Key Process Characteristics Research Articles

Mechanism of selective SiO2/photoresist reactive ion etching in an inductively coupled plasma operated in a C4F8/H2 gas mixture

A reactive ion etch process that achieves high selectivity between SiO2 and photoresist (PR) and based on C4F8/H2 chemistry in an inductively coupled radio frequency plasma is developed. The process is accompanied by the formation of a fluorocarbon film, which defines key process characteristics. The SiO2 etching is described as a sum of two competing mechanisms: (i) an inhibition mechanism related to fluorocarbon film deposition and (ii) a defluorination mechanism, describing the diffusion of etching species to the CxFy/SiO2 interface. However, the photoresist etch rate is primarily determined by the inhibition mechanism. In order to achieve high SiO2/PR selectivity, both mechanisms are studied as functions of hydrogen admixture, pressure, gas residence time, and substrate temperature. This study reveals that depending on the superposition of the process parameters, one of the mechanisms can prevail over the other one, which significantly affects etch rates and selectivity. By adjusting the process parameters, a maximum selectivity between SiO2 and PR of 8 is achieved corresponding to a SiO2 etch rate of 200 nm/min.

Accurate real-time modeling for multiple-blow forging

Numerical simulations are crucial for predicting outcomes in forging processes but often neglect dynamic interactions within forming tools and presses. This study proposes an approach for achieving accurate real-time prediction of forging outcomes. Initially, a simulation-based surrogate model is developed to replicate key process characteristics related to the billet, enabling prediction of geometry, deformation field, and forging load after an upsetting operation. Subsequently, this model is integrated with a mass-spring-damper model representing the behavior of forging machine and tools. This integration enables the prediction of blow efficiency and energy distribution after each blow, including plastic, elastic, damping, and frictional energy of the upsetting operation. The approach is validated by comparing predictions with experimental results. The coupled model outperformed Finite Element Method (FEM) predictions, exhibiting mean absolute errors (MAE) below 0.1 mm and mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) below 1% in geometry predictions. Deformation field predictions showed errors below 0.05 mm/mm, and load-displacement curves closely matched experimental data. Blow efficiency predictions aligned well with experimental results, demonstrating a mean absolute error below 1.1%. The observed energy distribution correlated with literature findings, underscoring the model’s fidelity. The proposed methodology presents a promising approach for accurate real-time prediction of forging outcomes.

Refractory wastewater shapes bacterial assembly and key taxa during long-term acclimatization

Bacterial assembly and key taxa during long-term acclimatization in refractory wastewater treatment systems is of paramount importance for optimizing system performance and improving management strategies. Therefore, this study employed high-throughput sequencing, coupled with machine learning models and statistical analysis approaches, to comprehensively elucidate key features of bacterial communities and assembly processes in pesticide wastewater treatment systems. A nine-month monitoring showed substantial variation in diversity and composition of bacterial community between two interconnected biological treatment units (designated as BA and PA). Dynamics of bacterial communities in both units were similar. Moreover, water quality played crucial roles in regulating the bacterial community structure of activated sludge, which were primarily driven by deterministic patterns. Homogeneous selection contributed to 62.85 % and 64.43 % of the variations in BA and PA samples, respectively. Additionally, network analysis revealed significant modularity in bacterial compositions in both groups. Linear regression analysis identified major bacterial modules associated with metabolism and degradation functions. Notably, Module 2 in PA samples has significant positive correlations with functions related to metabolism of nucleotide, amino acid, and xenobiotics, as well as benzoate degradation. Furthermore, key taxa in ecological modules identified by Random Forest model, such as Pseudomonas, Sphingobium, and PHOS-HE28, were dominant populations with metabolism and degradation functions. Particularly, Sphingobium, appeared to be a potential multifunctional degrading bacterium, related to amino acid and xenobiotics metabolism, as well as fatty acid, valine, leucine, isoleucine, fluorobenzoate, and aminobenzoate degradation. These findings are important for developing operating strategies to maintain stable system performance during refractory wastewater treatment.

Theory for proton-coupled energy transfer.

