A method for minimizing damage to cocoons and the individuals inside, a preservation technique that makes this possible, a silk-making method that utilizes this method, and products made from this method

Abstract

To provide a method for boiling and reeling cocoons while suppressing damage to the proteins in the cocoons or the individuals in the cocoons or without killing the individuals in the cocoons, a preservation technique that makes this possible, a method for reeling silk using the same, and a product obtained thereby. [Solution] Rather than the usual method of boiling cocoons at high temperatures for long periods of time, which is used to turn cocoons into raw silk, it has been found that by boiling cocoons without exposing them to high temperatures or for a short period of time, adjusting the method and time of immersing or floating in liquid to make reeling easier, simultaneously boiling and storing cocoons, cooling the cocoons to a low temperature and then immersing them in high temperature for a short period of time or floating them, preventing the cocoons from being submerged in water or liquid, etc., it is possible to reduce damage to the proteins in the cocoons, reduce damage to the individuals within the cocoons, and reel the cocoons without killing the individuals within the cocoons.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for boiling cocoons and reeling silk while minimizing damage to the cocoon proteins 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 silk from cocoons without denaturing the cocoon proteins at low temperatures, or a technology for drawing silk from cocoons while minimizing damage to the individuals inside the cocoons even when exposed to high temperatures, or suppressing the generation and spread of the distinctive smell caused by boiling cocoons, suppressing coloring, or keeping the individuals alive. [Background technology]

[0002] Usually, if a cocoon is harvested 8 to 10 days after hatching, the pupa inside will grow into an adult and emerge through a hole in the cocoon. 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. Furthermore, some people dislike the unique smell that is produced by boiling cocoons.

[0003] In silk-reeling factories, cocoons are usually boiled in a progressive cocoon boiler to turn them into raw silk. In this process, steam and hot water close to the boiling point are mixed with low-temperature water to introduce 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, and then the silk is reeled. 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 the ethical and moral standpoints of today.

[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 tradition. Usually, the cocoons are boiled for a few minutes in water at 80-100°C, and then the temperature of the liquid is lowered so that the hot 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 they have grown from pupae themselves (raw cocoons) or purchased raw cocoons. 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. Furthermore, some students and children do not like the unique smell that is produced by boiling cocoons.

[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, the damage to the individuals in the cocoons or the death of the individuals in the cocoons remains unchanged.

[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 Katsura 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 was developed with the aim of preventing 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 carry out silk reeling that incorporates ethical ideas and takes ethical considerations of insects into account, to improve the method of storing cocoons so that such silk reeling can be carried out for as long as possible, not just during the period when the cocoons are harvested, and to minimize the discoloration of the thread caused by long-term boiling at high temperatures, including cocoons that have died while still in the pupal stage, and to suppress the generation of the unique odor caused by boiling cocoons. The object of the present invention is to provide a method for reeling silk while minimizing damage to cocoon proteins or to the individuals inside the cocoon (larvae, pupae or adults), while minimizing discoloration of the cocoon, while limiting the generation and spread of the characteristic odor caused by boiling cocoons, and without killing the individuals inside the cocoon, a method for producing products such as raw silk using this method, and a cocoon preservation technique which makes this method possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present inventor tried various cocoon boiling methods by changing the temperature, reagents, treatment time, etc. Also, he tried various methods of securing air so that the larvae and pupae inside the cocoon do not die, methods of preventing the cocoon (and the pupae inside it, etc.) from being submerged in liquid or water during or after reeling, storage temperatures and conditions for the cocoons, and reagents for preservation. As a result, the present inventor discovered a method of reeling cocoons to produce raw silk while suppressing damage to the cocoon or the individuals inside the cocoon (larvae, pupae, or adults), suppressing coloring of the cocoon, suppressing the generation and spread of the unique odor caused by boiling the cocoon, or without killing the individuals inside, and a cocoon preservation technique that makes this method possible. The present invention is based on such findings and provides the following [1] to

