Dr. Mohammad Albanna, PhD is the founder and CEO of Humabiologics, one of the only regenerative medicine companies focused on developing and commercializing human-derived biomaterials to researchers around the world for regenerative medicine applications. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, 2 master’s degrees in Materials Sciences and Electrical & Computer Engineering and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine, where he served as the lead of the skin bioprinting group and is currently an adjunct assistant professor of Surgery at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Dr. Albanna authored several peer-reviewed papers, book chapters and is the inventor of several issued and patent-pending applications. Dr. Albanna has 15 years of industry experience, during which he has held several senior and executive leadership positions across several industries including medical devices, blood banking, and tissue banking. His work in regenerative medicine was recognized through several prestigious awards including 2013 Thomas Edison Gold Award in Innovation, 2018 Arizona Innovator of the year finalist, and 2021 Arizona Leader in Innovation Award. Dr. Albanna will be a speaker at our upcoming 3DHEALS Biomaterials 2024 virtual event.

When was the first encounter you had with 3D printing? What was that experience like? What were you thinking at that moment?

Mohammad: My introduction to 3D printing occurred unexpectedly during my academic journey. Initially trained as a medical device engineer, I later pursued a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. I thought my electrical engineering background might not find direct application in my subsequent focus on tissue engineering during my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.

In 2011, the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) recruited me to lead their skin bioprinting research group. It was a pivotal moment that brought my diverse skill set into play. With no commercially available bioprinter on the market at the time, I found myself tasked with the challenge of constructing a skin bioprinter and a wound scanning system from scratch.

The idea of printing living human tissue directly onto patients, particularly to aid those with extensive third-degree burns like wounded warriors, was initially difficult to grasp. Just a year earlier, I had been grappling with printing my thick Ph.D. dissertation, never imagining that I would soon be printing living human tissue directly onto burn wounds. What struck me most was the transformative potential of this technology to revolutionize healthcare and improve the lives of those in need. Leading a team with diverse backgrounds towards the common goal of bioprinting human skin was not only a professional challenge but also a deeply inspiring and humbling opportunity.

What inspired you to start your journey?

Mohammad: As the team’s goal was to transition our bioprinting endeavors from preclinical models to patients, we encountered a significant hurdle: the lack of suitable bioinks in the market that were both human-sourced and capable of facilitating healthy tissue remodeling after severe burn injuries. I immediately recognized the pressing need for human-derived biomaterials to support our research and the broader regenerative medicine field. I started a company with a goal to provide human biomaterials and bioink. I quickly realized that launching a successful business requires more than just scientific expertise. It requires a comprehensive understanding of business operations, supply chain management, and market dynamics. This realization led me to pivot from academia to industry, embarking on a decade-long journey of continuous learning and professional growth. Throughout this journey, I assumed various roles, lived in different states, and worked with great mentors and leaders. Each experience contributed to my growth and provided me with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue my entrepreneurial ambition. The pivotal point was during my tenure in tissue banking, where I worked closely with donated human tissues on a daily basis. This immersive experience not only deepened my appreciation for the significant impact of tissue donation but also reignited my entrepreneurial drive. I was driven by my desire to honor the generosity of tissue donors and address the persistent lack of human-derived biomaterials in the market, that’s why Humabiologics was founded. I leveraged the discard tissue to introduce the market’s first human collagen and gelatin bioinks.

Who inspired you the most along this journey?

Mohammad: I was fortunate enough to be trained, mentored, and inspired by several great individuals, each contributing in unique ways to my personal and professional growth. It all started with my Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Howard Matthew, who not only introduced me to the intricate world of cells and biomaterials but also instilled in me the confidence to transition from an engineer to a scientist. The trust of Drs. Anthony Atala and James Yoo to lead the skin bioprinting research group fueled my passion for leveraging technology to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients. In the clinical realm, Dr. James Holmes played a pivotal role in amplifying my dedication to regenerative medicine. Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of innovative treatments on the quality of patients’ lives under his guidance further fueled my commitment to advancing the field. Transitioning to the industry sphere, I was fortunate to receive mentorship from Dr. Steve Charlebois during my tenure at COOK Medical. He enormously influenced my thinking and approach to tackling complex challenges in product development. I was then mentored by Ken Russel, whose entrepreneurial expertise and success in founding and selling a medical device company made me believe that one day I too could venture into entrepreneurship and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.

What motivates you the most for your work? 

