Method for boiling cocoon and silk reeling, spinning method using the same, and product obtained therefrom

Abstract

To provide a method for boiling a cocoon and silk reeling, capable of reducing damage to a protein of the cocoon or an organism (a larva, a pupa or an imago) inside the cocoon, or without killing the organism inside the cocoon, a spinning method using the same, and a product obtained from the method.SOLUTION: The method differs from the method of boiling a dried cocoon at a high temperature for a prolonged period of time, which is normally carried out when making raw silk from the cocoon. A step of immersing a raw cocoon for a short period of time at 100°C or lower, more preferably at 80°C or lower, is combined with a step of immersing the same at 50°C or lower, more preferably 45°C or lower, without rapid cooling in a liquid. Additionally, both steps or at least one of the steps is / are repeated to carry out silk reeling of the cocoon while reducing the damage to the pupa inside, or without killing the pupa inside. Thus ethical spinning with consideration for ethics can be carried out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for boiling and reeling cocoons while reducing damage to the proteins in the cocoons or the individuals (larvae, pupae or adults) inside the cocoons, or without killing the individuals inside the cocoons. More specifically, it relates to a technology for drawing thread from cocoons without denaturing the proteins in the cocoons at low temperatures, or a technology for drawing thread from cocoons while keeping the individuals inside the cocoons alive, even if they are exposed to high temperatures for a short period of time. [Background technology]

[0002] Usually, if a cocoon is harvested 8 to 10 days after hatching, the pupa inside will grow into an adult and make a hole in the cocoon to come out. Once a hole is made, it is difficult to reel the silk. Therefore, the harvested cocoon must be refrigerated, frozen, or heated to kill the pupa. Furthermore, when storing for a long time, it is common to dry the cocoon to prevent mold from growing. Therefore, when reeling, the pupa inside is already dead. Raw cocoons with live pupa inside can be used for boiling and reeling, but when boiling at silk factories, the pupa inside will die due to exposure to high temperatures for several minutes to several tens of minutes. Furthermore, if such raw cocoons are exposed to high temperatures for a long time, the body fluids containing proteins, nitrogen compounds, and other substances that made up the pupa may come out and contaminate the cocoon.

[0003] In silk-reeling factories, cocoons are usually boiled in a progressive cocoon boiling machine to turn them into raw silk. During this process, steam and hot water close to the boiling point are mixed with low-temperature water to introduce and remove steam and hot water into the cocoon cavity. This causes the sericin in the cocoon layer (a water-soluble protein that covers the cocoon thread) to swell and soften, making it easier for the thread to unravel from the cocoon. In silk-reeling, the cocoons are placed in hot water at about 90°C, and the tips of rice ears are used to string the thread out of the cocoon, which is then reeled in. This type of cocoon boiling process causes great damage to the silkworms, killing them. It is important to reconsider this type of silk-reeling method from a modern ethical and moral standpoint.

[0004] In educational settings, the process of extracting silk thread from cocoons is sometimes taught in biology classes at elementary and high schools, as a way of learning about Japanese history and traditions. Usually, the cocoons are boiled in water at 80-100°C for a few minutes, and then the temperature of the liquid is lowered so that the water penetrates into the cocoons. After that, the strings are tied, the thread ends are removed, and the silk is spun. Dried cocoons are often used for this purpose, but they can also be cocoons that have been grown from pupae themselves (raw cocoons) or fresh cocoons that have been purchased. In either case, the pupa inside dies, which makes students think about the blessings of silk and the lives of insects. The reality is that there are quite a few students and children who feel sad about taking a life.

[0005] In addition, in such conventional silk-reeling methods, the proteins in the cocoons are denatured by high temperatures. As a result, the dyeability of the silk and the texture of the woven fabric are impaired. In addition, when silkworm cocoons containing foreign proteins are used to produce raw silk, the foreign proteins are denatured. In light of this background, a technology is required to produce raw silk from cocoons without denaturing the proteins in the cocoons, including the foreign proteins. Therefore, methods such as vacuum infiltration and long-term immersion in saturated salt water have been invented (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Furthermore, by applying plastic bottles, syringes, and alkaline agents, it has become possible to reel cocoons without denaturing foreign proteins, etc., even in educational settings such as high schools, without the need for expensive machinery (Patent Document 3 and Non-Patent Document 1). However, in the method of Non-Patent Document 1, it takes one night to boil the cocoons, so there was a demand for the development of a more environmentally friendly method that does not use electricity.

[0006] The prior art documents of the present invention are listed below. [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5292548 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2016-079535 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7004254 [Non-Patent Document 1] Katsuya Ikebukuro and Kei Kojima: A method for reeling fluorescent silk cocoons without exposing them to high temperatures and its educational application. Biological Education 64(2), 133-139(2023) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In view of this situation, the present invention aims to prevent students and children from being troubled or traumatized by the death of pupae when reeling silk, not only for commercial purposes. By reeling silk without killing the pupae inside, students and children can feel the pure coexistence with insects and the blessings they receive. We have conducted intensive research with the desire to make people in the world feel more interest and value in silk thread that incorporates ethical ideas and ethical considerations for insects. The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for boiling and reeling cocoons without killing the individuals inside the cocoons, reducing damage to the cocoon protein or the individuals inside the cocoons (larvae, pupae, or adults), and to provide a method for producing products such as raw silk using this method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors have tried various methods of boiling cocoons by changing the temperature, reagents, treatment time, etc. In addition, they have tried various methods, such as a method of securing air so that the larvae and pupae inside the cocoons do not die, and a method of reducing the treatment time of the cocoons. As a result, the present inventors have found that it is possible to reduce damage to the cocoon or the individuals (larvae, pupae, or adults) inside the cocoon, and to reel the cocoon into raw silk without killing the individuals inside. The present invention is based on this finding, and provides the following [1] to

