The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include an inert carrier substrate having a porous structure, microorganisms loaded throughout the pores of the inert carrier substrate, and a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the inert carrier substrate, wherein the surface layer is permeable to molecules that aid in cell growth of the microorganisms such that the composition is operable to allow for increased propagation of the microorganisms within the pores of the inert carrier substrate as compared to another composition having an absence of the surface layer.