In the recently discovered proton-coupled energy transfer (PCEnT) mechanism, the transfer of electronic excitation energy between donor and acceptor chromophores is coupled to a proton transfer reaction. Herein, we develop a general theory for PCEnT and derive an analytical expression for the nonadiabatic PCEnT rate constant. This theory treats the transferring hydrogen nucleus quantum mechanically and describes the PCEnT process in terms of nonadiabatic transitions between reactant and product electron-proton vibronic states. The rate constant is expressed as a summation over these vibronic states, and the contribution of each pair of vibronic states depends on the square of the vibronic coupling as well as the spectral convolution integral, which can be viewed as a generalization of the Förster-type spectral overlap integral for vibronic rather than electronic states. The convolution integral also accounts for the common vibrational modes shared by the donor and acceptor chromophores for intramolecular PCEnT. We apply this theory to model systems to investigate the key features of PCEnT processes. The excited vibronic states can contribute significantly to the total PCEnT rate constant, and the common modes can either slow down or speed up the process. Because the pairs of vibronic states that contribute the most to the PCEnT rate constant may correspond to spectroscopically dark states, PCEnT could occur even when there is no apparent overlap between the donor emission and acceptor absorption spectra. This theory will assist in the interpretation of experimental data and will guide the design of additional PCEnT systems.

Development of European aviation integration: Ukraine on the path to the European Common Aviation Area

The development of the EU air transport market is based on the use of a complex structure of institutional regulation and various types of multilateral agreements: "European Common Aviation Area", "Open Skies", "Horizontal" as well as "Common Aviation Area" and "Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement". The article is aimed at disclosing the essence and systematization of key features of integration processes in the field of air transport of the European Union, as well as in its relations with neighbouring countries, including Ukraine, which has intensified its actions on the way to the European Common Aviation Area. Based on using the systematic approach as well as methods of comparative law, logical and historical, the identification of the essence of the multilateral agreements and the systematization of their provisions made it possible to identify the patterns of development of European aviation integration and to highlight three clusters of international agreements which the EU uses to implement its external aviation policy.The assessment of the current state of implementation of the relevant EU Directives and Regulations into the legislation of Ukraine in detail for each specialized component showed directions for further development for integration into the European common aviation area.

Key mechanisms and process features of the metal transfer and cavity evolution during underwater submerged arc welding

The key mechanisms and process features of the inner physical processes and quality improvement for the novel underwater submerged arc welding (USAW) were revealed with the employment of X-ray observation. Based on the investigation of metal transfer, cavity, and behaviors of the weld pool and flux in USAW, three kinds of droplet transfer mode were confirmed, namely the indirect transfer, direct transfer, and surface tension transfer, and the proportions of them were 81.8%,12.9% and 5.3%, respectively. Compared with underwater wet welding (UWW), the average droplet transfer period was greatly reduced from 198.5 ms to 102.8 ms, and the mean sizes were also decreased from 3.2 mm to 2.2 mm in USAW. Because far more gases were generated in USAW (4394.2 ml/min) than in UWW (755.7 ml/min), the leading gas flow dragging force acting on the droplet was much stronger in USAW, which repelled the smaller droplet to detach from the wire tip within shorter time than it did in UWW. In addition, smooth and uniform weld seam without obvious defects was produced by USAW, of which the width and reinforcement were increased and reduced by 22% and 14%, respectively. And the 4.6 mm thickness of heat-affected zone for the joint of USAW was 59% wider than that of the UWW joint, indicating the cooling rate was effectively reduced in USAW, which consequently help acquiring sound quality joints in underwater welding.

Facies, diagenesis, and palaeo-environment significances of the Plio-Quaternary fluvio-lacustrine deposits of Ain Cheggag region, Sais foreland basin, Morocco

Fluvio-lacustrine deposits are promising archives that afford to decipher climate and tectonic signatures, typically when evidence of changes in the depositional settings therein is remarkable. As such, the present work coveys a case study whose fluvio-lacustrine deposits may serve to provide insights into climate and tectonic controls on palaeoenvironmental settings. The study area lies in the northwestern portion of Ain Cheggag, southeastern the Sais foreland basin (northern Morocco). The lithostratigraphical analysis of Plio-Quaternary fluvio-lacustrine deposits in the area has enabled the identification of nine facies. The depositional systems are organized into three deposit units, each of which reflects a typical depositional environment. The first (lower) unit consists of detrital facies implying deposition in alluvial-dominated settings. The alternation of detrital and carbonate facies giving way to the second (middle) unit suggests sedimentation in a fluvio-lacustrine environment. Whilst being carbonate-rich, the third (upper) unit reflects a shift into lacustrine-dominated settings. Accordingly, the vertical succession of the sedimentary pile delivers remarkable insights into a general palaeo-environmental shift from alluvial settings, with enhanced pedogenesis processes, towards carbonate-dominated lacustrine conditions where early- and late-stage diagenesis processes would have prevailed. This broad shift in depositional systems is likely to be the response of palaeohydrological changes that are modulated both by the neotectonic subsidence background and, specifically, the general palaeoclimate evolution towards more humid conditions. Bioturbation, desiccation, and void-filling with internal sediments are key features of early-stage diagenesis processes, whereas cementation, micritization, recrystallization, dissolution, and iron and manganese oxidation are the main features of late-stage diagenesis altering the primary structures of the studied deposits. Finally, we highlight the significance of fluviolacustrine deposits in deciphering palaeoclimatic signatures and tectonic implications.