[11] . [1] A method of reeling cocoons by not rapidly cooling them in liquid after exposing them to high temperatures, thereby reducing the amount of liquid that enters the cocoons and thereby reducing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons caused by the high temperature liquid, its components, lack of air, etc. [2] A method for reeling cocoons by immersing undried cocoons, such as raw cocoons, or frozen raw cocoons, or raw cocoons that have been refrigerated, in a solution of 60°C or less containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., without high-temperature boiling or using a vacuum device, greatly shortening the time, reducing damage to the cocoon proteins, suppressing the denaturation of the cocoon proteins, and further reducing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, or a method for turning cocoons into fibers that can be reeled, floss, or used as the raw material for paper. [3] A method for reeling cocoons by soaking them in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., more preferably a solution containing at least a high concentration of an alkaline agent, which makes the cocoons easier to reel, and then reeling the cocoons directly in the solution or floating in the solution, rather than in hot water or floating in hot water, thereby making the reeling easier, shortening the time required, and reducing damage to the cocoon proteins or to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons. [4] A method of reeling cocoons by immersing the cocoons in a solution or steam of 100°C or less, more preferably 90°C or less, containing at least one of water or an alkaline agent, surfactant, enzyme, etc., for no more than a few minutes, or more preferably in a solution of 80°C or less containing at least a high concentration of an alkaline agent, for a few to a few tens of seconds, and then immediately removing the cocoons so that the inside of the cocoons does not become too hot or the high temperature does not continue, and in some cases by repeating this operation, thereby reducing damage to the cocoon proteins or to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons. [5] A method for producing cocoons that can be spun, fiber for use as the raw material for paper, raw silk or paper, with reduced damage to the cocoon protein or the larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoons, by combining the steps of immersing the cocoons in a liquid or steam at 100°C or less containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., more preferably in a solution at 80°C or less containing a high concentration of an alkaline agent, for a few to a few tens of seconds and immediately removing the cocoons, and immersing the cocoons in a liquid or steam at 50°C or less containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., more preferably in a solution at 45°C or less containing a high concentration of an alkaline agent, or by repeating at least one of these steps in addition to the above, or by performing both of these steps in addition to the above. (6) A method for reeling silk thread without killing the larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoons, or a method for producing cocoons that can be reeled, raw cotton or fiber for paper, or raw silk, by combining (1) to (5) or utilizing at least one of (1) to (5). (7) A method in which the larvae or pupae after reeling in (6) are washed with water, or left unwashed, at room temperature or under various temperature conditions, for observation, or for allowing the larvae or pupae to develop into adults, or for mating the adults, or for observing the female eggs, or for allowing the eggs to develop. [8] A method for performing the following steps (a) to (g) or a part of steps (a) to (g) in combination with [1] to [5], or utilizing at least one of [1] to [5], without killing the larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons, or a method for reducing damage to cocoon proteins, or to larvae or pupae, or a machine that automates at least a part of the following steps (a) to (g) or a part of steps (a) to (g) in combination with [1] to [5], or utilizing at least one of [1] to [5], without killing the larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons, or a method for reducing damage to larvae or pupae; (a) immersing the cocoons in water or a liquid containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., at a temperature of 50°C or less, more preferably in a solution containing a high concentration of an alkaline agent at a temperature of 45°C or less; (b) immersing the cocoons obtained by omitting step (a) or the cocoons obtained by step (a) in water or a liquid containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc. at a temperature of 100° C. or less, more preferably in a solution containing a high concentration of an alkaline agent at a temperature of 80° C. or less; (c) immersing the cocoons of step (b) in water at 50°C or below, more preferably at 45°C or below, or in a liquid at 50°C or below containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, and a surfactant in water, more preferably in a solution at 45°C or below containing a high concentration of an alkaline agent; (d) after step (c), repeating step (b) or steps (b) and (c) once or multiple times; (e) reeling the cocoons of step (b), (c) or (d) either in the treated solution or after immersion in water; (f) a step of drying the raw silk reeled in step (e) after reeling it up, either as is or after washing with water; (g) The process of refining the raw silk from step (e) or (f) to produce degummed silk. (h) A process of removing the larvae, pupae, or adults from the cocoons after step (e) and carrying out step (7). [9] A method for removing cocoons that are not suitable for reeling, such as thin cocoons, by taking advantage of the fact that cocoons with thin cocoon layers become depressed due to the movement of air or liquid when at least one of [4], [5], and [8] is carried out.

[10] A method for education or explanation using at least one of [1] to [9], or a silk-removing kit, a paper-making kit, or a learning material using at least one of [1] to [9], or a cocoon, larva, pupae, adult silkworm, pigment, cocoon protein, paper, raw silk, degummed silk, or fibers thereof, or a product obtained from raw silk or degummed silk, using at least one of [1] to [9].

[11] A method for reducing damage to cocoon proteins or to larvae, pupae, or adults in cocoons by carrying out at least one of [1] to [9], and for reducing discoloration of cocoons due to the color of pupae during boiling and reeling, and a method for reeling while suppressing the denaturation of cocoon proteins, including proteins expressed by genetic modification of cocoons, or cocoon proteins, pigments, raw silk, degummed silk obtained thereby, and products obtained from the raw silk or degummed silk. Effect of the Invention

[0009] When silkworm cocoons are boiled in the traditional way to produce silk, there is a problem that the cocoon proteins or the cocoons containing the proteins expressed in the genetically modified silkworms are denatured. In addition, when boiling in the traditional way, the individuals inside the cocoons (larvae, pupae, or adults) die, which raises ethical issues and causes children (and adults) to worry about taking the lives of silkworms. On the other hand, the present invention has made it possible to reel silk without denaturing the cocoon proteins and causing less damage to the cocoons. The boiling process, which took an entire night as in Non-Patent Document 1, can now be completed in less than an hour, making it possible in educational settings to turn silkworm cocoons, which consume less energy and are more environmentally friendly, into raw silk. From the perspective of green purchasing, there is a growing trend to consider not only quality and price but also the environment, and to prioritize purchasing products with as little environmental impact as possible from businesses that strive to reduce the environmental impact. The present invention is an invention that reduces the environmental impact, and has made it possible to bring products such as thread with less environmental impact to the world.

[0010] This invention also reduces damage to the individuals (such as pupae) inside the cocoons, making it possible to reel silk without killing the pupae. This solves ethical issues and makes it possible to produce products that are more ethical fashion. Such products should be a purchasing option for people who are concerned with ethical behavior, as well as vegans who respect the lives of animals. Furthermore, in educational settings, this invention can eliminate children's feelings of guilt for taking the lives of silkworms during the cocoon boiling and reeling process, or their distress over taking a life. This invention has increased the possibility that children, who will carry the future, will be able to experience cocoon boiling and reeling with a smile on their faces. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (1) Cocoon The present invention provides a method for reeling silk by reducing damage to the proteins in the cocoon or to the individuals (larvae, pupae, or adults) in the cocoon, or by not killing the individuals in the cocoon, and can be applied not only to silkworm cocoons, but also to reeling from cocoons of organisms other than silkworms, such as wild silkworms. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the commonly used white cocoons of ordinary varieties, but also to colored cocoons and cocoons spun by genetically modified silkworms, and can be applied to all types of silk. Some genetically modified silkworms have foreign proteins in their silk glands. Examples of foreign proteins contained in silk glands include, but are not limited to, fluorescent and chromogenic proteins such as CFP, GFP, YFP, and DsRed, collagen, peptides mainly composed of acidic and alkaline amino acids, and fibroin and sericin proteins derived from organisms other than silkworms, such as spiders. If a genetically modified silkworm containing a foreign protein in its silk gland is obtained, a person skilled in the art can easily obtain cocoons from the silkworm. In order to reel silk without killing the individuals inside (larvae, pupae, or adults), it is necessary to use live cocoons; however, the method of the present invention can also be applied to cocoons in which the individuals (larvae, pupae, or adults) are not alive, such as dried cocoons or frozen live cocoons, and used to reel silk.

[0012] (2) Immersing the cocoons in a solution containing an alkaline agent In the present invention, a step of immersing the cocoons in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc. in water can be included. The cocoons may be normal cocoons or cocoons spun by genetically modified silkworms, and the lineage is not limited. In addition, the cocoons may be those of domesticated silkworms or wild silkworms.

[0013] The water of the present invention may be any water in the broad sense, such as purified water, distilled water, sterilized water, tap water, etc., and may contain trace amounts of minerals dissolved therein. Also, any liquid that can be substituted for water may be used.

