Commercial Substrate Research Articles

Design of experiments optimization of fluorine-doped tin oxide films prepared by spray pyrolysis for photovoltaic applications

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) have witnessed an ever-expanding use in our lives through many optoelectronic applications, namely photovoltaic (PV) devices. Indium-tin oxide (ITO) is the most used and studied TCO, but it lacks thermal and chemical stability and indium is a scarce and toxic element. Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) emerged as the most promising alternative to ITO, presenting better thermal and chemical stability. Among the numerous techniques for depositing FTO thin films over glass substrates, spray pyrolysis is the simplest and most economical, with great potential for upscaling. However, the relative importance of the experimental variables that influence the optoelectronic properties remains barely addressed. Following this premise, the present work aimed at optimizing the deposition of FTO films on soda lime glass (SLG) substrates by spray pyrolysis following a Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology. The optoelectronic properties of FTO-SLG substrates was evaluated based on their optical transmittance and sheet resistance, both combined in a figure of merit (FoM) tailored for PV applications. It was concluded that the volume of sprayed solution and the fluorine/tin ratio in the precursor have the greatest influence in the FoM, being the optimal deposition conditions a sprayed volume of 60.8 ml and a [F]/[Sn] ratio of 0.45. FTO-SLG substrates prepared with these conditions achieved a FoM of 0.680 Ω□−1/10, corresponding to a sheet resistance of 3.40 Ω□ and a transmittance equivalent to 77% of the maximum current generated in the considered spectrum. The improved FoM was validated in dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells (DSSCs and PSCs, respectively), assembled with in-house optimized and commercial substrates. The efficiency of DSSCs was improved by 8.9% (relative), whereas PSCs achieved a light-to-power efficiency of 17% (absolute), corresponding to an improvement of 4.7% (relative).

A Near-Infrared Mechanically Switchable Elastomeric Film as a Dynamic Cell Culture Substrate.

Commercial static cell culture substrates can usually not change their physical properties over time, resulting in a limited representation of the variation in biomechanical cues in vivo. To overcome this limitation, approaches incorporating gold nanoparticles to act as transducers to external stimuli have been employed. In this work, gold nanorods were embedded in an elastomeric matrix and used as photothermal transducers to fabricate biocompatible light-responsive substrates. The nanocomposite films analysed by lock-in thermography and nanoindentation show a homogeneous heat distribution and a greater stiffness when irradiated with NIR light. After irradiation, the initial stiffness values were recovered. In vitro experiments performed during NIR irradiation with NIH-3T3 fibroblasts demonstrated that these films were biocompatible and cells remained viable. Cells cultured on the light stiffened nanocomposite exhibited a greater proliferation rate and stronger focal adhesion clustering, indicating increased cell-surface binding strength.

Conditioners for raw rice husk substrate to produce strawberry transplants

The need to produce domestic strawberry transplants leads to the search for low-cost cultivation media in Brazil. Raw rice husk (CAIN) is an abundant and economical material in the south of the country. This study aimed to evaluate three substrate conditioners (35%) [carbonized rice husk (CRH), vermiculite and the commercial substrate S10®] added to RRH (65%) and their effects on growth, production and quality of strawberry transplants grown on benches with recirculation of nutrient solution, in a greenhouse. The experimental design was in causal blocks with three treatments and four replicates. Two mother plants of the Aromas cultivar were grown on each plot between November/2016 and March/2017. Transplants were classified into groups according to crown diameter (Class 1: 3.0-5.0 mm; Class 2: 5.1-8.0 mm; Class 3: >8.1 mm). Similarly, the number of leaves, leaf surface, fresh and dry mass of leaves and crowns of 10 transplants belonging to each class were evaluated. With the addition of CAC and vermiculite to the substrate, the predominance of class 2 transplants was obtained. The addition of S10 to CAIN increased the total number of transplants, as well as the number of leaf surface transplants and the dry mass of the aerial part of plants, in class 3 transplants, as well as S10 and vermiculite, provided a greater number of propagules produced.

Detection and Characterization of Nodularin by Using Label-Free Surface-Enhanced Spectroscopic Techniques.

