PROTEIN-CONTAINING GRANULES AND GRANULE FORMULATIONS

The present invention provides compositions suitable for use in connection with protein-carrying granules, e.g., enzyme granules, and the like. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture including a finely-divided drying agent (e.g., a pigment, such as TiO2), a binding agent (e.g., a sugar or sugar-derivative, such as sucrose), and a polymeric structuring agent (e.g., a polypeptide or polysaccharide, such as starch); together defining a matrix. The matrix can be applied as a coating or layer about a protein- containing region, e.g., a core, of a granule. Preferably, the matrix is effective as a barrier, or physical divider, that slows or prevents the diffusion of substances that can adversely effect the protein or enzyme in t he protein-containing region of the granule. Another embodiment of the inventio n provides a polymeric coating or layer for use in protein-containing granules . Preferably, the coating is substantially free of pigments and the like. The matrix and coating of the present invention can be used separately or, more preferably, in combination in a protein or enzyme granule formulation, with the resultant granules exhibiting good storage stability in detergent formulations.