[0014] The alkaline agent of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. Commercially available sodium bicarbonate, which is not as pure as a reagent, can also be used. It is sufficient if the agent maintains its alkalinity even if it reacts with heat. Sodium bicarbonate water, etc. can be reused several times to a certain extent. Examples of surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as fatty acid diethanolamides and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, anionic surfactants such as fatty acid sodium salts, cationic surfactants such as alkyltrimethylammonium salts, and amphoteric surfactants such as alkyldimethylamine oxides, but are not limited to these. Examples of the enzyme include, but are not limited to, protease, such as serine protease, papain enzyme, etc.

[0015] (3) How to reduce the amount of liquid that enters the cocoons when boiling them In general cocoon boiling, the cocoon is immersed in high-temperature steam or liquid, and then submerged in water at a lower temperature to fill the cocoon with liquid. In this invention, the survival of the individual inside is prioritized over making it easier to reel by filling the cocoon with liquid. It was necessary to clear all of the following: securing air inside, not damaging the individual inside by exposing it to high-temperature steam for a long time, and not submerging the cocoon by liquid entering the cocoon. In this invention, after immersing the cocoon in the high-temperature liquid, the cocoon is taken out into air that is not hot (for example, at room temperature) and waits for the hot air inside the cocoon to shrink. Then, by immersing it in the cocoon boiling liquid, the liquid is prevented from entering the cocoon. Furthermore, by leaving the cocoon floating for one minute after immersing it in the cocoon boiling liquid, the temperature of the cocoon boiling liquid and the temperature of the air inside the cocoon are brought closer together while confirming the presence of air, and then the cocoon is placed in the cocoon boiling liquid. For this reason, the cocoon boiling liquid does not enter the cocoon if it is left for a short time, but it does help swell and soften the sericin in the cocoon layer. Also, even if the temperature is low, if the cocoon is submerged in the cocoon boiling liquid for a long time, some cocoons die due to lack of air, so the cocoon boiling liquid is set to be submerged for no more than one hour. However, the one minute of floating and the one hour of submersion are just examples, and are not limited to these times. As long as damage to the individual pieces (pupa, etc.) inside the cocoon is minimal, the individual pieces can survive, and they can be reeled into silk, and the appropriate time varies depending on the thickness of the cocoon and the condition of the pupa inside. Also, the cocoon is not limited to being exposed to high or low temperatures, such as gas or liquid. The gas referred to here is not limited to air.

[0016] (4) A method that allows for boiling and reeling at low temperatures in a short time by using undried cocoons. In the present invention, undried cocoons are immersed for a short time in a solution of 60°C or less that contains at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., to produce cocoons, silk floss, or paper that can be reeled without high-temperature boiling. Examples of alkaline agents, surfactants, and enzymes include those mentioned above. For example, this can be done as follows, but is not limited to this. Undried cocoons, for example raw cocoons, are treated with a high concentration of alkaline agent to shorten the cooking time. In general cocoon boiling, even if an alkaline agent is used, it is often the case that the concentration is 0.1 to 0.4%, but in the present invention, a high concentration of alkaline agent is used, making it possible to shorten the cooking time. For example, raw cocoons are immersed in 1.5% sodium bicarbonate water, more preferably 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water, at 58°C for 35 minutes. This allows the cocoons to be reeled into silk. This means low temperature, short time, and low power consumption. Low temperature not only prevents the denaturation of cocoon proteins, but also reduces damage to the cocoon proteins. Low temperature and short time reduces damage to the pupa inside the cocoon, and prevents discoloration of the cocoon caused by the pupa. Generally, the electricity used in methods that enable cocoon boiling at low temperatures requires electricity for drying the cocoons, electricity for boiling the dried cocoons for a long time (such as overnight), or electricity for using a vacuum device, but the present invention does not require such a large amount of electricity and is an environmentally friendly method. The cocoons used here may be undried cocoons, and are not limited to raw cocoons, but refrigerated or frozen cocoons can also be used. In general raw cocoons are boiled at high temperatures in raw reeling, but in the present invention, raw cocoons are boiled at low temperatures, so the cocoons are not exposed to high temperatures during drying or boiling, and are not exposed to vacuum without using a vacuum device, resulting in the provision of new silk products. The type of alkaline agent, the concentration of the alkaline agent, and the treatment time can be appropriately adjusted depending on the properties of the cocoons. If the soaked material is not to be used for reeled thread but rather to be directly turned into silk floss or used as a raw material for paper, there is no need to maintain the shape of the cocoon, and it is acceptable to soak the cocoons until the sericin has dissolved considerably and the cocoons are completely unraveled. In that case, the cocoons can be made into paper directly or by cutting them into pieces of 1 cm or less and adding kneaded paste and glue to make paper. The concentration of the alkaline agent, processing time, amount of kneaded paste, amount of glue, etc. can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0017] (5) Simultaneous boiling of cocoons and reeling Usually, after boiling, the cocoons are immersed in water to contract the sericin on the surface of the cocoon layer and prevent the amount of thread from increasing. However, in a part of the present invention, the cocoons are immersed in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., so that the cocoons, which have become easier to reel, are reeled in the solution instead of being reeled in hot water. For example, if the cocoons are boiled in a high concentration alkaline agent, for example, 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution, they are reeled in the solution after boiling, or while floating in the solution, but this is not limited to this. In other words, after a certain amount of boiling, the cocoons are boiled and reeled simultaneously. In the present invention, the aim is to reduce damage to or not kill the individuals inside (larvae, pupae, or adults), and to shorten the total time required to process the cocoons. If the boiling process is too long, the cocoons will die, and if the boiling process is too short, the cocoons will be difficult to reel. Therefore, by reeling in the solution, the cocoons are boiled during reeling, which ensures the time required for boiling. In other words, the cocoons are boiled and reeled simultaneously, shortening the time required for soaking in hot water. This reduces damage to the individual cocoons inside the cocoons, or does not kill them, while allowing them to be reeled in an excellent state. In this invention, it may sometimes feel like there is too much thread, but this is not a big deal. The type of alkaline agent, the concentration of the alkaline agent, and the treatment time can be adjusted appropriately depending on the properties of the cocoons. Since the raw silk reeled with the solution contains the components, it may be soaked in water at some point after the reeling. Conversely, the presence of the alkali may be used to begin the refining process.

[0018] (6) A method of producing cocoons that can be reeled by short-term high-temperature to low-temperature treatment For example, this can be done as follows, but is not limited to this. The cocoon is immersed in water or a solution of at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., below 100°C, or in steam for a few seconds, and then immediately removed. It was discovered that if it is a normal cocoon, not a thin one, the pupa will not die even if it is exposed to high temperatures for a few seconds, as it will be protected by the cocoon layer. However, the heat and solution reach the outer cocoon layer, which causes the sericin to swell and soften slightly. After the cocoon cools down, if it is ready for reeling, the reeling process can begin. If it is not yet ready for reeling, it is immersed in the hot water, solution, or steam for a few more seconds, and then immediately removed. This causes the sericin to swell and soften further, but the pupa inside will not die because it is protected by the cocoon layer. After the cocoon cools down, if it is ready for reeling, the reeling process can begin. If the cocoon is not yet ready for reeling, after it cools, it is treated at this high temperature for a short time and then cooled, and this operation is repeated until it becomes ready for reeling. If this operation is repeated too many times, the pupa inside will be damaged, so it is desirable to stop the operation when the cocoon is ready for reeling. Although the time for high temperature is set to several seconds, any time is acceptable as long as the pupa inside does not die. Although the temperature is set to 100°C or less, any temperature is acceptable as long as the pupa inside does not die. For example, high-temperature to low-temperature treatment is performed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at 95°C for 2 seconds, or at 80°C for 5 seconds, at 70°C for 20 seconds, or at 60°C for 60 seconds. The lower the temperature, the longer the treatment time can be without killing the individuals inside the cocoon. However, depending on the state of the cocoon, the lineage, etc., the type of alkaline agent, the concentration of the alkaline agent, and the treatment time may be appropriately adjusted according to the properties of the cocoon. When repeatedly performing high-temperature and low-temperature treatments, the solution, temperature, and time used for the first and subsequent treatments may be different. Note that even if the cocoons are of the same lineage and raised on the same food, the condition of the cocoons may change depending on the silkworm stage, so care must be taken. When removing the cocoons from the solution and cooling them, they may be left at room temperature and allowed to cool naturally, or they may be cooled by floating them in water or a solution below 45°C. Here, any temperature is acceptable as long as the cocoons are cooled, and is not limited to 45°C or below.

