efficient chemical assessment tools.
• Existing persistence tests are time-consuming and resource-intensive, hindering early-stage development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a miniaturized, high-throughput biotransformation assay for environmental persistence assessment.
• To support the principles of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) in chemical development.

Main Methods:

• A miniaturized biotransformation assay was developed using municipal activated sludge.
• The assay was validated using 33 pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
• Biotransformation rate constants were correlated with large-volume control tests.

Main Results:

• The assay demonstrated strong correlation with large-volume controls (R² > 0.84).
• Consistent biotransformation rankings were observed across different conditions (Spearman correlations > 0.8).
• The test requires minimal sample volume (2 mL) and provides data within 48 hours.

Conclusions:

• The miniaturized assay is a rapid and reliable method for assessing chemical persistence.
• This tool enables early-stage persistence assessment, directly supporting SSbD principles.
• The assay's design is suitable for automation and integration into chemical design workflows.