Advanced strategies in 3D bioprinting for vascular tissue engineering and disease modelling using smart bioinks

Advanced three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology enables the precise production of complex vascular structures and biomimetic models, driving advancements in tissue engineering and disease mechanism research. At the core of this technology is smart bioink, which is suitable for fabricating biomimetic models that can be vascularised to meet the property requirements of various tissues. Examples of smart bioinks include decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), photocrosslinkable, reversible, and microgel-based biphasic (MB) bioinks, whose mechanical properties can be tuned through external stimuli. This tuning helps generate high-resolution and complex-shaped vascular networks essential for cell survival and functional maturation. This review explores advanced 3D bioprinting strategies using smart bioinks for spatially controlled and perfusable vascular in vitro models, emphasising the reconstruction of functional vascular structures within 3D bioprinted models. It also discusses challenges and future prospects, suggesting that 3D bioprinted models could serve as alternatives to traditional animal models for disease modelling and drug screening.