Relation of detergent HLB number to solubilization and stabilization of D-alanine carboxypeptidase from Bacillus subtilis membranes.

The ability of various nonionic detergents to solubilize D-alanine carboxypeptidase and other membrane-bound enzymes was correlated to a physical property of the detergent, the HLB number. Only a fairly narrow range of detergents were effective solubilizing agents. Purified carboxypeptidase required either a detergent or detergent plus a lipid fraction for stability. Only those detergents effective in solubilizing the enzyme were effective in stabilizing it.