[18] . [1] A method for reeling cocoons to make them easier to spin, by immersing the cocoons in a hot liquid of 43°C or higher, more preferably 60°C or higher, such as hot water, boiled cocoon liquid, or liquid that makes reeling easier, and then removing the cocoons into the air or floating them in the liquid and waiting for the hot air inside the cocoons to shrink, thereby reducing the amount of liquid that enters the cocoons and preventing the effects of the hot liquid, its components, lack of air, etc., and achieving at least one of the following: reducing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons; minimizing coloration of the cocoons; and minimizing the generation and spread of a distinctive odor; or a method for turning the cocoons into fibers that can be used to make reeled cocoons, silk floss, pongee, or paper. [2] A method for reeling cocoons, such as fresh cocoons, or frozen fresh cocoons, or fresh cocoons that have been refrigerated, or dried fresh cocoons, by immersing or floating cocoons in a liquid, such as a cocoon boiling liquid, or a liquid that facilitates reeling, or a liquid below 60°C containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., or by combining immersion or floating in liquids of multiple temperatures below 60°C, thereby achieving at least one of the following: reducing damage to cocoon proteins, reducing denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, minimizing coloration of the cocoons, and minimizing the generation and spread of a distinctive odor, without boiling the cocoons at 60°C or above, or by making the cocoons into fibers that can be used as the raw material for reeling, silk floss, pongee, or paper. [3] A method for reeling cocoons into thread, which includes a process for soaking or floating the cocoons in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., thereby realizing at least one of the following, even when exposed to temperatures of 60°C or above: reducing damage to the cocoon proteins; reducing the denaturation of the cocoon proteins; reducing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons; minimizing coloration of the cocoons; and minimizing the generation and spread of a distinctive odor; or a method for producing cocoons that can be reeled into thread, silk floss, pongee, or fiber for use as the raw material for paper. [4] A method for reeling cocoons into thread, or a method for making cocoons into fibers for use as the raw material for reeling cocoons into thread, silk floss, pongee, or paper, by combining a process for soaking or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid of 60°C or less containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., and a process for soaking or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid of over 42°C containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., or by repeatedly performing at least one of these processes in addition to the above, thereby minimizing damage to the cocoon proteins, minimizing the denaturation of the cocoon proteins, minimizing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, minimizing coloration of the cocoons, and minimizing the generation and diffusion of a distinctive odor. [5] Reeling cocoons, for example those that have been boiled to make them easier to reel, by floating them on water or a solution; if liquid has entered the cocoons, reducing the amount of liquid before reeling; reeling them by immersing them in liquid at a height that does not cause them to become submerged in liquid or water; reeling them by supporting them by a person or using a machine or tool, such as a supporting net, to prevent them from becoming submerged in liquid or water even if they are immersed in liquid; moving cocoons that are about to become submerged in liquid or the larvae, pupae, or adults inside them; adjusting the position of cocoons manually or with a machine or tool to prevent them from becoming submerged in liquid or water; reeling cocoons without immersing them in liquid; individual cocoons after reeling and pupae and other parts of the cocoons, as well as molted shells and dirt A method for easily preventing the submersion of individuals in a cocoon, such as pupae, or substances that cause dirt or odor, from the liquid or water by carrying out at least one of the following: removing contaminated cocoons or cocoons that have been contaminated with contaminated substances from the reeling liquid; and moving individuals in the cocoon, such as pupae, to a position where they are not submerged in the liquid or water, thereby making it possible to achieve at least one of the following: suppressing damage to cocoon proteins; suppressing damage to larvae, pupae, or adults in the cocoon; reducing coloration of the cocoon; and reducing the generation and spread of the characteristic odor of boiled cocoons; and a method for reeling cocoons using at least one of these methods, or a method for making cocoons that can be reeled, silk floss, pongee, or fiber that can be used as the raw material for paper. [6] A method of reeling cocoons, for example those that have been boiled to make them easier to reel, while they are immersed in a liquid other than water or that contains something other than water, for example glycerin or oil, or by immersing them in a liquid and then removing them from the liquid and reeling them, or a method of imparting the effect of the liquid and reeling them simultaneously, or a method of imparting the effect of the liquid and reeling them simultaneously while also imparting that effect to the individual parts inside, or a method of reeling cocoons while imparting the effect of the liquid and reeling them simultaneously while minimizing damage to the cocoon proteins and minimizing damage to the larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoons, or a method of turning cocoons that can be reeled into fibers for use as the raw material for silk floss, pongee, or paper. [7] A method for producing fiber, silk floss, raw silk, or thread in a broad sense with different thread characteristics and texture by adding at least one of glycerin and oil to the liquid used in producing raw silk from cocoons, or in extracting sericin, or in processing raw silk, or by treating the raw silk with a liquid containing at least one of glycerin and oil in addition to these processes, and more preferably a method for carrying out such a method with at least one of minimizing damage to cocoon proteins and minimizing damage to larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons. [8] A method for reeling cocoons which is easy to reel, comprising, at some point in the process of making the cocoons into ones which are easy to reel, immersing or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid containing at least one of water or an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., at a temperature of 43°C or higher, more preferably 60°C to 100°C, and then removing the cocoons for a short period of time, thereby preventing the inside of the cocoons from becoming too hot or maintaining the high temperature, and in some cases repeating this process at the same temperature or at a different temperature within this range, thereby achieving at least one of the following: reducing damage to the cocoon proteins, reducing the denaturation of the cocoon proteins, reducing damage to the larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoons, minimizing the coloring of the cocoons, and minimizing the generation and spread of a distinctive odor, or a method for making cocoons which can be reeled, silk floss, pongee, or fiber for use as the raw material for paper. [9] A method for reeling cocoons into thread, or a method for producing fibers for the raw material of cocoons, silk floss, pongee or paper, which can be reeled into thread, by combining or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., at a temperature of 43°C or higher, more preferably 60-100°C, and removing the cocoons in a short period of time with immersing the cocoons in a liquid or steam containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., at a temperature of 50°C or lower, more preferably 42°C or lower, more preferably a solution containing at least a high concentration of an alkaline agent of 1.5% or higher, or by repeatedly performing at least one of these procedures in addition to the above, thereby suppressing damage to cocoon proteins, suppressing denaturation of cocoon proteins, suppressing damage to larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoons, minimizing coloration of the cocoons, and minimizing the generation and diffusion of a peculiar odor.