[0019] (7) A method of producing cocoons that can be reeled by combining short-term high-temperature and low-temperature treatments For example, the method can be carried out as follows, but is not limited thereto. In the present invention, in (6), the cocoons are boiled while cooling after a short high-low temperature treatment, to obtain cocoons that can be reeled more efficiently. The cocoons are immersed in water or a solution (referred to as solution A) containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., at 100°C or less, or in steam for a few seconds, and immediately removed. The cocoons are then immersed in a solution (referred to as solution B) at 50°C or less to cool them. For example, this solution B is the same as solution A, but at a low temperature. Note that solutions A and B may not be the same, and may be adjusted by changing the type and concentration of the alkaline agent as appropriate. In this way, even if only the part that is in the water is boiled, the short time spent cooling the cocoons is not wasted and the boiling process is carried out. As described above, in order to reduce damage to or not kill the individuals inside the cocoons, it is necessary to shorten the processing time by even one minute. Therefore, the cocoons are boiled while being cooled. Some can be reeled immediately at this point, but if they cannot be reeled, the process is carried out in the order of solution A → solution B → solution A → reeling. Solution A → Solution B → Solution A → Solution B → Reeling. This process can be repeated in the order of Solution A → Solution B → Solution A → Solution B → Solution A → Reeling. Also, solution B can be used first, such as Solution B → Solution A → Solution B → Solution A → Reeling, and any combination of solutions A and B can be used. Alternatively, there can be any number of solutions, not just two, and any number of temperatures. Temperatures can be changed stepwise, or a device that automatically changes the temperature can be used. For example, solution A (80°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 5 seconds and solution B (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 10 minutes can be combined to go from Solution A → Solution B → Solution A → Reeling. Also, at a lower temperature, solution A (70°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 20 seconds and solution B (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 30 minutes can be used to go from Solution A → Solution B → Solution A → Reeling. At even lower temperatures, solution A (60°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) can be used for 60 seconds, followed by solution B (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 15 minutes, with the order being solution A → solution B → solution A → solution B → solution A → reeling, but is not limited to these. Reeling can be done in hot water or solution B. This reduces damage to or prevents the death of the individuals inside the cocoon, and still results in a cocoon that can be reeled.Since there are very limited conditions for the individuals inside the cocoons to survive and be able to reel silk, it is desirable to appropriately adjust the type of alkaline agent, the concentration of the alkaline agent, and the treatment time depending on the silkworm stage, the condition of the cocoon, the strain, etc.

[0020] (8) Method of removing thin cocoons and other cocoons that are not suitable for reeling In the present invention, the thin cocoon is removed by taking advantage of the fact that the thin cocoon is dented by carrying out either (6) or (7). The method is shown below, but is not limited to this. Cocoons that are thin and unsuitable for reeling are usually removed in advance, but if thin cocoons are not completely removed, when (6) or (7) is performed, the gas inside the cocoon expands and contracts due to the temperature change when the cocoon is immersed in and removed from the high-temperature liquid. The thin cocoon cannot withstand the change in gas and becomes dented. This can be used to remove thin cocoons. For example, if you use solution A (92°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 1 second and solution B (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 15 minutes, and the process is solution A → solution B → solution A → reeling, it is a good idea to find thin cocoons that are dented after solution A and before reeling. This makes it easy to find thin cocoons. Note that some dented cocoons can be reeled, so it is not necessary to remove them, and it is up to the discretion of the person skilled in the art.

[0021] (9) A method for reeling silk without killing the individuals inside the cocoon In the present invention, by combining multiple methods (2) to (7), the possibility of reeling without killing the individuals inside the cocoon is increased. During the transportation stage of raw cocoons, some are already dead, some are stuck to the cocoon, and some are weakened by transportation, so regardless of the conditions set for boiling the cocoons and reeling, some are dead or will die. It is due to such situations that the possibility of reeling without killing the individuals inside the cocoon is increased. Below are examples of methods for reeling without killing the individuals inside the cocoon, but the method is not limited to these. For example, a raw cocoon was immersed in solution A (70°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 20 seconds, and then removed into the air, where the hot air inside the cocoon cooled and shrunk, preventing liquid from entering the cocoon. It was then placed in solution B (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) and left floating for one minute, bringing the temperature of solution B closer to the temperature of the air inside the cocoon, further preventing liquid from entering the cocoon when it was placed in the liquid. After one minute, the cocoon was submerged in solution B, and the boiling process continued for 29 minutes. It was then immersed in solution A again for 20 seconds, and then removed into the air, where the hot air inside the cocoon cooled and shrunk, preventing liquid from entering the cocoon. After that, it was immersed in solution B (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) and left floating for one minute to bring the temperature of solution B closer to the temperature of the air inside the cocoon, further preventing liquid from entering the cocoon when it was immersed in solution B. After one minute, it was immersed in solution B to allow it to settle before reeling.

[0022] (10) Silk reeling In the present invention, reeling is carried out under conditions of 50° C. or less, ideally 45° C. or less. Reeling can be carried out using an automatic reeling machine, a reeling machine, or by winding the thread around a PET bottle, but is not limited to these. For example, reeling can be carried out as follows, but is not limited to this. From the cocoons after boiling in any of (4) to (7) and (9), the cocoon thread is pulled out and wound around a plastic bottle wrapped in paper. The thing to wrap around is not limited to a plastic bottle, but can be anything that can be wrapped around, such as cardboard. After wrapping, it can be wound manually or automatically with a motor. More preferably, several pulled cocoon threads are combined to the desired thickness and wound around. The temperature is high, and is set to 45°C or less so that the larvae and pupae inside do not die. For example, it is preferable to carry out the reeling under a constant condition such as 40°C, but if the temperature does not drop immediately, it is possible to carry out the reeling at room temperature. In this case, if the reeling takes time and the temperature drops to the bottom, it is possible to return to 40°C. In addition, it is preferable to find the opening of the cocoon thread again if the cocoon thread is broken in the middle, but if the individual inside is to survive, it is possible to stop reeling at that point, even if it is halfway through, or to stop reeling and remove the pupae inside. After reeling, the raw silk can be reeled back or degummed by known methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] (11) Observation of individual silkworms after reeling The following describes the method for observing individuals (larvae, pupae, or adults) after reeling (10), but this is not limited to this method. After reeling, the thin cocoon is left as it is, or an individual (larva, pupa, or adult) is taken out from it. If the thin cocoon is to be observed as it is, if a pupa is taken out, it is washed with water, or without washing with water, the progress of development is observed at room temperature or various temperature conditions. If the thin cocoon is left as it is, it is difficult to see the progress of development inside, and it may be that it is alive only when it emerges, so it is preferable to remove all pupae from the cocoon. This allows the progress of development to be observed, and in some cases, the flow of internal liquid can be seen as the development progresses. In addition, pupae move on their own or when touched, so it is clear that they are alive. However, some pupae do not react when touched immediately after reeling. Even such pupae calm down and react on their own or when touched after a few hours or a night. It is possible to confirm that they are alive by the situation of emergence, the emerged individual, the adult laying eggs, and the adult mating. They can also raise the eggs they lay and observe their developmental progression, and then they can produce the next generation from those eggs, and so on.

