Biological Characterization of Natto Extract from Bacillus subtilis Fermented Soybeans: Effects on Cell Proliferation and Enzyme Inhibition for Cosmetic Applications

Jiraporn Chanbua; Tasanee Panichakul; Wittawat Ratanathavorn; Laddawan Kleebmek; Poowanate Kheawsanga; Sasithorn Kongruang; Rittipun Rungruang

Authors

Jiraporn Chanbua Department of Cosmetic Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
Tasanee Panichakul Department of Cosmetic Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
Wittawat Ratanathavorn Department of Cosmetic Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
Laddawan Kleebmek Department of Cosmetic Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
Poowanate Kheawsanga Department of Cosmetic Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
Sasithorn Kongruang Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800 Thailand
Rittipun Rungruang Department of Cosmetic Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand

Keywords:

Bacillus subtilis var. natto, Natto extract, Cytotoxicity, Cell proliferation, Emulsion serum

Abstract

Natto fermentation by Bacillus subtilis var. natto is a well-established process that enhances the nutritional profile of soybeans by producing bioactive compounds, including proteins, vitamins, peptides, and antioxidant-rich phytochemicals. These phytochemicals, especially those with antioxidant properties and inhibitors of collagenase and tyrosinase, hold promise as bioactive agents for cosmetic formulations. The present study aimed to extract bioactive compounds from natto powder (NP) using ethanol, assess their phenolic and flavonoid contents, and determine their inhibitory activities against collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase. The natto powder extract (NPE) yielded 19.00±0.67%, with total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 20.64±0.20 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract and 22.34±3.28 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g extract, respectively. It exhibited significant antioxidant activities, with IC₅₀ values of 2.84±0.19 mg/mL for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 0.76±0.09 mg/mL for 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and 94.04±1.18 mg TE/g extract for ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The extract also inhibits collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase activities. NPE at noncytotoxic concentrations (62.5 and 125 µg/mL) significantly promoted human fibroblast proliferation. An emulsion serum containing NPE was developed and tested for stability over 6 heating-cooling cycles. The emulsion serum exhibited good stability with no phase separation and maintained an acceptable pH, viscosity, and color. These findings highlight the potential of NPE as a promising ingredient in cosmeceutical skin care formulations.

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