Nodularin (NOD) is a potent toxin produced by Nodularia spumigena cyanobacteria. Usually, NOD co-exists with other microcystins in environmental waters, a class of cyanotoxins secreted by certain cyanobacteria species, which makes identification difficult in the case of mixed toxins. Herein we report a complete theoretical DFT-vibrational Raman characterization of NOD along with the experimental drop-coating deposition Raman (DCDR) technique. In addition, we used the vibrational characterization to probe SERS analysis of NOD using colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), commercial nanopatterned substrates with periodic inverted pyramids (KlariteTM substrate), hydrophobic Tienta® SpecTrimTM slides, and in-house fabricated periodic nanotrenches by nanoimprint lithography (NIL). The 532 nm excitation source provided more well-defined bands even at LOD levels, as well as the best performance in terms of SERS intensity. This was reflected by the results obtained with the KlariteTM substrate and the silver-based colloidal system, which were the most promising detection approaches, providing the lowest limits of detection. A detection limit of 8.4 × 10-8 M was achieved for NOD in solution by using AgNPs. Theoretical computation of the complex vibrational modes of NOD was used for the first time to unambiguously assign all the specific vibrational Raman bands.

Fate of antibiotic resistance genes in cultivation substrate and its association with bacterial communities throughout commercial production of Agaricus bisporus

Animal manure is an important raw material for Agaricus bisporus production; however, it is also a reservoir for antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Little is known about the influence of the commercial cultivation of A. bisporus on the dynamics of ARGs and the underlying mechanisms that cause their variations. In this study, we investigated the fate of 285 ARGs, 10 mobile genetic elements, and seven major categories of antibiotic residues in substrate and mushroom samples at different production phases. The results showed that commercial substrate preparation, particularly the pasteurization phase, was highly efficient in removing ARGs from the substrate. We further found that mycelium proliferation of A. bisporus contributed significantly to the removal of ARGs from the substrate and casing soil. The bacterial community is the key driver of changes in ARGs during the commercial cultivation of A. bisporus, which explained 46.67% of the variation in ARGs. Our results indicate that, despite the addition of animal manure, the risk of ARG dissemination to fruiting bodies and the environment is low. We propose that bioremediation by specific edible fungi might be a novel and promising method for scavenging antimicrobial resistance contamination from soil environment.

Towards enhancement of fungal hydrolytic enzyme cocktail using waste algal biomass of Oscillatoria obscura and enzyme stability investigation under the influence of iron oxide nanoparticles

Development of low-cost and economic cellulase production is among the key challenges due to its broad industrial applications. One of the main topics of research pertaining to sustainable biomass waste based biorefinaries is the development of economic cellulase production strategies. The main cause of the increase in cellulase production costs is the use of commercial substrates; as a result, the cost of any cellulase-based bioprocess can be decreased by employing a productive, low-cost substrate. The goal of the current study is to develop low-cost cellulase using the carbohydrate-rich, renewable, and widely accessible cyanobacteria algae Oscillatoria obscura as the production substrate. Maximum cellulase was produced utilising the fungus Rhizopus oryzae at substrate concentration of 7.0 g among various tested concentrations of algal biomass. Maximum production rates of 22 IU/gds FP, 105 IU/gds BGL, and 116 IU/gds EG in 72 h were possible under optimal conditions and substrate concentration. Further investigations on the crude enzyme's stability in the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) revealed that it was thermally stable at 60 °C for up to 8 h. Additionally, the crude enzyme demonstrated pH stability by maintaining its complete activity at pH 6.0 for 8 h in the presence of the optimal dose of 15 mg IONPs. The outcomes of this research may be used to investigate the possibility of producing such enzymes in large quantities at low cost for industrial use.

Época de semeadura e substrato na produção de mudas de ipê-mirim

Abstract Tecoma stans is popularly known as ipê-mirim in Brazil. This species belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and it is native to Americas and Antilles, where it is widely used in landscaping as urban tree. The seedlings are produced from seeds and there are several factors that influences its development, such as the sowing time and the substrate. This work aimed to understand the effect of the sowing time and substrates on the production of Tecoma stans seedlings. The experiments were carried out in a nursery. The experimental design was completely randomized. The substrates were arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme, two sowing times (autumn and spring) and six commercial substrates (SC1; SC2; SC3; SC4; sand and vermiculite) under four replicates and ten seedlings per plot. The means were compared to each other using the Tukey test (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the seasons of the year, showing that the percentage of emergence was higher in spring (89%). The seedlings of Tecoma stans were shown to be nutrient-dependent both in the emergence of the seedling and in the subsequent development of the seedlings, since the highest averages of the studied characteristics were obtained in the commercial substrates, as they have nutrients in their composition, with greater emphasis on SC1.

