High-Throughput Measurement of Biodegradation Rates Using the Clear-Zone Assay

Plastic pollution has become a major concern, driving the search for biodegradable-polymer alternatives. Existing standards for measuring biodegradation are often costly, are time-consuming, and lack reproducibility between different laboratories. Previous research demonstrated the development of a new cost- and time-efficient biodegradation test based on the clear-zone assay, enabling polymers to be rapidly classified as biodegradable or nonbiodegradable. This work builds upon that assay, addressing challenges in improving automation, signal-to-noise, and analytical methods to enable a more quantitative comparison between materials and meaningful extraction of biodegradation rates. The sample preparation process was modified to ensure uniform particle size distribution, and changes in sample preparation, data processing, and analysis improved output data accuracy. The design of a fully automated biodegradation monitoring system that runs inside an incubator increased the reproducibility and reliability of data acquisition. These modifications enhance the high-throughput biodegradation assay, enabling an improved accuracy.