Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of recovering lipase activity which comprises the steps of using a lipase derived from Thermomyces sp. and immobilized on a carrier, or a lipase powder composition which comprises a filter aid and the lipase derived from Thermomyces sp. and immobilized on a carrier which is crushed into the average particle size of 1 ?m or larger and smaller than 300 ?m in an esterification or transesterification reaction; and washing said lipase or lipase powder composition with triacylglycerol. According to this method, the decreased lipase activity can be effectively recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a granule comprising a core and a coating, wherein the core comprises an active compound, and the coating comprises filaments prepared from atomizing a liquid coating composition having the property that liquid coating composition forms filaments upon atomization.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for selection and enrichment of a target gene from a library of polynucleotide sequences such as might be formed from a genome or by random mutagenesis of a genetic sequence. The selection and enrichment occurs in aqueous droplets formed in an emulsion that compartmentalize individual polynucleotides from the library or a plurality of polynucleotides that may include polynucleotides not derived from the library, transcription and translation reagents and optionally additional chemical and enzyme reagents. The selection and enrichment method utilizes a polynucleotide adaptor which when ligated to the polynucleotide fragment enables amplification to occur in the presence of an adaptor specific primer.

Abstract: Granules that include a protein core are described. The protein core includes a protein matrix which includes a protein mixed together with a starch. The protein matrix can be layered over a seed particle or the protein core can be homogeneous. The protein can be an enzyme or a therapeutic protein.

Abstract: The invention relates processes for producing enzyme containing granules having an enzyme containing core and a shell coating the core wherein the preparation of the core and application of the shell are independent and are physically separated by time and/or location.

Abstract: An enzymatic catalyst in the granular form which is non-dispersible in water comprising an inner core provided with a coating which coating comprises an enzymatic material characterised in that the coating has a thickness of from 30 to 400 microns and the ratio of the size of the core to the thickness of the coating is from 2 to 20. A method for the preparation of the catalyst and the use of the catalyst in the conversion of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butyronitrile to ammonium 2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoate is also claimed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a method for amplifying a target sequence of a target polynucleotide. The method comprises the step of forming extension products of an oligonucleotide primer at least along the target sequence or along an extended oligonucleotide primer. The extension products are copies of the target sequence. The improvement comprises forming the extension products in the presence of a second polynucleotide, to which the oligonucleotide primer hybridizes except for 1–10 nucleotides at the 3?-end of the oligonucleotide primer. Under the conditions chosen, the oligonucleotide primer is extended along the second polynucleotide in a controlled manner relative to extension of such primer along the target sequence, thus providing a positive control for the amplification reaction, which control may be qualitative or quantitative. Optionally, a modified oligonucleotide primer is included in the amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly impact-resistant, water-soluble or water dispersible, low-dust granules comprising an active ingredient and methods for obtaining the same.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumors and cancers in mammals, for example, humans, utilizing the CTSZ and CD24 genes, which are amplified colon cancer and/or ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer genes. The CTSZ and CD24 genes, their expressed protein products and antibodies are used diagnostically or as targets for cancer therapy or vaccine; they also are used to identify compounds and reagents useful in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a threshold value (e.g., a threshold cycle number or a time value) in a nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a detection mechanism for measuring, at a plurality of different times during the amplification reaction, at least one signal whose intensity is related to the quantity of a nucleic acid sequence being amplified in the reaction. A controller in communication with the detection mechanism is programmed to store signal values defining a growth curve for the nucleic acid sequence, determine a derivative of the growth curve, and calculate a cycle number or time value associated with a characteristic of the derivative.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzyme-containing granule comprising a core unit and a shell unit, wherein the core unit comprises the enzyme and is enclosed in a shell unit which is substantially enzyme-free, the ratio between the diameter of the granule and the diameter of the core unit being at least 1.1. Also processes for producing such granules and use of the granules are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particle comprising an enzyme and a biomass, to a process for preparing a particle comprising spray drying an enzyme and biomass containing fermentation broth starting material, to obtain a solid particle comprising an enzyme and a biomass and to a process for preparing an enzyme containing particle comprising spray drying an aqueous enzyme containing liquid starting material to obtain a spray dried first enzyme containing particle and subsequently subjecting the first dry particle to a process selected from granulation and coating and combinations thereof to obtain a second dry enzyme containing particle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: Granules that include a protein core are described. The protein core includes a protein matrix which includes a protein mixed together with a starch and optionally sugar such as sucrose. The protein matrix can be layered over a seed particle or the protein core can be homogeneous. The protein can be an enzyme or a therapeutic protein. A barrier layer may surround the protein core, and a coating can be applied to the seed particle, the protein matrix and/or the barrier layer.