Mohammad: What motivates me most in my work is the profound sense of purpose and impact it carries. Every day, I am driven by the opportunity to honor the selfless act of tissue donation and to transform discarded tissue into valuable resources that have the potential to improve and even save lives. This connection to the donor’s wish is a constant reminder of the responsibility and privilege entrusted to me. Knowing that my efforts contribute to the development of unique products that empower scientists and clinicians to enhance the quality of human therapies further fuels my motivation. Being part of a process that drives innovation and facilitates advancements in regenerative medicine is incredibly fulfilling. Ultimately, the dual motivation of honoring the donor’s legacy and advancing the frontier of scientific discovery propels me forward, ensuring that each day is filled with purpose and meaning in my work.

What is/are the biggest obstacle(s) in your line of work? If you have conquered them, what were your solutions? 

Mohammad: The biggest obstacle was around the heavy reliance on animal-derived biomaterials in regenerative medicine research. These biomaterials not only pose ethical and regulatory challenges but also lack the clinical and physiological relevance necessary for effective translation into human therapies. Overcoming this hurdle required addressing several interconnected issues, including accessibility, affordability, and scalability of human-derived biomaterials. I recognized this critical need and set out to provide viable solutions. The primary focus was to develop a diverse portfolio of human-derived biomaterials that offer superior clinical relevance compared to animal-derived counterparts. By harnessing discarded human tissues, we pioneered the production of a wide range of biomaterials and prioritized accessibility, quality, and affordability to ensure widespread adoption within the research community. The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 which authorizes the use of certain alternatives to animal testing, such as bioprinted organoids, to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a drug has helped with the adoption of incorporating human biomaterials more and relying less on products derived from animal tissues. We also invested significant efforts in raising awareness and educating researchers about the clinical relevance of human-derived biomaterials, thereby overcoming skepticism and driving adoption. As a result of these initiatives, Humabiologics has successfully introduced 59 products to the market, serving over 100 customers in 23 countries across 5 continents.

What do you think is (are) the biggest challenge(s) in bio-printing? What do you think the potential solution(s) is (are)?

Mohammad: There is no doubt that bioprinting has contributed to several advances in the field. The biggest challenge in bioprinting lies in the complexity of creating functional and viable constructs that can accurately mimic native tissues and organs. This involves addressing several key factors, including development of suitable multiculture systems, the precise incorporation of different cell types, optimization of cell concentrations, and selection of appropriate biomaterials among many other challenges. One potential solution to these challenges lies in advancing our understanding of tissue engineering principles and refining the techniques used in bioprinting. This includes further research into cell biology, biomaterial science, and tissue biomechanics to better replicate the intricate microenvironment of native tissues. Additionally, the development of advanced bioprinting technologies, such as multi-material printing and organ-on-a-chip systems, holds promise for enhancing the complexity and functionality of bioprinted constructs. By fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge across diverse fields, we can collectively overcome the challenges associated with bioprinting.

If you are granted three wishes by a higher being, what would they be? 

Mohammad: My first wish would be to eradicate cancer, sparing millions from its devastating impact and alleviating the suffering of patients and their loved ones. My second wish would be a world of safety and peace, where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding, and where every individual can live without fear of violence or oppression. My last wish would be a healthy Earth, where ecosystems thrive, biodiversity flourishes, and the planet’s resources are cherished and sustainably managed for future generations.

What advice would you give to a smart driven college student in the “real world”? What bad advices you heard should they ignore? 

Mohammad: Leave this life as a better place than when you came. Shoot for the moon but keep your feet on the ground. Stay humble and realistic. Never seek perfection because it can be paralyzing and counterproductive. Instead, focus on progress, growth, and continuous improvement. Never compare yourself or journey to others because everyone’s path is unique, and success is subjective. Never forget to prioritize your personal Well-being as it is the core of everything you do in life.

What’s your favorite book you read this year and why? Alternatively, what’s your favorite book of all times you read and why?

Mohammad: While podcasts certainly are prevailing due to convenience in this time and era, there’s something special about a good book’s depth and immersive experience. I still like to read books that are more related to honing some essential business skills and fostering my personal development.

“Influencer” by Joseph Grenny and others, along with “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High“. The books offer invaluable insights into navigating challenging conversations and influencing change effectively. In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, mastering these skills is essential for personal and professional growth.

“Meetings Suck” by Cameron Herold sounds like a refreshing take on a common pain point in the business world. Efficient and productive meetings are crucial for driving collaboration and innovation, making this book a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders striving to optimize their team’s performance.

Lastly, “Coping with Difficult People” by Dr. Robert Bramson is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers across generations. The ability to effectively manage difficult personalities and navigate interpersonal challenges is indispensable in both professional and personal settings. This book provides practical strategies and insights for building constructive relationships and resolving conflicts with grace and tact.

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