This study assessed the color, polyphenol content, and sensory characteristics of dressing containing varying concentrations (0, 3, 6 and 9%) of freeze-dried Natto. We determined that the absence of freeze-dried Natto (0%) imparted the highest additive value for both L and a, b. The polyphenol contents obtained were 0.63, 0.69, 0.74, and 0.82 mg/g for 0, 3, 6 and 9% of dressing containing freeze-dried Natto, respectively. The appearance, color, taste, texture, and overall preference of dressings with freeze-dried Natto showed significant differences between the samples. The overall preference was highest at 5.92 points, with dressing containing 9% Natto. The quality characteristics of the 9% added samples exhibited significantly higher values as compared to those of the controls, raising the possibility of development as a health-functional dressing.

This study evaluated the color, DPPH radical activity, and sensory characteristics of nutritional bars supplemented with varying concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5%) of freeze-dried Natto. An inconsistent pattern was observed for the L value, whereas both a and b values increased significantly up to 5% addition of freeze-dried Natto. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of nutritional bars supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5% freeze-dried Natto were determined to be 59.54, 59.70, 44.85, and 55.07%, respectively. The appearance, color, taste, texture, and overall preference of nutritional bars supplemented with freeze-dried Natto showed significant differences between the samples. The overall preference of the nutrient bar was highest at 6.08 points, determined for the 2.5% Natto supplemented bar. The quality characteristics of the 2.5% added samples exhibited significantly higher values as compared to the controls, thereby indicating the potential of development in health-functional cereal bars.

건강 식품인 병아리콩을 화장품의 원료로 활용하기 위하여 Bacillus subtilis Natto 균주로 병아리콩을 발효한 낫토를 마스크 팩에 적용하여 피부개선 효과를 연구하였다. 병아리콩 낫토를 동결건조하여 얻은 분말을 paste 제형으로 얼굴 마사지 팩에 적용하였다. 50~60대 여성을 대상으로 낫토 팩의 피부개선 효과를 조사하였다. 낫토 팩의 처치 횟수가 증가함에 따라 피부가 개선되며 4회 처치 후 개선 효과가 두드러졌다. 4회 처치 후 수분 함량과 피지 분비량이 각각 8.4±3.6%p와 4.0±2.3%p 증가하였고, 피부 모공과 주름도 각각 1.8±0.3%p와 1.8±0.9%p 감소하였다. 피부 색소침착은 1.3±0.2%p 감소 되었고, 피부 톤은 55.2%에서 55.9%로 0.7±0.2%p 밝아졌다. 병아리콩을 발효하여 얻은 낫토 발효물이 보습, 모공, 주름, 색소침착, 피지분비, 피부톤 등의 피부개선 효과가 있으며, 다양한 기능성 화장품의 원료로 활용 가능성을 확인하였다.