[0024] Examples of the thread removal kit using the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following. A silk-removal kit may be a set of a sealed plastic bottle, baking soda, a cocoon, a plastic bottle with a hole for winding the thread, construction paper to wind the plastic bottle for winding the thread, a rod to serve as the axis of the plastic bottle for winding the thread, a container to fit the plastic bottle for winding the thread, a broom for stringing, and a container to put the cocoon in when winding the thread, or a set of some of these. The cocoon referred to here can be any cocoon spun by any genetically modified silkworm, or any cocoon of the normal variety that is commonly used, and can be either white or colored cocoons, and there is no restriction on the lineage. It can also be applied to cocoons made by organisms other than silkworms. However, if you want to make a silk-removal kit that does not kill the individuals inside the cocoon (larvae, pupae, or adults), you should use live cocoons with the individuals inside still alive.

[0025] The silk-removal kit using the present invention allows children and students to enjoy silk-removal from cocoons without killing the individuals (larvae, pupae, or adults) inside the cocoons. In the educational field, the effect of eliminating or reducing the number of students who are worried about the death of pupae, or who are traumatized by killing them, and who suffer emotional pain, is very large. In addition, there are many people, not only children and students, who are concerned about the intentional killing of silkworms when obtaining raw silk from an ethical standpoint. For these people, the present invention will also be ethically valuable. In addition, there are peace silk products that use cocoons with holes in them after waiting for the pupae inside to emerge, but these cocoons cannot be extracted (reeled) as long threads because they have holes. The present invention has commercial value in that it has the aspect of peace silk because it does not kill the pupae, but the cocoons can be reeled before they emerge, so there are no holes in the cocoons and they can be extracted as long threads. This invention has the potential to become a teaching material for children, who will be the leaders of tomorrow, by providing an opportunity to think about the blessings we receive from silkworms, coexistence with other living things, and the importance of life.

[0026] Furthermore, the production of paper using the silk filaments obtained according to the present invention can be carried out, for example, as follows, but is not limited thereto. The obtained cocoon thread is chopped, dispersed in water, kneaded and glued, mixed, and then paper-making and drying are performed. Kneading is not necessary, and starch glue or the like is used as glue, but any glue that has an adhesive effect can be used. The amount of kneading and glue can be adjusted appropriately by a person skilled in the art. This paper production method does not require felling of forests or plants, so the paper is environmentally friendly in response to global warming countermeasures. Children and students can learn how to make paper from materials other than pulp. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to commercial use, but also has educational value. When threads from colored cocoons are used, colored paper can be made without dyeing. Furthermore, if cocoon threads from genetically modified silkworms that have fluorescent proteins in their silk glands can be used, it will be possible to produce fluorescent paper.

[0027] Examples of paper making kits using the present invention include, but are not limited to, those listed below. The paper making kit is a set of containers, frames, mesh boards, silk thread, kneading agent, starch paste, plastic bottles for dispersing, absorbent towels, and clear files to paste the paper on, or a set of parts of these. The silk thread referred to here can be any silk thread obtained from genetically modified silkworms, or any commonly used normal variety of silk thread, and there is no restriction on the lineage. It can also be applied to silk thread from organisms other than silkworms. A silk removal and paper making kit that combines the silk removal kit and this paper making kit is also possible.

[0028] Examples of learning kits using the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following. A set of an experiment kit that allows you to compare regular boiled cocoons with the method of the present invention, or a set of parts of these. A set of a silk thread removal kit and a paper making kit is also available, combining the silk thread removal kit and this paper making kit.

[0029] The present invention also provides, but is not limited to, pigments, cocoon proteins, raw silk, degummed silk obtained at any stage using any of the present inventions, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, clothing, sponges, films, powders, cosmetics, paper, brushes, daily necessities, arts and crafts, food additives, three-dimensional structures, medical materials, and the like obtained from the raw silk or degummed silk. These can be produced by methods known to those skilled in the art. Examples of cocoon proteins include, but are not limited to, sericin protein, fibroin protein, sericin containing a foreign protein, and fibroin protein containing a foreign protein. EXAMPLES

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. EXAMPLES

[0031] Silkworm cocoon reeling is achieved by soaking raw cocoons in a low-temperature solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agents, and by simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them into silk. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a solution of 60° C. or less that contains at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc. An example in which an alkaline agent is used is shown below. First, a raw cocoon of a silkworm (Kinshu x Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath filled with 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 60°C, and the cocoon was left to soak for about 30 minutes. As a result, the shape of the cocoon was well maintained, and the sericin was perfectly swollen. The cocoon was left floating in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute, then immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution several times to allow it to swell, the weight of the cocoon was measured, and it was reeled in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain silk thread. The results are shown in Figure 1. EXAMPLES

[0032] Silkworm cocoon reeling by immersing raw cocoons in a solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent at a lower temperature than in Example 1 and simultaneously boiling and reeling the cocoons. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a solution of 60° C. or less that contains at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc. An example in which an alkaline agent is used is shown below. First, raw cocoons of silkworms (Shunrei x Shogetsu) were placed in a thermostatic bath filled with 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 58°C, and the cocoons were soaked for about 35 minutes. As a result, the shape of the cocoons was well maintained, and the sericin was perfectly swollen. The cocoons were then soaked in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C, and reeled directly in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain cocoon thread. The cocoon thread was beautiful, with no coloring due to pupae or other factors. The results are shown in Figure 2. The results of the same experiment using raw cocoons stored in a refrigerator instead of raw cocoons stored at room temperature are shown in Figure 3, and the results of the same experiment using raw cocoons that had been frozen are shown in Figure 4. 20 raw cocoons stored in a refrigerator were collected, reeled, and then reeled, and some of the raw silk was shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 shows the results of a similar experiment using fresh cocoons stored in a refrigerator, but with 1.5% sodium bicarbonate water instead of 3.0%. With 1.5% sodium bicarbonate water, some cocoons took a long time to reel, and it felt like the cocoons were not cooked sufficiently, but it did not prevent reeling, and it was an option when the concentration of the alkaline agent needed to be lowered. However, with other types of cocoons that were not suitable for reeling (cocoons not intended for reeling), it was difficult to reel them with 1.5% sodium bicarbonate water treatment. Therefore, to be applicable to a variety of cocoons, an alkaline agent with a higher concentration than 1.5% is more preferable. EXAMPLES