Uso de esterco de coelhos na cultura da alface: uma opção alternativa

ABSTRACT Organic fertilization favors the physical and chemical attributes improvement of the soil and promotes the use of waste that would be discarded in the environment. This study aimed to identify the appropriate levels of rabbit manure compost (RMC) from rabbit farming in the production of substrates for lettuce. The experiment was implanted in plastic pots using 5 treatments: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of RMC mixed with commercial substrate, in a completely randomized design with 10 replications. The analyzed variables were number of leaves per plant, shoot green matter, root green matter, shoot dry matter and root dry matter. There was an increase in number of leaves with the increase of the RMC doses incorporated into the substrate, up to the dose of 59.46%. The shoot green matter had its best response on 61.42% of RMC. In both variables there was a decline afterwards. The root green matter started with an increase up to the dose of 36.14% of RMC, followed by a decline, and another increase, not reaching the same values obtained at the beginning of the curve. An increase was observed in the shoot dry matter as the amount of RMC increased, up to the limit of 45.09%, and then declined. The root green matter showed an increase until approximately 25% of RMC, stabilizing on 75% of the compost. In general, values close to 60% of RMC mixed with the substrate presented the best results. We can conclude that the RMC can be used to promote a greater number of leaves, which are the economically viable parts of lettuce culture.

TIG-cladding of Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Sn alloys on pure Al substrate

A tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process was utilized successfully to produce a dense and hard cladding layer on a commercial purity Al substrate using two commercial filler wires (L-CuP6 and L-CuSn6). Effect of the type of filler wire, welding frequency, and the type of electrical current (AC or DCEN) on the microstructure, hardness, and the residual stress of the cladding layer were studied using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a hardness test. The results showed that the L-CuP6 wire produced a homogeneous layer containing Al 2 Cu-Al eutectic in an α-Al matrix. The microstructure of the cladding layer formed with the L-CuSn6 wire also contained Al 2 Cu (θ) primary intermetallic and β-Sn grains. The hardness of the cladding layer was found to depend on the fraction of Al 2 Cu intermetallic formed in the microstructure. Increasing the frequency or using a DCEN instead of AC caused the fraction of Al 2 Cu formed to decrease. These effects were attributed to the decrease in the volume of the weld pool and the inability of the DCEN to remove the oxide film from the Al substrate, respectively.

Application of different doses of compost as a substitution of the commercial substrate in nursery for pepper and tomato seedlings

Application of different doses of compost as a substitution of the commercial substrate in nursery for pepper and tomato seedlings

HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS AS BIOMARKERS OF FISH POLLUTION

Нeat Shock Proteins (HSP) belong to the natural biomarkers, which are important indicators for animal diseases diagnostics and / or instrument of analyzing the effects on organism of the habitat deteriorating factors. The contamination of water by heavy metals has adverse effect on fish organism. Even in a small quantity, such heavy metal as lead is very dangerous. The analysis of toxic effects of the lead ions on the level of expression of such heat shock proteins as HSP60, HSP70 and HSC70 family in leukocytes, liver, brain and gills of the scaly carp was the main goal of our investigation.
 During 96 hours the fish were kept in the aqueous environment of a tank which additionally was supplemented with Pb (CH3COO)2. The control group of fish was maintained for the similar period of time under the same conditions, without lead acetate supplementation.
 Concentration of HSP60, HSP70 was determinated by the dot-blot-analysis due to application of monoclonal antibodies against heat shock proteins SAB4501464 (Sigma, USA), [5A5] (ab2787) (Abcam, USA) and [1B5] (ab19136) (Abcam, USA). Detection of immune complexes was performed by using the commercial substrate solution for alkaline phosphatase - CDP-Star (Tropix, UK). Visualization was done by using X-ray film ECL HyperFilm (Amersham, USA) and a kit for films developing (Kodak). The images were processed using the software package GelPro (Version 3.1, USA).
 The significant dose-depended increase (p<0,001) in all experimental groups of HSP60 and HSP70 concentrations in leukocytes, liver, gill and brain has been detected, applying dot-blot analysis. At the same time, significant changes in expression of HSC70 protein have not been established. It is the evidence that stress-proteins are the sensitive markers of toxic effects of excessive concentration of lead.

