Nattokinase: production and application

Abstract

Nattokinase (NK, also known as subtilisin NAT) (EC 3.4.21.62) is one of the most considerable extracellular enzymes produced by Bacillus subtilis natto. The main interest about this enzyme is due to its direct fibrinolytic activity. Being stable enough in the gastrointestinal tract makes this enzyme a useful agent for the oral thrombolytic therapy. Thus, NK is regarded as a valuable dietary supplement or nutraceutical. Proven safety and ease of mass production are other advantages of this enzyme. In addition to these valuable advantages, there are other applications attributed to NK including treatment of hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, and vitreoretinal disorders. This review tends to bring a brief description about this valuable enzyme and summarizes the various biotechnological approaches used in its production, recovery, and purification. Some of the most important applications of NK, as well as its future prospects, are also discussed.

Nattokinase: An Oral Antithrombotic Agent for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

“…Nattokinase is considered to be a safe, powerful, low cost, and all-natural supplement for the treatment of heart and cardiovascular disease [5,6,7]. Animal [3,4,8] and human trials [9,10,11] have demonstrated that NK provides support to the circulatory system by thinning the blood and dissolving blood clots.…”

“…The mechanism by which NK is transported from the digestive tract into the circulatory system still needs to be elucidated. NK can resist high temperature (50 °C) and pH (to 10), which certainly contributes to the ability of this enzyme to remain intact in the gastrointestinal tract [6]. …”

Preparation and evaluation of nattokinase-loaded self-double-emulsifying drug delivery system

“…The microscopic morphology was studied under inverted fluorescence microscope (× 400, Axiovert 40CFL, Carl Zeiss, Germany) and the particle size distribution was determined by dynamic light scattering (Mastersizer 2000, Malvern Instruments Ltd., Worcestershire, UK) equipped with a He-Ne laser (k=623 nm), respectively. The results were recorded as the typical volume-weighted mean droplet size D [4,3]. Each formulation was carried out three times in parallel, and data were presented as Mean ± SD.…”

“…The results were recorded as the typical volume-weighted mean droplet size D [4,3]. Each formulation was carried out three times in parallel, and data were presented as Mean ± SD.…”

“…Moreover, nattokinase is also resistant to trypsin hydrolysis in intestine, and it can be administered either intravenously or orally [3,4], making it ideal for the prevention and treatment of embolism. Studies have shown that nattokinase is orally effective, and it can be absorbed in intestine [5][6][7].…”