| abstract |
Methods and compositions for increased stability of enzymes in oxidant dry bleach. Enzyme stability is adversely affected by increased temperature, humidity, and the presence of strong oxidants, such as peracids. The instant invention provides enzyme stability in the presence of oxidant bleaches by coating or encapsulating the enzyme, while providing enzyme solubility suitable for use in bleach mixtures upon introduction to an aqueous medium. Particularly, alkali and neutral materials act as protection agents, which neutralize oxidant species before they contact and denature the enzyme. Other standard bleaching composition adjuncts such as builders, fillers, buffers, brighteners, fragrances, and the like may be included in the enzyme-containing oxidant bleach composition in addition to the discrete coated enzyme granules. |