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 TiO 2 ), 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 the protein-containing region of the granule. Another embodiment of the invention 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.