Abstract: A process for producing L-ascorbic acid or D-erythorbic acid, or in each case its sodium, potassium or calcium salt, from 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or 2-keto-D-gluconic acid, or in each case its sodium, potassium or calcium salt, that involves incubating 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or 2-keto-D-gluconic acid, each as the free acid or as its sodium, potassium or calcium salt, and the cells of a thermoacidophilic microorganism at temperatures from about 30° C. to about 100° C., and at a pH from about 1 to about 6, in a solution, to form L-ascorbic acid or D-erythorbic acid or an appropriate salt thereof, and isolating said product from the solution.

Abstract: A detergent composition that contains inorganic powder and a soap such as a soda soap, wherein the inorganic powder is zeolite powder, calcium carbonate powder, silica powder, ceramic powder, alga fossil powder, seashell powder or the like, and pineapple enzymes are fixed thereto by adding pineapple juice thereto and fermenting. This detergent composition does not cause water pollution like synthetic detergents do, thus enabling water pollution caused by wastewater from cleaning to be prevented. Moreover, due to the positive water-cleaning action of the pineapple enzymes, the detergent composition cleans the insides of drainage pipes, purifier tanks and the like, thus improving the functions thereof. Water pollution can thus be ameliorated.

Abstract: Low-density enzyme-carrying granules are low dusting and/or storage-stable, and especially suitable for use in liquid detergents and cleaners, such as non-aqueous liquid laundry detergents. Preferred granules of the invention include a relatively high content of one or more low-density fillers, such as perlite or starch, to provide a desired product density. In one embodiment, the granules have a true density within a range of from about 1 to about 1.4 g/cm3. The granules can be economically produced in commercial quantities using fluidized bed technology.

Abstract: A slow-release solid chemical composition for environmental bioremediation is provided. The composition comprises a source of soluble organic substrates which include sugars, soluble organic polymers and mixtures of them in an amount of 7% to 90%, insoluble organic substrates an amount of 10% to 70%, complex inorganic phosphates in an amount of 0.5% to 7% and soluble organic salts in an amount of 2% to 70%. The insoluble organic substrates include fibrous plant materials, starches, cellulosic materials and mixtures of these substrates. The complex inorganic phosphates include ringed metaphosphates, linear polyphosphates and mixtures. The organic salts include lactates, formates, acetates, citrates, etc. Also the composition further comprises microorganisms which include Bacillus spp., Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhibzobium spp., Fibrobacter spp., Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas. spp., Geobacter spp., Arthrobacter spp., Nocardia, spp., aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Candida spp., Yarrowia spp.

Abstract: A solid phytase composition having a phytase activity of above 20 FYT/g is prepared containing a lactic acid source such as corn steep liquor to stabilize the phytase. A starch source, disaccharide, filler, carrier, vitamins and/or minerals may be present in the composition. The composition can be prepared by spray drying or granulation. Granulates are preferred for using the composition to animal feed where the phytase eliminates the anti-nutritional effects of phytic acid.

Abstract: A granule having high stability and low dust is described. The granule includes a hydrated barrier material having moderate or high water activity. Also described are methods of producing the granules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme-containing granules comprising (a) an enzyme and (b) a core which intrinsically is capable of absorbing at least 5% w/w (based on the weight of the core) of water and to processes for the production of such granules comprises (a) contacting absorbent cores, capable of absorbing at least 5% w/w (based on the weight of the core) of water, with a liquid medium, such as an aqueous medium, containing an enzyme in dissolved and/or dispersed form, the amount of the liquid medium employed being such that substantially no attendant agglomeration of the resulting product occurs; and (b) at least partially removing volatile components of the liquid medium from the resulting product.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-density compositions, as well as particulates formed, at least in part, from such compositions. Preferred low-density materials include, for example, hollowspheres, low-density minerals, and low-density wood materials (e.g., sawdust). The low-density compositions of the invention can be formed as particulates, or cores, suitable for use in forming enzyme granules, e.g., marums, layered granules, prills, drum granules, agglomerated granules, or the like. Granules are disclosed having advantageous properties, e.g., low dusting, storage stable, fast enzyme-release profile, low true density, etc. The granules of the invention are especially useful, for example, in liquid detergents and cleaners, such as predominantly aqueous, liquid laundry detergents. In one embodiment, granules are provided having a true, or volumetric, density within a range of from about 0.95 to about 1.4 g/cm3.

