Granule containing protein and salt layered on an inert particle

Abstract

Granules are prepared containing an admixture of protein and salt layered over an inert particle. A preferred amount of salt is about between 63.7 and 84.3% of the total weight of the admixture. Proteins include pharmaceutically important proteins such as hormones, or industrially important proteins such as enzymes including proteases, amylases, lipases and cellulases capable of hydrolyzing substrates such as stains. Inert particles include inorganic salts, sugars, sugar alcohols, small organic molecules such as organic acids or salts, and minerals such as clays or silicates. A binder such as starch or polyethylene oxide may be mixed in with the admixture. A barrier material such as an inorganic salt or organic acid or salt may be in the admixture or coated over the admixture layer. A coating layer of a soluble or water dispersible film-forming polymer may be between the inert particle and admixture layer and/or over the admixture layer. The granules may also contain plasticizers, extenders, lubricants, pigments and anti-agglomeration agents. A preferred method for preparing the granules is by spraying a solution or slurry of the admixture onto the inert particles while fluidized in a fluid-bed coater.