[10] A method in which, rather than treating the cocoons with a high concentration salt solution, the cocoons are immersed or floated in a liquid that facilitates reeling, such as a cocoon boiling liquid, and then stored in the refrigerator or at a low temperature, for example below 20°C, thereby simultaneously carrying out the processes of preservation and making the cocoons easier to reel; or a method in which the cocoons are stored as is without being immersed in a liquid, for example in the refrigerator, and then, halfway through storage, they are immersed in a liquid that facilitates reeling at a low temperature, for example below 20°C, thereby simultaneously carrying out the processes of preservation and making the cocoons easier to reel.

[11] A method for reeling cocoons by treating the cocoons at a low temperature, for example, below 20°C, and then, when the cocoons are immersed in or floated in a gas or liquid that is above room temperature, or above 20°C, more preferably above 50°C, and even more preferably above 70°C, the temperature inside the cocoon can be prevented from suddenly becoming hot, and the low temperature can reduce the activity or respiration of the individuals inside the cocoon, thereby mitigating the effects of high temperature, thereby achieving at least one of the following: reducing damage to cocoon proteins, reducing denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoon, minimizing coloration of the cocoon, and minimizing the generation and diffusion of a distinctive odor, or a method for producing cocoons that can be reeled, silk floss, pongee, or fiber for use as the raw material for paper.

[12] A method for reeling cocoons into thread, or a method for making cocoons into fibers for use as raw materials for reeling, silk floss, pongee, or paper, by combining a process of immersing or floating the cocoons in a liquid that facilitates reeling, such as a cocoon boiling liquid, and storing the cocoons in a refrigerator or at a low temperature, such as below 20°C, with a process of immersing or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid that is at least room temperature or above, or at least at least at least 20°C or above, more preferably at least 50°C or above, and even more preferably at least 70°C or above, or by repeatedly performing at least one of these processes in addition to the above, thereby achieving at least one of the following: reducing damage to cocoon proteins, reducing denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, minimizing coloration of the cocoons, and minimizing the generation and diffusion of a peculiar odor.

