Bioinks in systems biology: integrating biomaterial design with cellular network modelling for predictive biofabrication

Bioinks facilitate patient-relevant tissue models by merging living cells with a programmable matrix whose composition, mechanics, and transport properties can be altered in three dimensions and tracked over time. Modern bioink formulations use nano and micro technologies that function as real-time biosensors of the cellular microenvironment. This narrative review offers systems biology and artificial intelligence perspectives crucial for bioink design due to its established biomaterial role, which acts as both a passive structural support and an active regulator in complex biological networks. Additionally, we briefly discuss current challenges and future perspectives on using bioinks as behaviour in various aspects that offers real time monitoring, and linking material composition to biological performance outcomes.