Dr. Janaina de Andréa Dernowsek, PhD, is a scientist, entrepreneur, and global leader in the fields of 3D bioprinting, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine. With a doctorate in Genetics, three postdoctoral fellowships in biofabrication, and an MBA in Innovation, Business, and Leadership, she combines deep scientific expertise with strategic vision. As co-founder and CEO of Quantis Biotechnology and BioEdTech, Janaina has been at the forefront of developing human extracellular matrix–based biomaterials and next-generation biofabrication technologies. Her work bridges fundamental biology with advanced engineering, enabling applications in healthcare, aesthetics, and education. Driven by a mission to transform innovation into impact, Janaina has spent over a decade advancing biofabrication through research, entrepreneurship, and education. She has led pioneering projects on human-derived extracellular matrices, 3D bioprinted tissues, and customized bioprinters, while also training professionals worldwide in hands-on biofabrication methodologies. Recognized for her role in shaping the future of deep tech in health, she actively contributes to international collaborations, scientific dissemination, and the creation of scalable biotech solutions that redefine the boundaries of human health and longevity. Janaina will be speaking at our upcoming event, which focuses on advanced biomaterials for 3D printing and bioprinting.
When was the first time you encountered 3D printing?
Janaina: My first encounter with 3D printing was in 2011, when my father introduced me to this technology with great enthusiasm and admiration, highlighting its enormous potential across various sectors of the economy. I was mesmerized, absorbing every detail and explanation from the professional demonstrating it. In that moment, countless ideas came to mind about how I could apply the technology during my PhD.
At the time, I was in the midst of my doctoral studies in regenerative medicine, and I soon began reaching out to researchers in the field to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship. I discovered a group in Brazil that was already exploring 3D printing in healthcare, which opened new research opportunities for me. After completing my PhD, I began my postdoc in bioprinting, diving into the field with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. That was when I truly realized the versatility of the technology and started mapping out many professional paths ahead.
What inspired you to start your journey?
Janaina: What inspired me was realizing the immense potential of this technology to transform society on multiple levels. Bioprinting and biofabrication are not limited to medicine alone; they also open doors to breakthroughs in engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, and many other sectors. It is a powerful tool capable of generating innovative solutions with a direct impact on health, quality of life, and the future of humanity.
Who inspired you the most along this journey ?
Janaina: My greatest inspiration came from my father, a mechanical engineering entrepreneur and a truly remarkable professional. After his sudden passing, I decided to merge my passion for regenerative medicine with biofabrication, beginning an intense journey that led me to complete three postdoctoral fellowships in 3D bioprinting. Along the way, I developed innovative devices for spheroid and organoid production, learned to think about vascularization from the very early stages, and immersed myself in every aspect of bioprinting — from hardware to software.
I had the honor of being mentored by the exceptional Dr. Jorge Vicente, former director of a technology center and a pioneer in the field in Brazil, whose guidance profoundly shaped my path. Both he and my father were beacons of inspiration in my personal and professional life, extraordinary human beings who guided me in unique ways. Today, after 12 years dedicated to bioprinting, I lead two companies: one focused on education and 3D food, and the other dedicated to producing human biomaterials — such as extracellular matrix — from 3D human tissues engineered in the laboratory.
What motivates you the most for your work?
Janaina: What motivates me the most is the opportunity to transform scientific innovation into tangible solutions that truly improve people’s lives. Every breakthrough in biofabrication and bioprinting brings us closer to addressing unmet medical needs, developing safer and more effective therapies, and expanding opportunities in education and innovation. Knowing that my work can impact both present and future generations is what drives me with passion and purpose. In addition, being able to contribute and inspire young girls and women to believe in themselves and pursue this remarkable field brings me immense joy.
What is/are the biggest obstacle(s) in your line of work? If you have conquered them, what were your solutions?