[0033] Silkworm cocoon reeling is achieved by soaking raw cocoons in a low-temperature solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agents for a short period of time, and by simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them into silk. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a solution containing a low-temperature, high-concentration alkaline agent, etc. An example using sodium bicarbonate as the alkaline agent is shown below. First, a live cocoon of a silkworm (Shunrei x Shogetsu) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 60°C, and the cocoon was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution for about 60 seconds (treatment 1). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute while floating, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate solution and immersed in the liquid for about 14 minutes. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air, and placed back in thermostatic bath A, and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 60°C for about 60 seconds (treatment 2). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. After that, the cocoon was placed again in thermostatic chamber B for about 1 minute while floating in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate solution and immersed in the solution for about 14 minutes. The cocoon was then taken out of the solution into the air, and then placed again in thermostatic chamber A and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 60°C for about 60 seconds (treatment 3). The cocoon was then taken out of the solution into the air. After that, the cocoon was placed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute while floating in the solution, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate solution several times to allow it to acclimate. The cocoon was then weighed, and reeled in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain cocoon thread. After reeling, the pupa was removed, and it was possible to confirm that the pupa was alive by whether it moved when touched, or even if not, by whether the liquid inside moved, or whether the development of the pupa progressed. Some of them had emerged (or were about to emerge). The results are shown in Figure 7. EXAMPLES

[0034] Silkworm cocoon spinning by immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agents for a short period of time In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a high-temperature, high-concentration solution containing an alkaline agent, etc. An example in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the alkaline agent is shown below. First, a raw cocoon of a silkworm (Kinshu × Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 70°C so that it was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water, and the cocoon was immersed for about 7 seconds (treatment 1). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C in a floating state for about 1 minute, then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 29 minutes. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air, and then placed back into thermostatic bath A and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 70°C for about 7 seconds (treatment 2). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air, and placed in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute while floating, then placed in hot water several times to allow it to settle, the weight of the cocoon was measured, and reeling was performed to obtain silk thread. After reeling, the pupae were removed and touched, or even if not touched, to confirm whether they were alive by checking whether the pupa moved on its own, or whether the internal fluid moved, or whether the development of the pupa progressed. All of the live pupae emerged (n=4). The results are shown in Figure 8. In addition, the same experiment was performed on the same pupae, which were immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 70°C for about 20 seconds instead of the 7 seconds used in treatments 1 and 2. One pupa was dead either before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were alive when touched after reeling or even if not touched, based on whether the pupa moved, the movement of the internal fluid, and whether the development of the pupa progressed (n=3). The pupa did not fully emerge, but the movement of the pupa was enough to make it feel alive. The results are shown in Figure 9. If the cocoon thread broke during reeling, reeling was stopped there and the pupa inside was rescued, depending on the condition of the cocoon, even if it still looked like it could be reeled. EXAMPLES

[0035] Silkworm cocoon reeling is achieved by immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agents for a short period of time, and by simultaneously boiling and reeling the cocoons. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a high-temperature, high-concentration solution containing an alkaline agent, etc. An example in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the alkaline agent is shown below. First, a live cocoon of a silkworm (Shunrei x Shogetsu) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 70°C, and the cocoon was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution for about 20 seconds (treatment 1). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute while floating, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate solution and immersed in the liquid for about 29 minutes. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air, and placed back in thermostatic bath A, where it was immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 70°C for about 20 seconds (treatment 2). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. After that, the cocoons were left floating in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C for about a minute, then immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water several times to allow it to settle, the weight of the cocoons was measured, and they were then reeled directly in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C to obtain cocoon thread. One pupa was dead either before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were confirmed to be alive when touched after reeling, or even if not, by whether the pupa moved, or by the movement of the internal fluid, or by whether the development of the pupa progressed (n=3). All of the living pupae emerged. The results are shown in Figure 10. We also conducted the same experiment with treatments 1 and 2, where the dipping time in the 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 70°C was changed to about 27 seconds instead of the 20 seconds. After reeling, the pupae could be confirmed to be alive by touching them, or even if not touching them, based on whether they moved, or the movement of the internal fluid, or whether their development progressed (n=4). Half of the live pupae emerged as adults. The remaining half only progressed to the intermediate stage, such as halfway through emerging, but the movement of the pupae was enough to make it clear that they were alive. The results are shown in Figure 11. EXAMPLES

[0036] Silkworm cocoon spinning using a solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent at a higher temperature than in Example 5 for a short period of time. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a high-temperature, high-concentration solution containing an alkaline agent, etc. An example in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the alkaline agent is shown below. First, a raw cocoon of a silkworm (Kinshu × Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 80°C so that it was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water, and the cocoon was immersed for about 5 seconds (treatment 1). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C in a floating state for about 1 minute, then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 9 minutes. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air, and then placed back into thermostatic bath A and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 80°C for about 5 seconds (treatment 2). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air, and placed in hot water at about 40°C in a floating state for about 1 minute, then placed in hot water several times to allow it to settle, the weight of the cocoon was measured, and reeling was performed to obtain silk thread. After reeling, we could confirm that the pupae were alive by touching them, or even if we didn't touch them, based on whether they moved, or the movement of the internal fluid, or whether their development progressed (n=3). Some of the live pupae had emerged, and the rest had only progressed to the intermediate stage, such as halfway through emerging, but the movement of the pupae was enough to make us feel that they were alive. The results are shown in Figure 12. After treatment 2, the cocoons were left floating in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute, then immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution several times to allow it to settle, the weight of the cocoons was measured, and they were then reeled directly in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain cocoon thread. After reeling, the pupae could be confirmed to be alive by touching them, or even if they were not touched, based on whether they moved, or the movement of the internal fluid, and whether the development of the pupae progressed (n=4). All of the live pupae emerged. Furthermore, when two pupae were placed in each petri dish, the ones that emerged were female and male, and mating and egg-laying between the male and female could also be confirmed. The results are shown in Figure 13. EXAMPLES

[0037] Silkworm cocoon reeling by immersing raw cocoons in a solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent at a higher temperature than in Example 5 for a short period of time and by simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a high-temperature, high-concentration solution containing an alkaline agent, etc. An example in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the alkaline agent is shown below. First, a live cocoon of a silkworm (Kinshu × Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 80°C so that it was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water, and the cocoon was immersed for about 5 seconds (treatment 1). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C in a floating state for about 1 minute, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 4 minutes. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid into the air, and then placed back into thermostatic bath A and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 80°C for about 5 seconds (treatment 2). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath B again in a floating state for about 1 minute in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 4 minutes. The cocoons were then taken out of the liquid into the air, and placed back into thermostatic chamber A, where they were immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 80°C for about 5 seconds (treatment 3). After that, the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air, and left floating in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute, then immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution several times to allow it to settle, and the weight of the cocoons was measured. They were then reeled in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain cocoon thread. After reeling, the pupae could be confirmed to be alive by touching them, or even without touching them, based on whether they moved, the movement of the liquid inside, and the progress of pupal development (n=4). Some of the live pupae had emerged, and the rest had only progressed to the intermediate stage, such as half-emerging, but the movement of the pupae was enough to make it clear that they were alive. The results are shown in Figure 14. EXAMPLES