Экологические проблемы и особенности эколого-экономического развития Ненецкого автономного округа

The current stage of economic development of the Russian Arctic combines two contradicting tendencies — the intensification of economic development in line with the adopted special preferential measures and the aggravation of technical and technological contradictions under the tightening of sanctions and technological blockade, increasing wear of equipment, the loss of markets for extracted products. Under these conditions, anthropogenic and, particularly, technogenic environmental threats to nature and human habitat become the most important risk factor. The purpose of the work is to identify current eco-logical threats, problems and features of the environmental and economic development of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The study applies a comprehensive economic and sociological toolkit, including general theoretical approaches — dialectical, spatial economics and sustainable development, and private methods — statistical analysis, a number of sociological methods of collecting and processing data. The information basis of the study is the data of official authorities, statistics, the work of domestic and foreign scientists, as well as the results of a sociological survey of residents of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (May 2022; n=539). Key features of environmental and economic processes in the region were identified. Low degree of waste processing, high risks of technogenic accidents at oil and gas production enterprises and transport infrastructure remain. The main environmental threats perceived by the population include oil and gas production facilities, household waste and illegal dumps. In a number of territories, threats from defense activities, catching and processing of fish and illegal fishing are also relevant. The population is least satisfied with the quality of water resources, the cleanness of the environment and the state of forests and parks. Based on the results obtained, recommendations aimed at optimizing the environmental component of the social well-being of the population are given. The scientific significance of the study is determined by the actualization of knowledge about environmental and economic processes in the Arctic region of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, based on a comprehensive economic and sociological toolkit. The practical importance lies in the formation of the analytical framework for managing the environmental and economic development of the regions during the period of exacerbated contradictions in the development of the Russian Arctic.

Effect of Sulfur Concentration on Olivine Sulfidation under Lithospheric Mantle PT-parameters

Experimental studies aimed at the modeling of interaction processes of sulfur-bearing metasomatic agents with mantle silicates and assessing the effect of sulfur concentration on olivine sulfidation were carried out in the Fe,Ni-olivine—sulfur system using the high-pressure multi-anvil apparatus BARS (1050 and 1450°C, 6.3 GPa, 40–60 h, sulfur concentrations (Xs) 0.1, 2, and 6 mol %). It has been established that as a result of the recrystallization of Fe,Ni-olivine in a sulfur melt, Fe and Ni are extracted from olivine into this melt, and formation of Fe,Ni-sulfides (or sulfide melts) and low-iron, low-nickel silicates takes place. The key indicator characteristics of the olivine sulfidation process are determined depending on the temperature and sulfur concentration, including characteristic phase assemblages, regularities in the evolution of the chemical compositions of mineral and melt phases, and structural features of olivine crystals. It has been experimentally established that reducing sulfur-bearing metasomatic agents, even in minimal concentrations and at relatively low temperatures, are capable of dissolving and transporting mantle silicates and sulfides, and can play an important role in sulfide ore formation in the mantle.

EFFECT OF SULFUR CONCENTRATION ON OLIVINE SULFIDATION UNDER LITHOSPHERIC MANTLE <i>PT</i>-PARAMETERS

Experimental studies aimed at the modeling of interaction processes of sulfur-bearing metasomatic agents with mantle silicates and assessing the effect of sulfur concentration on olivine sulfidation were carried out in the Fe,Ni-olivine – sulfur system using the high-pressure multi-anvil apparatus BARS (1050 and 1450°C, 6.3 GPa, 40–60 hours, sulfur concentrations (Xs) 0.1, 2 and 6 mol. %.). It has been established that as a result of the recrystallization of Fe,Ni-olivine in a sulfur melt, Fe and Ni are extracted from olivine into this melt, and formation of Fe,Ni-sulfides (or sulfide melts) and low-iron, low-nickel silicates takes place. The key indicator characteristics of the olivine sulfidation process are determined depending on the temperature and sulfur concentration, including characteristic phase assemblages, regularities in the evolution of the chemical compositions of mineral and melt phases, and structural features of olivine crystals. It has been experimentally established that reducing sulfur-bearing metasomatic agents, even in minimal concentrations and at relatively low temperatures, are capable of dissolving and transporting mantle silicates and sulfides, and can play an important role in sulfide ore formation in the mantle.