[13] A method for reeling cocoons to facilitate spinning, by placing the cocoons as they are, or more preferably placing the cocoons in a liquid or floating in it and storing them at a low temperature, for example in an incubator, refrigerator, or freezer set at a temperature lower than room temperature, more preferably below 20°C, thereby achieving at least one of the following operations for reeling or operations to facilitate spinning, for example, reducing damage to cocoon proteins due to the heat of boiling cocoons, reducing denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, minimizing coloration due to boiling cocoons, and minimizing the generation and spread of a unique odor due to boiling cocoons, or a method for producing cocoons that can be reeled, silk floss, pongee, or fiber for use as the raw material for paper.

[14] A method of producing cocoons that are easier to reel by combining multiple alkaline agents.

[15] A method for reeling cocoons into thread, or a method for making cocoons into fibers for use as the raw material for reeling, silk floss, pongee, or paper, by combining all or part of the steps of immersing or floating the cocoons in a liquid that facilitates reeling, such as a cocoon boiling liquid, and storing them in a freezer, for example at a temperature below 0°C, thawing the cocoons, and immersing or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid that is at room temperature or higher, or at least 20°C, more preferably at least 50°C, and even more preferably at least 70°C, thereby achieving at least one of the following: reducing damage to cocoon proteins, reducing denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, and minimizing the generation and spread of a distinctive odor.

[16] A method for reeling silk without killing the larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons, by combining [1] to

[15] or utilizing at least one of [1] to

[15] , or a method for producing cocoons that can be reeled into silk, raw silk, or fibers for use as raw materials for paper, or a method for performing at least one of the following: washing the larvae, pupae or adults that have been spun without killing them with water, or observing the larvae, pupae or adults at room temperature or under various temperature conditions without washing them with water, or in the case of larvae or pupae, allowing the adults to mate, observing female eggs, and causing the eggs to develop.

[17] A machine that automates at least one of [1] to

[16] , or a silk-removing kit, a paper-making kit, or a learning material that uses at least one of [1] to

[16] , or a cocoon, a chrysalis, a larva, an adult, a pigment, a cocoon protein, paper, raw silk, degummed silk, or fibers thereof, or a product obtained from raw silk or degummed silk, obtained using at least one of [1] to

[16] .

[18] A method for educating or explaining by using at least one of [1] to

[17] , or a method for realizing at least one of the following: suppressing damage to cocoon proteins, suppressing denaturation of cocoon proteins including proteins expressed by genetic modification of cocoons, suppressing damage to larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons, suppressing the generation and spread of a distinctive odor, removing thin cocoons and other cocoons that are not suitable for reeling, and reducing coloring of cocoons due to the color of pupae or the like during boiling and reeling, by using at least one of [1] to

[17] , and a method for reeling cocoons by using them. Effect of the Invention

[0009] When silkworm cocoons are boiled in the traditional way, there is a problem that the cocoons containing the proteins of the cocoons or the proteins expressed in the genetically modified silkworms are denatured. In some boiled cocoons, the pupa inside is exposed to high temperatures for a long time, and the body fluids containing the proteins, nitrogen compounds, and other substances that make up the pupa come out and contaminate the cocoons. Furthermore, the cocoons contain not only pupae, larvae, or adults, but also molted shells, and in some cases dirty cocoons may be mixed in before boiling, so a unique odor is generated and spreads in large quantities when boiled for a long time. In addition, with the traditional boiled cocoons, the individuals inside the cocoons (larvae, pupae, or adults) die, which causes ethical problems and problems such as children (and adults) feeling distressed about taking the lives of silkworms. This invention has made it possible to produce silk that achieves at least one of the following: less damage to the cocoons or the proteins in the cocoons, less damage to the individuals inside the cocoons, less coloring of the cocoons, less generation and spread of the unique smell caused by boiling the cocoons, and no killing of the individuals inside the cocoons. In particular, not killing the individuals inside the cocoons 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 about ethical behavior, as well as vegans who respect the lives of animals. Furthermore, in educational settings, it can eliminate children's feelings of guilt for taking the lives of silkworms during boiling and reeling, or their worries about taking a life. This invention has increased the possibility that children who will carry the future will be able to experience boiling and reeling with a smile. It has also increased the possibility of reducing the number of children and adults who become sick or feel unwell due to the unique smell caused by long-term boiling of cocoons. Furthermore, by developing preservation techniques that make this method possible, it has become possible to carry out this silk-reeling process for a long period of time.

