SAT Question 326017ce: Transitions answer and explanation

English - Transitions - Elaboration Emphasis Or Specification
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For years, biologists have experimented with using grime-eating bacteria rather than harsh chemicals to clean artworks, and results have been impressive overall. ______ these bacterial strains—which can metabolize centuries’ worth of oil, glue, dirt, and other surface impurities without creating harmful byproducts—have proven more effective than traditional chemical cleaning methods.
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Difficulty:Medium
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?