Sustainable organic substrate production using millicompost in combination with different plant residues for the cultivation of Passiflora edulis seedlings

The use of sustainable organic substrates of recognized quality is essential in the production of seedlings of fruit species. In this context, the present study aimed to formulate different sustainable organic substrates based on millicompost combined with different proportions of locally available organic waste, such as coconut fiber ( Cocos nucifera ) powder, gliricidia ( Gliricidia sepium) and elephant grass shavings ( Pennisetum purpureum) for the production of Passiflora edulis seedlings. The organic substrates used were as follows: S1- millicompost; S2- commercial substrate and substrates formulated based on millicompost: S3%–25% millicompost + 25% gliricidia + 25% elephant grass + 25% coconut fiber; S4%–50% millicompost+ 50% elephant grass; (S5) 50% millicompost+ 50% gliricidia; (S6) 50% millicompost+ 50% coconut fiber. At 56 days of sowing, the following morphological parameters were evaluated: shoot dry mass (SDM); root dry mass (RDM); plant height (PH); number of leaves (NL); stalk diameter (SD); root volume (RV); leaf area in cm 2 (LA); seedling vigor (SV) and clod stability (CS). The nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) accumulated in the shoot dry mass of the seedlings were determined after this period. The organic substrates that provided seedlings with significantly higher parameters (P <0.05) of SDM, RDM, PH, NL, SD, RV, LA, SV and CS were as follows: S1> S6> S5. The other substrates (S2, S3 and S4) presented seedlings with morphological parameters similar to each other. In addition, there was a greater accumulation of P, K Ca and Mg (P <0.05) in the shoot dry mass of the seedlings developed on the substrates S1> S6> S5. The substrates S6 and S5 represent two new options of sustainable substrates, being effective in the production of yellow passion fruit seedlings with excellent vegetative growth rates. • Millipedes are able to transform agricultural and urban waste into organic compost. • The use of millicompost in the cultivation of Passiflora edulis seedlings was evaluated for the first time. • The millicompost is efficient and has produced healthy and vigorous seedlings. • Organic substrates based on millicompost with powdered coconut fiber or gliricidia are efficient. • New organic substrate options for passion fruit seedling producers are available.

A biorefinery approach for sequential extraction of commercial grade xylan and alkali lignin from alkali pretreated sugarcane tops hydrolysate

Sequential extraction of xylan and lignin from alkali pretreated sugarcane tops (apSCT) hydrolysate was carried out. The xylan extracted from apSCT hydrolysate (apSCTx) was 26.5 g and the alkali lignin (apSCTal) was 8.5 g from 100 g of raw SCT. The composition analysis of apSCTx by high performance liquid chromatography showed 74% D-xylose, 15% D-glucuronic acid and 11% L-arabinose residues. The analysis of apSCTx by high performance size exclusion chromatography showed molecular size, ∼58 kDa. The first derivative of thermogravimetric analysis of apSCTx showed a Td (thermal degradation temperature) at 275ºC. The elemental (CHNS) analysis of apSCTx displayed the presence of only carbon and hydrogen. The absence of nitrogen and sulfur in the extracted apSCTx displayed that the xylan is pure and without the protein and lignin. The specific activity of recombinant clostridial endoxylanase (CtXyn11A) was 1823 ± 51 U/mg. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and Thin-layer chromatography analyses of CtXyn11A hydrolyzed apSCTx displayed a series of linear xylooligosaccharides ranging between 2 and 5 degrees of polymerization. apSCTx can serve as a potential commercial substrate and also for xylooligosaccharides production. The characterization of apSCTal by Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy showed the exposed spherical structures of alkali lignin. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic analysis of apSCTal displayed the peaks corresponding to those obtained from commercial alkali lignin. CHNS analysis of apSCTal confirmed the absence of protein impurities. The first derivative of the thermogravimetric analysis of apSCTal showed Td at 362ºC, similar to the previously reported softwood lignin. The extracted apSCTal can be used as feedstock for the production of aromatic chemicals. The biorefinery approach of sequential extraction of apSCTx and apSCTal from alkali pretreated SCT hydrolysate waste can enhance the economics of the extraction process.