[0010] Furthermore, with this invention, the cocoon boiling process or part of it can be carried out simultaneously with storage at low temperature, etc., making it possible to omit part or all of the conventional cocoon boiling process, and making it possible to produce raw silk that is less energy intensive and more environmentally friendly than the conventional process of boiling the cocoons from scratch after storing the cocoons at low temperature, etc. 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. This invention is an invention that reduces the environmental impact, and it has become possible to bring products such as thread with low environmental impact to the world. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (1) Cocoon The present invention provides a method for silk reeling with at least one of the following: suppressing damage to cocoon proteins or individuals (larvae, pupae, or adults) in the cocoon, suppressing the generation and spread of the distinctive smell caused by boiling the cocoon, suppressing coloring of the cocoon, and reeling without killing the individuals in the cocoon; and a cocoon preservation technique that enables the method, and is applicable not only to silkworm cocoons, but also to the preservation or reeling of cocoons of organisms other than silkworms, such as wild silkworms. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable not only to the commonly used white cocoons of normal varieties, but also to colored cocoons and cocoons spun by genetically modified silkworms, and is applicable to all strains. Some genetically modified silkworms have foreign proteins in their silk glands. Examples of foreign proteins contained in the 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 the 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 performed on cocoons in which the individuals inside have died during development, dried cocoons, frozen live cocoons, or other cocoons in which the individuals (larvae, pupae, or adults) are not alive, and used for reeling.

[0012] (2) Treatment of cocoons with solutions In the present invention, a step of treating the cocoons with a liquid or the like to make them easier to reel can be included. For example, 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. It is not necessary to add an alkaline agent to the water, and alkaline water can also be used. Furthermore, the solvent is not limited to water. The cocoons may be normal cocoons or cocoons spun by genetically modified silkworms, and the lineage is not limited. Furthermore, the cocoons may be those of domesticated silkworms or those of 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, water from natural sources such as rivers, tap water, etc., water containing a trace amount of minerals dissolved therein, alkaline ionized water, or any liquid that can be substituted for water.

[0014] Examples of the alkaline agent of the present invention include, but are not limited to, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium perborate, etc. Even if these alkaline agents react to heat and change, it is sufficient that they maintain their alkalinity. Sodium bicarbonate water, etc. can be reused several times to a certain extent. In addition, amino acids, peptides, proteins, etc. that show alkalinity are also included in the alkaline agent. In addition, commercially available sodium bicarbonate, L-arginine, etc. that are not as pure as reagents can also be used.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Examples of the enzyme include, but are not limited to, protease, such as serine protease, papain enzyme, etc.