Janaina: One of the biggest obstacles in my field has been bringing together academia, industry, and society to drive the adoption of innovative technologies such as bioprinting in treatments that require significant improvements. Demonstrating that bioprinting is no longer just a promise of the future, but a present reality with unique versatility and enormous potential, remains a challenge. Another critical point is building trust so that companies are willing to collaborate with innovative startups — a process that, in Brazil, often faces more resistance compared to other ecosystems that are more open to embracing the “new” with confidence. I must also highlight the complexity of integrating multidisciplinary knowledge — from biology and materials science to engineering, software development, and regulatory frameworks.
Biofabrication requires not only scientific excellence but also the ability to connect distinct fields and transform discoveries into tangible solutions.
To overcome these challenges, I have embraced continuous learning and network-driven collaboration, working side by side with diverse teams of scientists, engineers, and clinicians. Building strong partnerships and fostering strategic connections has been essential to advancing solutions that none of us could achieve alone. Over time, I have learned that overcoming these barriers requires persistence, creativity, and, above all, a shared vision of impact.
What do you think is (are) the biggest challenge(s) in 3D Printing/bio-printing? What do you think the potential solution(s) is (are)?
Janaina: The biggest challenges in bioprinting are widely recognized and often discussed in the scientific literature and international conferences. Among them, I highlight: the development of bioink formulations using biocompatible, safe, and certified biomaterials; effective vascularization of 3D tissues; the creation of more complex organs; functional integration of bioprinted tissues with native tissues; optimization of tissue maturation processes; as well as the need for greater investments and consistent regulatory advances.
Although many of these issues are already being addressed by different research groups, some remain particularly complex and will require integrated solutions. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, advances in materials science, new bioreactors and more versatile equipment for tissue maturation, combined with strategies to promote more efficient functional vascularization, will be essential to overcome these challenges.
If you are granted three wishes by a higher being, what would they be?
Janaina: My first wish would be to strategically accelerate regulatory processes in bioprinting, enabling new treatments to reach people worldwide more quickly. The second would be to create more functional and less bureaucratic mechanisms for industries and governments to support deep tech innovation, fostering collaboration and real impact. And finally, I would develop faster strategies to disseminate these technologies to new professionals, strengthening the ecosystem with disruptive and transformative knowledge.
What advice would you give to a bright, driven college student in the “real world”? What bad advice have you heard that they should ignore?
Janaina: The advice I give to college students is this: do not give up at the first obstacle or discouraging result that appears along the path of developing disruptive innovation. Persistence is essential — it is what turns ideas into real achievements.
As for bad advice, one of the most striking I’ve heard was: “the regulatory hurdles will make you quit, because they are too discouraging.” The truth is, regulatory challenges do exist, but they can — and must — be faced with strategy, resilience, and a long-term vision.
What’s your favorite book you read this year and why? Alternatively, what’s your favorite book of all times you read and why?
Janaina: My favorite book this year has been Principles by Ray Dalio, because it deeply explores how human factors directly influence professional success or failure. The author emphasizes the importance of overcoming ego in the pursuit of goals, showing that we need other people to increase our chances of being right, and presents a five-step process to achieve what we want in life. The book offers valuable strategies to overcome personal weaknesses, such as radical open-mindedness, honesty and transparency, productive conflict, and credibility-centered decision-making. It is a unique work of great depth.
It is difficult to choose just one all-time favorite book, as my preferences often shift depending on the stage of life I am in. At this moment in my journey, when I reflect a lot on building and rebuilding teams to drive new biotechnological solutions, I would highlight The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz. This book addresses topics that are often avoided but essential, covering everything from dealing with the psychology of a failing company to creating a healthy workplace, scaling an organization, and becoming an effective CEO.
Related Links:
Episode #83 Show Notes: Ceramics, Conferences, and the Future of 3D Printing With Craig Rosenblum
Interview with Dr. Brad Estes: 3D Woven Bone
Interview with Gurkaran (Karan) Chowdhry: Collagen Fibers for Bioprinting
Interview with Dr. Nicole Black: 3D-Printed Biomimetic Eardrum Grafts
Interview with Dr. Rao Bezwada: Absorbable Polymers for 3D Printing
Interview with Julien Barthes: Silicone 3D Printing
Interview with Craig Rosenblum: 3D Printing Post Processing
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