On October 23, 2026, a research team from the University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano, and the Niguarda Hospital in Milan, Italy, successfully transformed okara—a byproduct of tofu and soy beverage production—into a bioactive, biodegradable material suitable for 3D printing. This material holds promise for future development of drugs targeting localized treatments and promoting post-cancer surgery recovery. The related research paper has been published in the journal Communications Materials. The study reveals that okara is rich in proteins, serving as a sustainable source of bioactive molecules. The team extracted protein hydrolysates rich in bioactive peptides from okara and confirmed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which promote fibroblast migration—crucial for wound healing. To translate this discovery into practical applications, the team incorporated okara hydrolysates into polycaprolactone (PCL), creating a bioactive blend suitable for 3D printing. This blend retains the key properties of PCL while achieving sustained release of bioactive peptides. The team also successfully printed structures with complex geometries, demonstrating the material's versatility and potential for customizing personalized devices.