Application of Grazing-Incidence X-ray Methods to Study Terrace-Stepped SiC Surface for Graphene Growth.

The synthesis of graphene by the graphitization of SiC surface has been driven by a need to develop a way to produce graphene in large quantities. With the increased use of thermal treatments of commercial SiC substrates, a comprehension of the surface restructuring due to the formation of a terrace-stepped nanorelief is becoming a pressing challenge. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the utility of X-ray reflectometry and grazing-incidence off-specular scattering for a non-destructive estimate of depth-graded and lateral inhomogeneities on SiC wafers annealed in a vacuum at a temperature of 1400-1500 °C. It is shown that the grazing-incidence X-ray method is a powerful tool for the assessment of statistical parameters, such as effective roughness height, average terrace period and dispersion. Moreover, these methods are advantageous to local probe techniques because a broad range of spatial frequencies allows for faster inspection of the whole surface area. We have found that power spectral density functions and in-depth density profiles manifest themselves differently between the probing directions along and across a terrace edge. Finally, the X-ray scattering data demonstrate quantitative agreement with the results of atomic force microscopy.

Substrates based on carbonized rice husk alter strawberry productivity in a semi-hydroponic system

The production of strawberry in the semi-hydroponic system still has several unknowns to be answered, one of them is to make the system less costly because this crop has a high implementation cost. The choice of the ideal substrate is one of the biggest doubts of the producer, as it can generate high costs when purchased commercially. For this, rice husk becomes an alternative to replace other substrates because it is an easily available and inexpensive material in rice regions of Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate and compare the productive performance of strawberry cv. Albion cultivated in different substrate compositions under the semi-hydroponic system. The exclusive use of charred rice husk was not beneficial because it reduced growth variables and crop yield. In the production of strawberry cv. Albion in polypropylene gutter system, the use of 25% commercial substrate amount is enough to maintain the productivity and quality of pseudofruits, in addition to further reducing the system implementation costs by using charred rice husk as substrate constituent. Include the abstract in English.

Enzyme Profiling and Identification of Endophytic and Rhizospheric Bacteria Isolated from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum.

Endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria isolated from halophytic plants support their host to survive in hyper-saline soil. These bacteria are also known to produce various enzymes with potential industrial applications. In this study, the endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum collected from Karachi, Pakistan, and their ability to produce various extracellular enzymes was assessed using commercial and natural substrates. In total, 11 bacterial strains were isolated (four endophytic; seven rhizospheric). Bacillus was found to be the most abundant genus (73%), followed by Glutamicibacter (27%). The isolates including Glutamicibacter endophyticus and Bacillus licheniformis are reported for the first time from A. macrostachyum. All of the isolates were capable of producing at least two of the five industrially important hydrolytic enzymes tested, i.e., xylanase, cellulase, amylase, pectinase, and lipase. Lipase production was found to be highest among the isolates, i.e., up to 18 IU mL-1. Although most of the isolates could grow at a wide range of temperatures (4-55 °C), pH (1-11), and salt concentrations (2-12%), under extreme conditions, very little growth was observed and the optimal growth was recorded between 2% and 6% NaCl, 25 and 45 °C, and 7 and 9 pH. Our results suggest that these isolates could be potential producers of enzymes with several biotechnological applications.