Abstract: Enzyme granules are provided in which an enzyme is rapidly eluted, without insoluble remnants, and generation of powdery dust is suppressed, and which granules have a property such that classification phenomenon generated among the granules in a detergent composition is less likely to take place, in a case where the enzyme granules are formulated together with other components in a detergent. The enzyme granule comprise (A) water-insoluble substance and or a slightly water-soluble substance; (B) a water-soluble binder; and (C) an enzyme. A dye may also be present for coloring. The content of (A) component is 45% by weight or more, and the enzyme granules have an average particle size of from 150 to 500 &mgr;m and a bulk density of from 500 to 1,000 g/L, and have a structure such that more amount of (B) component is present near the surface of the enzyme granules than in the inner portion thereof. The enzyme granule may be aggregated to form an enzyme granule aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-density compositions, as well as particulates formed, at least in part, from such compositions. Preferred low-density materials include, for example, hollowspheres, low-density minerals, and low-density wood materials (e.g., sawdust). The low-density compositions of the invention can be formed as particulates, or cores, suitable for use in forming enzyme granules, e.g., marums, layered granules, prills, drum granules, agglomerated granules, or the like. Granules are disclosed having advantageous properties, e.g., low dusting, storage stable, fast enzyme-release profile, low true density, etc. The granules of the invention are especially useful, for example, in liquid detergents and cleaners, such as predominantly aqueous, liquid laundry detergents. In one embodiment, granules are provided having a true, or volumetric, density within a range of from about 0.95 to about 1.4 g/cm3.

Abstract: Enzyme-containing granules for manufacturing animal feed compositions are prepared using a carrier containing at least about 15% (w/w) carbohydrate such as starch and less than 5% (w/w) protein. A mixture is formed containing an enzyme, the carrier and water, with or without prior kneading to improve plasticity, the mixture is mechanically processed such as by extrusion with a basket or dome extruder while not allowing the temperature of the mixture to rise above about 40° C., and drying the resultant enzyme-containing granules. The granules may be spheronised prior to drying, and drying may be in a fluid bed agglomerator. The water and enzyme may be provided as an enzyme-containing aqueous liquid such as an enzyme-containing filtrate from a fermentation process. Enzymes include phytase, endo-xylanase and &bgr;-glucanase. Other components that may be in the granules include divalent cations, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and an edible oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant &agr;-amylase having an amino acid sequence obtained by making deletion or replacement by another arbitrary amino acid residue of at least a methionine residue at the 202-position or a position homologous thereto among amino acid residues set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, which constitute a liquefying alkaline &agr;-amylase, a gene thereof, and a detergent composition comprising the mutant &agr;-amylase. The mutant &agr;-amylase has the optimum pH in an alkaline range, an excellent &agr;-amylase activity, and high and lasting resistance to oxidizing agents, and is hence particularly useful as a component of detergent compositions containing a bleaching agent and an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A particle for detersive enzymes is disclosed by way of the present invention. The particle comprises a composite particle suitable for incorporation into a detergent composition comprising an enzyme containing core material and a water soluble carboxylate barrier layer coated on the enzyme containing core material. The preferred enzymes are protease enzymes. Automatic dishwashing compositions employing the particle are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the formulations, forms and functions of advanced solid-chemical compositions which provide balanced, sustained-release sources of soluble and insoluble organic substrates and complex inorganic phosphates, as well as other beneficial agents, which when used as intended, provides for relatively simple and inexpensive means of enhancing the anaerobic bioremediation and dehalogenation of halogenated organic contaminants, such as trichloroethene (TCE), as well as the biologically mediated chemical reduction of oxidized forms of certain inorganic contaminants, such as chromium (VI), uranium (VI), and arsenate-based pesticides. Preferred embodiments of the disclosed solid-chemical compositions include the incorporation of a broad and balanced suite of soluble organic substrates including soluble sugars, molasses and milk; soluble organic salts; and soluble organic polymers.

Abstract: Granules are prepared containing an admixture of protein and starch layered over an inert particle. 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. The admixture may also contain sugar such as sucrose. A ratio of corn starch to sugar much greater than 1:1 such as in a range of about 5:1 to about 15:1 is preferred. A coating layer may be between the inert particle and the admixture and/or over the admixture. Methods that may be used in preparing the granules include pan-coating, fluid-bed coating, prilling, disc granulation, spray drying, extrusion, centrifugal extrusion, spheronization, drum granulation and high shear agglomeration.