Non-Gaussian Quality Relevant Process Monitoring Based on Higher-Order Statistics Projection to the Latent Structure and Independent Signal Correction

A novel statistical model based on the higher-order statistics projection to the latent structure (HPLS) is proposed, which uses a combination of higher-order statistics (mutual information and differential entropy) instead of covariance to extract latent variables. This model not only has an explicit representation similar to the projection to latent structure model but can also capture the non-Gaussian process features. Furthermore, in order to reduce the redundant components contained in the latent variables independent of the quality variables, a novel strategy called independent signal correction is proposed. Finally, the novel independent signal correction HPLS (ISC-HPLS) model and the corresponding process monitoring strategy are developed. This model considers higher-order statistics that may involve certain key features of non-Gaussian processes and eliminates redundant components. Experimental results from synthetic numerical simulations and the Tennessee-Eastman process benchmark test verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Assessing the resilience of ecosystem functioning to wildfires using satellite-derived metrics of post-fire trajectories

Wildfire disturbances can profoundly impact many aspects of both ecosystem functioning and resilience. This study proposes a satellite-based approach to assess ecosystem resilience to wildfires based on post-fire trajectories of four key functional dimensions of ecosystems related to carbon, water, and energy exchanges: (i) vegetation primary production; (ii) vegetation and soil water content; (iii) land surface albedo; and (iv) land surface sensible heat. For each dimension, several metrics extracted from satellite image time-series, at the short, medium and long-term, describe both resistance (the ability to withstand environmental disturbances) and recovery (the ability to pull back towards equilibrium). We used MODIS data for 2000–2018 to analyze trajectories after the 2005 wildfires in NW Iberian Peninsula. Primary production exhibited low resistance, with abrupt breaks immediately after the fire, but rapid recoveries, starting within six months after the fire and reaching stable pre-fire levels two years after. Loss of water content after the fire showed slightly higher resistance but slower and more gradual recoveries than primary production. On the other hand, albedo exhibited varying levels of resistance and recovery, with post-fire breaks often followed by increases to levels above pre-fire within the first two years, but sometimes with effects that persisted for many years. Finally, wildfire effects on sensible heat were generally more transient, with effects starting to dissipate after one year and overall rapid recoveries. Our approach was able to successfully depict key features of post-fire processes of ecosystem functioning at different timeframes. The added value of our multi-indicator approach for analyzing ecosystem resilience to wildfires was highlighted by the independence and complementarity among the proposed indicators targeting four dimensions of ecosystem functioning. We argue that such approaches can provide an enhanced characterization of ecosystem resilience to disturbances, ultimately upholding promising implications for post-fire ecosystem management and targeting different dimensions of ecosystem functioning.

Critical Procedure Identification Method Considering the Key Quality Characteristics of the Product Manufacturing Process

The product’s manufacturing process has an evident influence on product quality. In order to control the quality and identify the critical procedure of the product manufacturing process reasonably and effectively, a method combining genetic back-propagation (BP) neural network algorithm and grey relational analysis is proposed. Firstly, the genetic BP neural network algorithm is used to obtain the key quality characteristics (KQCs) in the product manufacturing process. At the same time, considering the three factors that have an essential impact on the quality of the procedures, the grey correlation analysis method is used to establish the correlation scoring matrix between the procedure and the KQCs to calculate the criticality of each procedure. Finally, taking the manufacturing process of the evaporator as a case, the application process of this method is introduced, and four critical procedures are identified. It provides a reference for the procedure quality control and improvement of enterprise in the future.

