3D bioprinting of hydrogel–cell composites requires simultaneous consideration of the biomechanical properties of the printed structures, the construct’s geometric stability, and conditions conducive to cell survival and function. Hydrogel cross-linking techniques and their kinetics play a key role in this process, determining the time of shape fixation, the mechanical strength of the structures, and the mechanical environment in which the cells are located immediately after printing. The relationships between bioprinting parameters, material properties, cross-linking strategies, and the presence of cells are highly nonlinear and often investigated through trial and error, leading to significant time and material costs. This paper proposes an approach based on artificial intelligence-assisted simulation, focusing on computer modeling of the biomechanical and functional parameters of hydrogel–cell composites produced by 3D bioprinting. The methodology is based on data generated from computer simulations and allows for analysis of the impact of printing parameters and different cross-linking strategies on mechanical strength, time-dependent geometric stability, and limitations related to cellular function, including exposure time to non-cross-linked matrices. The use of artificial intelligence methods allows for the integration of simulation results and predictive assessment of material behavior, providing a basis for future optimization of bioprinting parameters and process costs prior to experimental validation.
Rojek et al. (Sun,) studied this question.