Abstract: Enzyme granules are provided in which an enzyme is rapidly eluted, without insoluble remnants, and generation of powdery dust is suppressed, and which granules have a property such that classification phenomenon generated among the granules in a detergent composition is less likely to take place, in a case where the enzyme granules are formulated together with other components in a detergent. The enzyme granule comprise (A) water-insoluble substance and or a slightly water-soluble substance; (B) a water-soluble binder; and (C) an enzyme. A dye may also be present for coloring. The content of (A) component is 45% by weight or more, and the enzyme granules have an average particle size of from 150 to 500 &mgr;m and a bulk density of from 500 to 1,000 g/L, and have a structure such that more amount of (B) component is present near the surface of the enzyme granules than in the inner portion thereof. The enzyme granule may be aggregated to form an enzyme granule aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme-containing granules comprising (a) an enzyme and (b) a core which intrinsically is capable of absorbing at least 5% w/w (based on the weight of the core) of water and to processes for the production of such granules comprises (a) contacting absorbent cores, capable of absorbing at least 5% w/w (based on the weight of the core) of water, with a liquid medium, such as an aqueous medium, containing an enzyme in dissolved and/or dispersed form, the amount of the liquid medium employed being such that substantially no attendant agglomeration of the resulting product occurs; and (b) at least partially removing volatile components of the liquid medium from the resulting product.

Abstract: Enzyme granules suitable for incorporating into detergents or cleaners are provided containing an enzyme, a carrier material and a granulation auxiliary containing phosphated starch. The phosphated starch preferably has a mean degree of phosphation ranging from 1.5 to 2.5. Carrier materials include starch, cereal flour, cellulose, alkali metal aluminosilicate, layer silicate and alkali metal salts. Enzymes include proteases, lipases, amylases and cellulases. A preferred carrier material contains water-swellable starch, sucrose, cereal flour and cellulose powder. The granulation auxiliary may contain a co-granulation auxiliary selected from polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of from 200 to 6,000, 1,2-propylene glycol and a poly-ethoxylate having a specified formula. Preferred granules have a mean particle size of from 0.3 to 3 mm.

Abstract: A composition containing a nuclease, preferably Exonuclease I, and a phosphatase, preferably Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatase, wherein the enzymes are combined in a single composition yet each enzyme retains significant functional activity over time. Combining Exonuclease I and Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatase into one composition allows simplified processing of amplified DNA to degrade residual primers and nucleotide triphosphates thereby facilitating subsequent DNA analysis.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of active proteins from plant material or from fermentation media, wherein the active proteins contained in an enzymatic solution extracted from the plant material or from the fermentation media are precipitated in an appropriate organic solvent, continuously and in a single step in a specific reactor, the conditions in the reactor being adjusted so as to obtain a precipitate of nondenatured proteins. The precipitate is then passed through a maturation step before being continuously separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein disulfide isomerases which are encoded by a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes with (i) the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or (ii) the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, under the following conditions: presoaking in 5×SSC and prehybridizing for 1 h at ˜40° C. in a solution of 5×SSC, 5×Denhardt's solution, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8, and 50 &mgr;g of denatured sonicated calf thymus DNA, followed by hybridization in the same solution supplemented with 50 &mgr;Ci 32-P-dCTP labelled probe for 18 h at ˜40° C. followed by washing three times in 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 40° C. for 30 minutes; and fragments thereof. The present invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding the protein disulfide isomerases, compositions comprising said protein disulfide isomerases and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Granules that include a protein core are described. The protein core includes a protein matrix which includes a protein mixed together with a salt. The protein matrix is layered over a seed particle. The protein can be an enzyme or a therapeutic protein such as a hormone. Methods of making the granules are also described.

Abstract: A multi-layer enzyme granule for use in liquid detergents and cleaners is produced, comprising a seed or carrier particle; an outer coating; and, between the particle and the coating layer, a low-density filler and an enzyme, wherein the granule has a density of less than 1.4 g/cm3. Also disclosed are methods for making such enzyme-containing granules including using fluidized bed technology.

Abstract: A process for the production of dihomo-&ggr;-linolenic acid comprising the steps of culturing a microorganism having an ability to produce araquidonic acid and having a reduced or lost &Dgr;5 desaturase activity to produce dihomo-&ggr;-linolenic acid or a lipid containing dihomo-&ggr;-linolenic acid, and recovering the dihomo-&ggr;-linolenic acid.