Key process features of personalized diet counselling in metabolic syndrome: secondary analysis of feasibility study in primary care

BackgroundPersonalized diet counselling, as part of lifestyle change programs for cardiometabolic risk conditions (combinations of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and high waist circumference) has been shown to reduce progression to type 2 diabetes overall. To identify key process of care measures that could be linked to changes in diet, we undertook a secondary analysis of a Canadian pre-post study of lifestyle treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Diet counselling process measures were documented and association with diet quality changes after 3 months were assessed. Results of the primary study showed 19% reversal of MetS after 1 year.MethodsRegistered dietitians (RDs) reported on contact time, specific food behaviour goals (FBG), behaviour change techniques (BCT; adapted from the Michie CALO-RE taxonomy) and teaching resources at each contact. Diet quality was measured by 2005 Canadian Healthy Eating Index (HEI-C) and assessed for possible associations with individual BCT and FBG.ResultsFood behaviour goals associated with improved HEI-C at 3 months were: poultry more than red meat, increased plant protein, increased fish, increased olive oil, increased fruits and vegetables, eating breakfast, increased milk and alternatives, healthier fats, healthier snacks and increased nuts, with an adverse association noted for more use (> 2 times/ 3 months) of the balanced meal concept (F test; p < 0.001). Of 16 BCT, goal setting accounted for 15% of all BCT recorded, yet more goal setting (> 3 times/3 months) was associated with poorer HEI-C at 3 months (F test; p = 0.007). Only self-monitoring, feedback on performance and focus on past success were associated with improved HEI-C.ConclusionsThese results identify key aspects of process that impact diet quality. Documentation of both FBG and BCT is highly relevant in diet counselling and a summary diet quality score is a promising target for assessing short-term counselling success.

Fast-Decoding Algorithm for Electrode Processes at Electrified Interfaces by Mean-Field Kinetic Model and Bayesian Data Assimilation: An Active-Data-Mining Approach for the Efficient Search and Discovery of Electrocatalysts.

The microscopic origins of the activity and selectivity of electrocatalysts has been a long-lasting enigma since the 19th century. By applying an active-data-mining approach, employing a mean-field kinetic model and a statistical approach of Bayesian data assimilation, we demonstrate here a fast decoding to extract key properties in the kinetics of complicated electrode processes from current-potential profiles in experimental and literary data. As the proof-of-concept, kinetic parameters on the four-electron oxygen reduction reaction in the 0.1 M HClO4 solution (ORR: O2 + 4e- + 4H+ → 2H2O) of various platinum-based single-crystal electrocatalysts are extracted from our own experiments and third-party literature to investigate the microscopic electrode processes. Furthermore, data assimilation of the mean-field ORR model and experimental data is performed based on Bayesian inference for the inductive estimation of kinetic parameters, which sheds light on the dynamic behavior of kinetic parameters with respect to overpotential. This work shows that a fast-decoding algorithm based on a mean-field kinetic model and Bayesian data assimilation is a promising data-driven approach to extract key microscopic features of complicated electrode processes and therefore will be an important method toward building up advanced human-machine collaborations for the efficient search and discovery of high-performance electrochemical materials.

Impact response of a thin shallow doubly curved linear viscoelastic shell rectangular in plan

In this paper, we consider the problem on a transverse impact of a viscoelastic sphere upon a viscoelastic shallow doubly curved shell with rectangular platform, the viscoelastic features of which are defined via the fractional derivative standard linear solid models; in so doing, only Young’s time-dependent operators are preassigned, while the bulk moduli are considered to be constant values, since the bulk relaxation for the majority of materials is far less than the shear relaxation. Shallow panel’s displacement subjected to the concentrated contact force is found by the method of expansion in terms of eigen functions, and the sphere’s displacement under the action of the contact force, which is the sum of the shell’s displacement at the place of contact and local bearing of impactor and target’s materials, is defined from the equation of motion of the material point with the mass equal to sphere’s mass. Within the contact domain, the contact force is defined by the modified Hertzian contact law with the time-dependent rigidity function. For decoding the viscoelastic operators involving the problem under consideration, the algebra of Rabotnov’s fractional operators is employed. A nonlinear integro-differential equation is obtained either in terms of the contact force or in the local bearing of the target and impactor materials. Using the duration of contact as a small parameter, approximate analytical solutions have been found, which allow one to define the key characteristics of impact process.