[0017] (3) A method to reduce the amount of liquid that enters the cocoon to make it easier to reel it. In the general cocoon boiling method, the cocoon is first immersed in high-temperature steam or liquid, and then submerged in water at a lower temperature to fill the cocoon with liquid. Filling the cocoon with liquid makes it easier to reel silk, but it also affects the survival of the individual silkworms inside. In this invention, it was necessary to clear all of the following points: ensuring air inside the cocoon, not damaging the individual silkworms inside by exposing them to high-temperature steam for a long time, and preventing the individual silkworms inside the cocoon from being submerged in liquid or water and dying due to liquid entering the cocoon. In the present invention, since reeling was often performed at 40°C, the cocoons were immersed in a high-temperature gas or liquid, such as hot water or cocoon-cooking liquid, of 40°C or higher, particularly 43°C or higher, and more preferably 60°C or higher, and then taken out into air that is not hot (for example, at room temperature) and allowed to shrink the hot air inside the cocoons. After that, the cocoons were immersed in liquid, such as hot water for cocoon-cooking or reeling, and left floating for a certain amount of time, such as one minute, to make sure that there was air, and to make the temperature of the liquid for cocoon-cooking or reeling closer to the temperature of the air inside the cocoons, thereby preventing a large amount of liquid from entering the cocoons. After that, the cocoons may be soaked in the liquid for cocoon-cooking or reeling, or immersed in the liquid. Alternatively, after immersing in the high-temperature liquid, they may be immediately floated in the next liquid, such as hot water for cocoon-cooking or reeling, to make the temperature of the liquid for cocoon-cooking or reeling closer to the temperature of the air inside the cocoons, thereby preventing a large amount of liquid from entering the cocoons. After that, the cocoons can be placed in liquid for boiling or reeling, or allowed to soak in the liquid. These are just examples, and the amount of liquid can be adjusted appropriately depending on the condition of the cocoons so that too much liquid does not get into the cocoons.

[0018] The cocoon boiling liquid swells and softens the sericin in the cocoon layer. However, even if the boiling liquid does not enter the cocoon, the higher the temperature of the boiling liquid, the longer the cocoon is submerged in the boiling liquid, and the more the individuals inside the cocoon die due to the effects of heat and lack of air. After various studies, it was found that if the cocoon is treated with boiling liquid for a long time while keeping the individuals inside the cocoon alive, the survival rate is greatly increased by floating the cocoon in the liquid to ensure air. It was also discovered that if the cocoon is touching the cocoon, the air will spread throughout the cocoon through capillary action, making it easier to reel it. However, the time for which the cocoon is floated in the liquid or immersed while keeping the individuals inside the cocoon alive can be adjusted or changed depending on the condition of the cocoon, and the times mentioned above and below are examples and are not limited to these times. It is sufficient to achieve at least one of the following: reducing damage to the individuals inside the cocoon (such as the pupa), suppressing the generation and spread of the unique smell caused by boiling the cocoon, suppressing coloring of the cocoon, and making it possible to spin silk without killing the individuals inside the cocoon. The appropriate time will vary depending on the thickness of the cocoon and the state of the pupa inside. Also, exposing the cocoon to high or low temperatures is not limited to either gas or liquid. The gas mentioned here is not limited to air.

[0019] (4) A method to minimize damage to the cocoon and the individuals inside it and enable reeling In the present invention, the cocoons are treated with a solution of less than 60°C containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., for example, by immersing or floating in the solution, and at least one of the following is achieved: damage to the cocoons and the individuals inside the cocoons is suppressed, coloring of the cocoons is suppressed, the generation and spread of the peculiar smell caused by boiling the cocoons is suppressed, and denaturation of the cocoon proteins is suppressed. This makes it possible to make the cocoons into raw materials for reeling, silk floss, pongee, or paper that can be reeled without boiling the cocoons at 60°C or higher. Examples of the alkaline agent, surfactant, and enzyme include those mentioned above. For example, the cocoons may be treated with a solution of 58°C, with only a solution of 43°C, or with only a solution of 50°C, or may be treated with solutions of 43°C and 50°C, with solutions of 42°C and 43°C, or with solutions of 42°C and 50°C. The cocoons may also be treated with a wide range of temperatures, such as with a solution between 20 and 60°C. For example, the reaction temperature between 0°C and 60°C can be adjusted such that the reaction is carried out at a higher temperature of 50°C to 60°C in order to complete the reaction in a short time, and at a lower temperature in order to take more time for the reaction. A more detailed example can be as follows, but is not limited thereto.