[0038] Silkworm cocoon spinning using a method in which raw cocoons are immersed for a short period of time in a solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent or an alkaline agent and a surfactant at a higher temperature than in Example 5. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a solution containing a high-temperature, high-concentration alkaline agent, etc. In the following, an example is shown in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the alkaline agent, or a surfactant is used in addition to sodium bicarbonate as the alkaline agent. First, a live cocoon of a silkworm (Kinshu × Kanewa) was placed in a 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C so that it was immersed, and the cocoon was immersed for about 1 hour (treatment 1). After that, the cocoon was taken out of the liquid into the air. After that, the cocoon was placed in a thermostatic chamber (thermostatic chamber A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 80°C so that it was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution, and the cocoon was immersed for about 5 seconds (treatment 2). After that, the cocoon was taken out of the liquid into the air. After that, it was again left floating in 30% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute, and then it was placed in the sodium bicarbonate solution and immersed in the liquid for about 4 minutes (treatment 3). After that, the cocoon was taken out of the liquid into the air, and then it was again placed in thermostatic chamber A and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 80°C for about 5 seconds (treatment 4). The cocoons were then removed from the liquid into the air, and left to float in about 40°C hot water for about a minute, then immersed in the hot water several times to allow it to settle. The weight of the cocoons was then measured, and they were reeled in to obtain silk thread (Process 5). After reeling, it was possible to confirm that the pupae were alive by touching them, or even if they were not touched, based on whether they moved, or the movement of the internal liquid, or whether their development progressed (n=4). The live pupae had not yet fully emerged, but the movement of the pupa was enough to make it clear that they were alive. The results are shown in Figure 15. In addition, treatments 1 and 3 were replaced with 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C, but with an aqueous solution of 3.0% sodium bicarbonate and 0.01% nonionic surfactant at about 40°C, and treatment 5 was replaced with an aqueous solution of 3.0% sodium bicarbonate and 0.01% nonionic surfactant at about 40°C. One pupa was dead before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were alive when touched after reeling or even if not touched, based on whether the pupa moved, the movement of the internal fluid, and the progress of pupal development (n=3). The living pupa did not emerge, but the movement of the pupa was enough to make us feel that it was alive. The results are shown in Figure 16. EXAMPLES

[0039] Silkworm cocoon reeling using a method in which raw cocoons are immersed in a solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agents at a higher temperature than in Example 8 for a short period of time. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a high-temperature, high-concentration solution containing an alkaline agent, etc. An example in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the alkaline agent is shown below. First, a raw cocoon of a silkworm (Kinshu x Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 92°C, and the cocoon was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water for about 2 seconds. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C while floating for about 1 minute, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 29 minutes. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air, and placed in hot water at about 40°C while floating for about 1 minute, and then placed in the hot water several times to allow it to settle. The weight of the cocoon was measured, and then reeling was carried out to obtain silk thread. Furthermore, there were two pupae that were dead either before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but apart from those, when touching the pupae after reeling, or even if not touched, it was possible to confirm that the pupae were alive by checking whether they moved, or whether the internal fluid moved, or whether their development progressed (n=2). Some of the live pupae emerged as adults, while the rest did not, but the fact that the pupae moved was enough to make it clear that they were alive. The results are shown in Figure 17. EXAMPLES

[0040] Silkworm cocoon reeling by immersing raw cocoons in a solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent at a higher temperature than in Example 9 for a short period of time and by simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a high-temperature, high-concentration solution containing an alkaline agent, etc. An example in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the alkaline agent is shown below. First, a live cocoon of a silkworm (Shunrei x Shogetsu) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 95°C so that it was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water, and the cocoon was immersed for about 2 seconds. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C in a floating state for about 1 minute, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 14 minutes. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid into the air, and then placed back into thermostatic bath A and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 95°C for about 5 seconds (treatment 2). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid into the air. It was then placed in thermostatic bath B again in a floating state for about 1 minute in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 14 minutes. The cocoons were then taken out of the liquid into the air, and placed back into thermostatic chamber A, where they were immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 95°C for about 2 seconds (treatment 3). After that, the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air, and left floating in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute, then immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution several times to allow it to settle, and the weight of the cocoons was measured. After that, they were reeled in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain cocoon thread. One pupa was dead before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were able to confirm that the pupae were alive by touching them after reeling, or even if they were not touched, based on whether they moved, the movement of the internal liquid, and the progress of pupal development (n=3). Some of the live pupae emerged, and the rest did not emerge, but the movement of the pupae was enough to sense that they were alive. The results are shown in Figure 18. EXAMPLES

[0041] Removal of thin cocoons from silkworms by immersing raw cocoons in a solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agents at a higher temperature than in Example 8 for a short period of time. In the present invention, the yarn is reeled after being immersed in a high-temperature, high-concentration solution containing an alkaline agent, etc. An example in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the alkaline agent is shown below. First, a live cocoon of a silkworm (Kinshu × Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 92°C, and the cocoon was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water for about 1 second (treatment 1). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C in a floating state for about 1 minute, then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 14 minutes. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air, and then placed back into thermostatic bath A and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 92°C for about 1 second (treatment 2). The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air, and placed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C in a floating state for about 1 minute, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water several times to allow it to become familiar with the liquid. A thin cocoon cannot withstand all these operations and will be dented by the force of gases entering and leaving the cocoon. The results are shown in Figure 19. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is a photograph of cocoon thread that has been spun by immersing raw cocoons in a low-temperature (60°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent, and simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them. [Diagram 2] This is a photograph of cocoon thread that was spun by immersing raw cocoons in a low-temperature (58°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent, and simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them. [Diagram 3] This is a photograph of cocoon thread that has been spun by immersing refrigerated raw cocoons in a low-temperature (58°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent, and then simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them. [Figure 4] This is a photograph of cocoon thread that was spun by immersing frozen raw cocoons in a low-temperature (58°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent, and then boiling the cocoons and reeling them simultaneously. [Diagram 5] This is a photograph of raw silk that was reeled in after 20 raw cocoons that had been refrigerated were immersed in a low-temperature (58°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent and then reeled using the simultaneous process of boiling the cocoons and reeling. [Figure 6]This is a photograph of raw silk that has been reeled in after dipping refrigerated raw cocoons in a low-temperature (58°C) aqueous solution containing 1.5% alkaline, and then boiling the cocoons and reeling them simultaneously. [Figure 7] The photographs show cocoon thread that has been spun by soaking raw cocoons in a low-temperature (60°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time, and by simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them, as well as a pupa after reeling, and the pupa has now progressed in its development and is about to emerge. [Figure 8] By immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature (70°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time (7 seconds x 2 times), the following photographs show the cocoon thread being spun by immersing it in hot water, the pupa after reeling, and the adult that has emerged from the pupa. [Figure 9] By immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature (70°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time (20 seconds x 2 times), the following photographs show the cocoon thread that has been spun by immersing it in hot water, the pupa after reeling, and the stage at which the pupa has developed. [Figure 10] These photographs show cocoon threads that have been spun by immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature (70°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time (20 seconds x 2 times) and simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them, as well as pupae after reeling and the adult insects that have emerged from the pupae. [Figure 11] The photographs show cocoon thread spun by immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature (70°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time (27 seconds x 2 times) and simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them, as well as a pupa after reeling and an adult insect that has emerged from the pupa. [Figure 12] By immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature (80°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time (5 seconds x 2 times), the following photographs show the cocoon thread being spun by immersing it in hot water, the pupa after reeling, and the adult that has emerged from the pupa. [Figure 13] The photographs show cocoon threads spun by immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature (80°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time (5 seconds x 2 times) and simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them, as well as pupae after reeling and the adult moths that have emerged from the pupae. [Figure 14] These photographs show cocoon threads spun by immersing raw cocoons in a high-temperature (80°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time (5 seconds x 3 times) and simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them, as well as pupae after reeling, adult insects that have emerged from the pupae, and pupae that have progressed in development. [Figure 15] The raw cocoons are first soaked in a low-temperature aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent, and then soaked for a short period of time (5 seconds x 2 times) in a high-temperature (80°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent.These photographs show the cocoon thread that has been spun into thread by soaking it in hot water, a pupa after reeling, and the stage at which the pupa has developed. [Figure 16] The raw cocoons are first soaked in a low-temperature aqueous solution containing an alkaline agent and a surfactant, and then soaked for a short period of time (5 seconds x 2 times) in a high-temperature (80°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent.These photographs show cocoon threads spun in the aqueous solution containing the alkaline agent and a surfactant, a pupa after reeling, and the stage at which the pupa has developed. [Figure 17] By immersing raw cocoons in a hot (92°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent for a short period of time, the following photographs show the cocoon thread being spun by immersing it in hot water, the pupa after reeling, and the adult that has emerged from the pupa. [Figure 18] These photographs show cocoon threads that have been spun by briefly immersing raw cocoons in a hot (95°C) aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent, and then simultaneously boiling the cocoons and reeling them, as well as a pupa after reeling, and an adult that has emerged from the pupa. [Figure 19] This is a photo of a thin cocoon that has been dented by briefly immersing the raw cocoon in a high-temperature (92°C) solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent.

