Abstract: To facilitate the separation and purification of cytochrome P450s in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, the effects of 4 detergents on the solubilization and denaturation of microsomal P450s from this pest were examined. The results showed that CHAPS efficiently solubilized the microsomal P450 of midgut and fatbody, while Lubrol PX, Emulgen 911 and sodium cholate were less efficient. The suitable solubilization concentrations of CHAPS for microsomal P450s of midgut and fatbody were 0.5% and 0.5%-0.8% respec tively. Denaturation effects of CHAPS, Lubrol PX, Emulgen 911 and sodium cholat eat the concentration 0.5% on microsomal cytochrome P450s of midgut and fatbody were insignificant.

Key words: Helicoverpa armigera, cytochrome P450, detergent, solubilization, denaturation