Sewage sludge as substrate in Schinus terebinthifolia raddi seedlings commercial production

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is a species with several potential uses; selecting the proper substrate and fertilizer rate can be vital for seedling production in a nursery environment. This study aims to evaluate two substrates, namely: (i) sewage sludge (SS) from Ilha WWTP; (ii) a commercial substrate (CS) made of organic materials (mainly sphagnum peat). Increasing rates of controlled-release fertilizer – CRF (0, 3, 6, and 12 kg m−3) were applied. The experiment was completely randomized with a factorial 2 × 4 scheme (substrates × rates). The seedlings’ growth, biomass, and quality were evaluated. The treatments were compared by Tukey test and regression analysis, where linear, quadratic, and cubic models were considered. Principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed. The CRF rates showed non-significant effects for most of the investigated variables in the SS substrate. In the CS, a 7.8 kg m−3 rate of CRF showed the best growth performance. The multivariate analysis of the morphological parameters proved suitable as a complementary approach to evaluate the seedlings’ quality. Seedlings reached recommended values for height, diameter, and quality in the 100% SS substrate without chemical fertilizers; thus, Schinus terebinthifolia production in the SS from Ilha is recommended. Besides the growth advantage, the SS can promote nursery cost savings with commercial substrates and chemical fertilizers.

Production of clonal seedlings of black pepper cv. Bragantina under doses of controlled-release fertilizer

Commercial substrates and their fertilization are essential for the morphophysiological, nutritional, and sanitary quality of seedlings. In this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of clonal seedlings of the black pepper cultivar Bragantina under doses of controlled-release fertilizers (CLF) in a commercial substrate. The treatments were constituted by five doses of the CLF Osmocote® 19-06-10 Mini Prill (3-4 months) (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kg m-3), with four replications of 16 cuttings. The CLF Osmocote®, especially in doses close to 4.16 kg m-3, showed to be promising for the production of clonal seedlings of the black pepper cultivar Bragantina.

The correlation between phase formation and the structure of the pellets with the fungal immobilization study as a commercial substrate culture/planting material

Calcined clay pellets are popular planting material for those who love to grow plants in pots. The calcined clay pellets consist of clay (C), phosphate rock (PR), and rice husk ash (RHA). [(1-x)(50C–50PR)-xRHA], x(RHA) = 0, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, and 0.65 wt% were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method. The samples were made into a spherical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and fired at 600℃ to 1000℃. The effect of x contents on phase formation, microstructure, and chemical properties of [(1-x)(50C–50PR)-xRHA] was studied. X-ray diffraction revealed the typical assemblages with quartz, illite, and kaolinite in all the samples. SEM images of samples showed irregular packing and a highly porous microstructure. The addition of x(RHA) contents results in porous microstructure in all the samples. The surface area and pore volume of samples increased from 8.83 m2·g-1 to 14.71 m2·g-1 and 0.938 cm3·g-1 to 0.942 cm3·g-1, respectively, with the increase of x(RHA). The density of the samples slightly decreased from 2.45±0.06 g·cm-3 to 1.94±0.05 g·cm-3, with an increase in x(RHA) contents. The capability of calcined clay pellets to immobilize plant growth-promoting fungi was then studied. The results showed that orchid endophytes, as plant growth-promoting fungi, grow well on the calcined clay pellets saturated with potato dextrose broth (PDB). Besides, all fungi can live on calcined clay pellets and stay viable for at least 35 days after inoculation. These results suggested that the calcined clay pellets could serve as planting material that enhances plant growth (via its nutrients and growth-promoting fungi) simultaneously.

Rapid Fabrication of Low-Cost Thermal Bubble-Driven Micro-Pumps.

Thermal bubble-driven micro-pumps are an upcoming actuation technology that can be directly integrated into micro/mesofluidic channels to displace fluid without any moving parts. These pumps consist of high power micro-resistors, which we term thermal micro-pump (TMP) resistors, that locally boil fluid at the resistor surface in microseconds creating a vapor bubble to perform mechanical work. Conventional fabrication approaches of thermal bubble-driven micro-pumps and associated microfluidics have utilized semiconductor micro-fabrication techniques requiring expensive tooling with long turn around times on the order of weeks to months. In this study, we present a low-cost approach to rapidly fabricate and test thermal bubble-driven micro-pumps with associated microfluidics utilizing commercial substrates (indium tin oxide, ITO, and fluorine doped tin oxide, FTO, coated glass) and tooling (laser cutter). The presented fabrication approach greatly reduces the turn around time from weeks/months for conventional micro-fabrication to a matter of hours/days allowing acceleration of thermal bubble-driven micro-pump research and development (R&D) learning cycles.