Abstract: Enzymes are immobilized for use in non-aqueous enzymatic reactions by dehydrating hydrocolloid gel beads having an average particle size of 5 to 150 microns and a network structure capable of swelling in aqueous media, immersing or suspending the dehyrated gel beads in an aqueous solution of enzyme where the beads swell and imbibe the enzyme solution, optionally dehydrating the resultant enzyme-containing gel beads and recovering the gel beads containing the enzyme. In a specific method, the hydrocolloid is carrageenan such a kappa carragennan, the enzyme is subtilisin Carlsberg, the aqueous enzyme solution contains 0.05% to 40 wt % enzyme and the amount of enzyme imbibed is 0.05 to 0.5 grams of enzyme per gram of dehydrated gel beads.

Abstract: The preparation of an activity-stable and low-dust enzyme granulate for washing and cleaning applications, e.g. for use in granular washing and cleaning agent compositions, is described. Also described are the activity-stable and low-dust enzyme granulates obtained in accordance with the method of preparation as well as their use in washing and cleaning applications. In addition, in a special aspect of the invention, the use of specially selected flours as auxiliary agents for the preparation of enzyme granulates for diverse application purposes is described.

Abstract: A method is presented for spray-drying whole microorganisms of Fusarium lateritium, Methylophilus methylotrophus, and Pseudomonas putida under conditions that the activity of cyanide hydratase, amidase and D-2-haloalkanoic acid halidohydrolase respectively are retained.

Abstract: An enzyme system is described that is useful for preparing food and feed. One enzyme of that system is obtainable from Aspergillus. That enzyme has the following characteristics: a MW of from 29 kDa to 36 kDa as measured on a SDS-Phastgel (10-15%) or about 30 kDa; a pI value of about 3-4; ferulic acid esterase activity; a pH optimum of about 5; and a temperature optimum of from about 50 to about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme-containing granules comprising (a) an enzyme and (b) a core which intrinsically is capable of absorbing at least 5% w/w (based on the weight of the core) of water and to processes for the production of such granules comprises (a) contacting absorbent cores, capable of absorbing at least 5% w/w (based on the weight of the core) of water, with a liquid medium, such as an aqueous medium, containing an enzyme in dissolved and/or dispersed form, the amount of the liquid medium employed being such that substantially no attendant agglomeration of the resulting product occurs; and (b) at least partially removing volatile components of the liquid medium from the resulting product.

Abstract: Degradable polyesters useful in packaging, packing, agricultural, biomedical, and other applications are made by reacting amine-protected glutamic acid with diols or epoxy compounds. The polyesters include a thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester, a thermoset heterochain polyester and a thermoset heterochain aromatic polyester. Each of these polyesters can be hydrolyzed into monomers using a biological catalyst such as the enzyme lipase. The thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester and the thermoset heterochain polyester can be degraded to respiratory gases and biomass with a mixed culture of Rhizopus chinesis, Rhizopus delemar, Penecillium pinophilum, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms. This mixed culture of microorganisms can also be used to degrade other polyesters containing hydrolyzable backbone polyesters.

Abstract: Aqueous septic tank maintenance compositions, process for their production, methods for their use as well as methods for the maintenance of sewage systems, particularly septic tanks and cesspools are provided. The aqueous septic tank maintenance compositions feature a high proportion of biologically active agents per unit volume or unit weight of the compositions, and reduced numbers of stabilizing compositions generally required to ensure storage and shelf stability of the biologically active agents contained therein. Processes for the production of these aqueous septic tank maintenance compositions, and methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A granular enzyme composition is produced having reduced tendency to form dust and leave a residue, and improved stability and delayed release characteristics. The composition has a core, optionally coated with a vinyl polymer, a layer containing an enzyme and a vinyl polymer and optionally a plasticizer or anti-agglomeration agent, and an outer coating containing a polymer and optionally a low residue pigment and/or lubricant. Preferably, the core is a salt or sugar nonpareil, the vinyl polymer coating the core is polyvinyl alcohol and most preferably partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, the vinyl polymer in the enzyme layer is polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and the polymer of the outer coating is polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol which may be partially hydrolyzed, polyethylene glycol or mixtures thereof such as a mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol or a mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention discloses PEG-modified proteases, compositions containing these modified enzymes, and methods for using them to clean contact lenses. The methods of the present invention are also directed to the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lenses, when compositions of the present invention are combined with a suitable disinfectant.