Natto resin: This powder can absorb an incredible amount of water. (Kyudai News No.2)

Excellent Absorbency and Flexibility
Natto is made by fermenting steamed soybeans with the addition of natto bacillus. The beans develop long, soft, sticky threads connecting them together. When the threads are exposed to radiation, they become hard, strong fibers much like glass. This is natto resin. The only drawback is that usually only 1 gram of resin can be produced from each kilogram of natto. Professor Hara, however, hit upon the idea of using a solution of the flavoring agent glutamic acid to cultivate natto bacillus, and with this new method he succeeded in creating between 30 and 40 grams of resin per liter of the solution.

Natto resin is 100% natural, and it boasts high absorbency and elasticity. It can hold roughly five times as much water as the material in paper diapers. Even after it exceeds its absorbent capacity, the resin turns into a jelly-like substance. Turning an eye to these impressive properties, Hara devised various ways to use this resin. The first was in trays for fish, meat, and other foods. When trays and other implements made with this resin are disposed of, they can be buried in the ground where they will break down naturally. When they are thrown away with household garbage, things made with natto resin will absorb the water and turn into jelly, protecting the surrounding area from pollution. And when natto resin is mixed with cattle dung, it will become gelatinous and will not freeze in the winter. This makes it much easier to produce fertilizer.

In addition, mud dredged from the bottom of a dammed lake can be dried in the sun and then mixed with natto resin and seeds and rolled into pellets, from which the seeds can grow. Because the natto resin can absorb rainwater so well, these pellets can be scattered and will produce plants even in such inhospitable places as mountainsides and deserts. This technology offers the potential of killing two birds with one stone by providing a way to both dispose of sludge and halt desertification at the same time. Natto resin breaks down over time, so it is environmentally friendly and leaves behind no harmful substances.

Halting Desertification While Growing Food
Based on the results of his research, Hara launched his own start-up company in March 2003, called Haratek. This company sells natto resin to cosmetic makers for use in making skin toner, and it is also considering producing a moisture regulator for use in fertilizer and an absorbent for disposable diapers.

Hara advocates the use of natto resin as part of what he calls a "green recycling system." Pellets containing soybean seeds can be planted and grown in the desert and then harvested and made into natto resin, which can be used to grow more soybeans. By making deserts green and growing food at the same time, this plan appears to have no downside. Professor Hara is currently considering ways to make this a reality in the area around the Yellow River in China.

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