[0020] In general cocoon boiling, even if an alkaline agent is used, it is often boiled at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.4%, but in the present invention, a high concentration alkaline agent or a combination of alkaline agents is used, which makes it possible to reel at a lower temperature and even in a short time at a lower temperature. For example, a cocoon is placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted at 57°C for 45 minutes while submerged and floating in the liquid. This makes it possible to produce cocoons in a state where they can be reeled. Alternatively, a cocoon is placed in a 1.5% sodium bicarbonate solution, more preferably a 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution, and immersed at 58°C for 35 minutes. This makes it possible to produce cocoons in a state where they can be reeled. This means low temperature, short time, and low power consumption. Low temperature or low temperature and short time not only prevents the denaturation of cocoon proteins, but also reduces damage to cocoon proteins, suppresses the generation and spread of the unique odor caused by boiling cocoons, and prevents the coloring of cocoons caused by individuals inside the cocoon, such as pupae. In addition, the electricity used in the method that enables cocoon boiling at low temperatures generally 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 is an environmentally friendly method that does not require such a large amount of electricity. The cocoons used here can be raw cocoons, frozen raw cocoons, raw cocoons stored in a refrigerator, dried raw cocoons, dried cocoons, etc., and the state of the cocoons is not limited. In general, raw cocoons are boiled at high temperatures when reeling, but in the present invention, raw cocoons can be reeled at low temperatures, and the cocoons are not exposed to high temperatures when drying or boiling, and are not exposed to vacuum without using a vacuum device, which provides a new silk product. 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. Furthermore, depending on the type of raw silk you wish to produce, for example if you don't mind some damage to the individual pieces inside the cocoons, you can make the cocoons easier to reel by combining this invention with a vacuum device, an operation to put liquid in and take it out of the cocoons, etc. Also, if you are going to make silk floss or pongee or use it as a raw material for paper, it is not necessary to maintain the shape of the cocoons, so you can treat them with a solution, for example by soaking them, until the sericin has dissolved considerably and they are completely loosened.When making paper, it can be made directly or by cutting it into pieces of 1 cm or less, adding kneaded material and glue, and making paper. The concentration of the alkaline agent, processing time, amount of kneaded material, amount of glue, etc. can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0021] (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 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 degree of boiling, the cocoons are boiled and reeled simultaneously. In the present invention, the purpose is to reduce damage to the individuals inside (larvae, pupae, or adults) or cocoon proteins, and to suppress coloring and odor of the cocoons, and to shorten the total time for treating the cocoons at temperatures other than extremely low temperatures, for example, 40°C or higher. Once the temperature reaches a certain level, the longer the processing time for boiling the cocoons, the higher the chance of death, but if the boiling time is short, the cocoons will be difficult to reel. One way to solve this problem is to reel the cocoons in a solution that makes it easier to reel them, such as a boiling solution, which means that the cocoons are boiled during reeling, and this leads to ensuring the boiling time. In other words, the boiling and reeling are carried out simultaneously, shortening the time it takes to soak in hot water. This reduces damage to the cocoon proteins and the individuals inside the cocoons, or does not kill them, and creates an excellent condition for reeling. With this method, it may sometimes seem that there is more thread, but this is not a big deal. The type of alkaline agent, the concentration of the alkaline agent, and the processing time can be adjusted appropriately depending on the properties of the cocoons. Since the raw silk that has been reeled still has the components of the solution on it, it can be soaked in water at some point afterwards. Conversely, the presence of the alkali can be used to start the refining process.

[0022] (5) A method for minimizing damage to the cocoon and the individuals inside it, even when exposed to high temperatures for a short period of time, and enabling reeling For example, but not limited to, the following can be done. The cocoon is immersed in or floated in a solution of 60°C or less that contains at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, and an enzyme, etc., somewhere in the process of making it easier to reel. This makes it possible to create a cocoon that is easier to reel. In addition, to make it easier to reel and string, it is recommended to expose it to a temperature of 60°C or more. However, a temperature of 60°C or more for a long period of time can damage the cocoon protein, denature the cocoon protein, and further damage the individuals inside the cocoon, causing the cocoon to become discolored, emit a unique odor, or spread, and even kill the individuals inside the cocoon. However, it was discovered that if it is immersed in a solution or steam of 60°C or more for a short period of time, the heat and solution reach the outer cocoon layer, causing the sericin to swell and soften, but in normal cocoons, the cocoon layer protects the individuals inside, such as the pupa, and they do not die.