Analysis and experimental demonstration of temperature step gradients in preparative liquid chromatography

The amount of substance adsorbed on solid surface depends on temperature. Therefore, the migration velocities of the solutes in a chromatographic column can be altered by introducing temperature gradients. Such gradients designed to change retention behaviours can be exploited to improve the separation performances in preparative chromatography. To describe key process features, we used analytical solutions of the equilibrium model with instant stepwise shift of temperature. To achieve a more realistic description, the equilibrium dispersion model was additionally applied to treat finite column efficiencies. The effect of temperature gradients was illustrated experimentally using two identical columns sequentially connected. Temperature of the second column was modulated by thermostats. Wide pulse injections of a single component led to instructive elution profiles in a preliminary investigation. The observations were found to be in qualitative agreement with predictions of the equilibrium dispersion model. Subsequently, the separation of a ternary model mixture was investigated considering a simple two-step temperature gradient. To support the quantitative analysis and to identify suitable switching and cycle times, the temperature dependencies of the Henry constants were determined by short pulse injections. A meaningful variation of the parameters of the temperature gradient is required for adjusting the cycle times, which is the time difference between two consecutive injections that needs to shorten. Decreasing this time is connected with a desirable increase in process productivity. The results achieved revealed that relatively simple to implement stepwise temperature gradients offer an option to improve and fine-tune the performance of repetitive batch chromatography.

A new approach to investigate the ionic conductivity of NaCl and KCl solutions via impedance spectroscopy

Lima et al. [1] employed electrical impedance spectroscopy to analyze the electrical impedance behavior of dilute aqueous potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride solutions in the frequency range of 10−1 Hz to 106 Hz (NaCl). The complex impedance Z* data from the solutions were modeled using an analogous electrical circuit that closely matched the experimental data. The electrical characteristics of the solutions were studied as a function of the cation types. The Debye model accurately describes the bulk effects of K+ and Na+ cations. However, it appeared that the analysis presented just the equivalent circuit components as a function of salt concentration. As a result, the current work used a simulation procedure to generate complex impedance (Z*) data from electrical parameters derived from the analogous circuit. To highlight the high-frequency relaxation processes occurring, extrapolation to a broader frequency range was performed. Furthermore, theoretical considerations were introduced in order to derive complex conductivity (σ*) from complex admittance (Y*). In the complex impedance (Z*) and admittance (Y*), there was a good correlation between all parameters derived from both processes. The key relaxation process characteristics, such as ionic strength, relaxation time, and conductivity values at low and high frequencies, were then retrieved. As a function of salt concentration, all of these parameters were evaluated and discussed.

3D-Printed Mortars with Combined Steel and Polypropylene Fibers

Fibers of various origins are of great importance for the manufacture of new generation cement composites. The use of modified composite binders allows these highly efficient building materials to be used for 3D-printing of structures for various functional purposes. In this article, changes in building codes are proposed, in particular, the concept of the rheological technological index (RTI) mixtures is introduced, the hardware and method for determining which will reproduce the key features of real processes. An instrument was developed to determine a RTI value. The mixes based on composite binders and combined steel and polypropylene fibers were created. The optimally designed composition made it possible to obtain composites with a compressive strength of 93 MPa and a tensile strength of 11 MPa. At the same time, improved durability characteristics were achieved, such as water absorption of 2.5% and the F300 frost resistance grade. The obtained fine-grained fiber-reinforced concrete composite is characterized by high adhesion strength of the fiber with the cement paste. The microstructure of the developed composite, and especially the interfacial transition zone, has a denser structure compared to traditional concrete. The obtained materials, due to their high strength characteristics due to the use of a composite binder and combined fiber, can be recommended for use in high-rise construction.

New insights into the biomimetic design and biomedical applications of bioengineered bone microenvironments.

The bone microenvironment is characterized by an intricate interplay between cellular and noncellular components, which controls bone remodeling and repair. Its highly hierarchical architecture and dynamic composition provide a unique microenvironment as source of inspiration for the design of a wide variety of bone tissue engineering strategies. To overcome current limitations associated with the gold standard for the treatment of bone fractures and defects, bioengineered bone microenvironments have the potential to orchestrate the process of bone regeneration in a self-regulated manner. However, successful approaches require a strategic combination of osteogenic, vasculogenic, and immunomodulatory factors through a synergic coordination between bone cells, bone-forming factors, and biomaterials. Herein, we provide an overview of (i) current three-dimensional strategies that mimic the bone microenvironment and (ii) potential applications of bioengineered microenvironments. These strategies range from simple to highly complex, aiming to recreate the architecture and spatial organization of cell–cell, cell-matrix, and cell-soluble factor interactions resembling the in vivo microenvironment. While several bone microenvironment-mimicking strategies with biophysical and biochemical cues have been proposed, approaches that exploit the ability of the cells to self-organize into microenvironments with a high regenerative capacity should become a top priority in the design of strategies toward bone regeneration. These miniaturized bone platforms may recapitulate key characteristics of the bone regenerative process and hold great promise to provide new treatment concepts for the next generation of bone implants.