Claims

1. This method of reeling cocoons reduces damage to the larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons caused by the high temperature liquid, its components, lack of air, etc., by reducing the amount of liquid that enters the cocoons by not rapidly cooling them in liquid after exposing them to high temperatures.

2. This method involves soaking undried cocoons, for example, raw cocoons, or frozen raw cocoons, or raw cocoons stored in a refrigerator, in a solution at 60° C. or lower containing at least one of an alkali agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., to reel the cocoons without high-temperature boiling or using a vacuum device, greatly shortening the time, reducing damage to the cocoon protein, suppressing the denaturation of the cocoon protein, and further reducing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults in the cocoons, or to produce cocoons that can be reeled, silk floss, or fibers that can be used as a raw material for paper.

3. The method for reeling the cocoons is to soak them in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., more preferably a solution containing at least a high concentration of an alkaline agent, and then reel the cocoons directly in the solution or floating in the solution, rather than reeling them in hot water or floating in hot water, thereby making reeling easier, shortening the time, and reducing damage to the cocoon protein or to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons.

4. This method involves immersing cocoons in a solution or steam at 100°C or less, more preferably 90°C or less, containing at least one of water or an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., for no more than a few minutes, more preferably in a solution at 80°C or less containing at least a high concentration of an alkaline agent, for a few to several tens of seconds, and then immediately removing the cocoons so that the inside of the cocoons does not become too hot or the high temperature does not continue, and in some cases repeating this operation, thereby reducing damage to the cocoon proteins or to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, and spinning the cocoons.

5. This method reduces damage to the cocoon protein or the larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons to produce cocoons that can be spun, raw silk or paper, fiber for use as the raw material for paper, or raw silk or paper, by combining a step of immersing the cocoons in a liquid or steam at 100°C or less containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., and at least one of 80°C or less, for several to several tens of seconds, and immediately removing the cocoons, and a step of immersing the cocoons in a liquid or steam at 50°C or less containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., and at least one of 45°C or less, and at least one of these being repeatedly performed.

6. A method for reeling silk without killing the larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons, or a method for producing raw silk, fibers for use as raw materials for reeling, floss or paper, by combining claims 1 to 5 or utilizing at least one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for observing the larvae or pupae after reeling as claimed in claim 6, developing them into adults, mating the adults, observing female eggs, or allowing the eggs to develop, at room temperature or under various temperature conditions, either after washing the larvae or pupae with water or without washing them with water.

8. A method for performing the following steps (a) to (g) or a part of the steps (a) to (g) in combination with claims 1 to 5, or utilizing at least one of claims 1 to 5, without killing larvae, pupae, or adults in the cocoons, or a method for reducing damage to cocoon proteins, or larvae or pupae, or a machine for automating at least a part of the steps (a) to (g) or a part of the steps (a) to (g) in combination with claims 1 to 5, or utilizing at least one of claims 1 to 5, without killing larvae, pupae, or adults in the cocoons, or a method for reducing damage to larvae and pupae; (a) immersing the cocoons in water or a liquid containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., at a temperature of 50°C or less, more preferably in a solution containing a high concentration of an alkaline agent at a temperature of 45°C or less; (b) immersing the cocoons obtained by omitting step (a) or the cocoons obtained by step (a) in water or a liquid containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc. at a temperature of 100° C. or less, more preferably in a solution containing a high concentration of an alkaline agent at a temperature of 80° C. or less; (c) immersing the cocoons of step (b) in water at a temperature of 50° C. or less, more preferably at a temperature of 45° C. or less, or in a liquid at a temperature of 50° C. or less containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, and a surfactant in water, more preferably in a solution at a temperature of 45° C. or less containing a high concentration of an alkaline agent; (d) after step (c), repeating step (b) or steps (b) and (c) once or multiple times; (e) reeling the cocoons of step (b), (c) or (d) either in the treated solution or after immersion in water; (f) a step of drying the raw silk reeled in the step (e) after reeling it up, either as is or after washing with water; (g) A step of refining the raw silk of step (e) or (f) to obtain degummed yarn. (h) A step of taking out the larvae, pupae or adults from the cocoons after the step (e) and carrying out the method according to claim 7.

9. When at least one of claims 4, 5 and 8 is implemented, a method for removing cocoons unsuitable for reeling, such as thin cocoons, by utilizing the phenomenon that cocoons with thin cocoon layers become depressed due to the movement of air or liquid.

10. A method for education or explanation using at least one of claims 1 to 9, or a silk-removing kit, a paper-making kit, or a learning material using at least one of claims 1 to 9, or a cocoon, larvae, pupae, adult insects, pigments, cocoon proteins, paper, raw silk, degummed silk, fibers thereof, or products obtained from raw silk or degummed silk obtained using at least one of claims 1 to 9.

11. By carrying out at least one of claims 1 to 9, a method for reducing damage to cocoon proteins or to larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoon, and reducing discoloration of the cocoon due to the color of the pupa during boiling and reeling, and a method for reeling while suppressing the denaturation of cocoon proteins, including proteins expressed by genetic modification of the cocoon, or the cocoon proteins, pigments, raw silk, and degummed silk obtained thereby, and products obtained from the raw silk or degummed silk.

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