[0023] Therefore, when combining a solution below 60°C with a temperature above 42°C (temperature X), it is relatively easy to combine if temperature X is between 42 and 60°C, but if a step with temperature X exceeding 60°C, such as 95°C, is included, the time must be shortened to 3 seconds, etc. In addition, various combinations are possible, such as treating with a 43°C aqueous solution and then treating with a 60°C aqueous solution or hot water for a short time, treating with a 59°C aqueous solution and then treating with a 60°C aqueous solution or hot water for a short time, treating with a 20°C solution and then treating with a boiled aqueous solution or hot water for a short time, treating with a 49°C solution and then treating with a 70°C aqueous solution or hot water for a short time, etc. By keeping the temperature at a high temperature for a short time, it is possible to reduce damage to the cocoons and the individuals inside the cocoons, and to spin cocoons with less generation and diffusion of the unique odor caused by boiling cocoons. The time for which the cocoons are exposed to high temperatures can be any time as long as the pupae inside do not die. However, the higher the temperature, the shorter the time that can be treated without killing the individuals inside the cocoons. However, depending on the state and lineage of the cocoons, the reagents, such as the type of alkaline agent, the concentration of the alkaline agent, and the treatment time may be adjusted appropriately according to the properties of the cocoons. Repeated high and low temperature treatments may be performed, and the liquid, temperature, and time used for the first and subsequent treatments may be changed.

[0024] (6) A method of producing cocoons that can be spun using a short period of high temperature treatment For example, it can be performed as follows, but is not limited to this. The cocoon is immersed in water or a high temperature liquid or steam containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., for example, 43°C or higher, particularly 50°C or higher, more preferably 60 to 100°C, for a few seconds, and then removed in a short time. If it is a normal cocoon, rather than a thin one, the cocoon is protected by the cocoon layer and the pupa does not die at the high temperature for a short time. However, since the heat and liquid reach the outer cocoon layer, the sericin swells and softens a little. After the cocoon cools down, if it is ready for reeling, the reeling process begins here. If it is not yet ready for reeling, it is further immersed in the high-temperature water, solution, or steam for a short time and immediately removed. This causes the sericin to swell and soften further, but the pupa inside does not die because it is protected by the cocoon layer. After the cocoon cools down, if it is ready for reeling, the reeling process begins here. If the cocoon is not yet ready for reeling, after it has cooled, it is cooled at this high temperature for a short time, and this process is repeated until it is ready for reeling. If this process is repeated too many times, the pupa inside will be damaged, so it is best to stop the process when the cocoon is ready for reeling. Although the time for high temperature is short, any time is acceptable as long as the pupa inside does not die. The temperature is not limited to 100°C or less, and it is acceptable to expose the cocoon to temperatures above 100°C as long as the pupa inside does not die. For example, high temperature treatment can be done in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at 95°C for 2 seconds, or 80°C for 5 seconds, 70°C for 20 seconds, or 60°C for 60 seconds. At lower temperatures, treatment at the minute or hour level is also possible, and the lower the temperature, the longer the treatment time in the solution can be without killing the individuals inside the cocoon. In practice, the type of alkaline agent, the concentration of the alkaline agent, and the treatment time may be adjusted appropriately depending on the state and lineage of the cocoons. In repeated high-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 feed, the state 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 floated in water or a solution at, for example, 50°C or less, more preferably 45°C or less, and even more preferably 42°C or less to cool them. Here, any temperature may be used as long as the cocoons are cooled, and is not limited to the temperatures described above.Furthermore, this method can be carried out regardless of whether the individuals inside the cocoons are alive or dead, and compared to conventional boiling of cocoons, it can reduce discoloration and odor and minimize damage to the cocoon proteins.

[0025] (7) A method of producing cocoons that can be reeled using a combination of short high and low temperature treatments For example, it can be carried out as follows, but is not limited thereto. In the present invention, in (6), by boiling the cocoons while they are cooling after a short period of high temperature, the cocoons can be made to be more efficiently reeled. The cocoons are immersed in a solution (referred to as solution A) containing at least one of water or an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., at 43°C or higher, particularly 50°C or higher, more preferably 60 to 100°C, or steam, and taken out in a short period of time. The cocoons are then immersed in a solution (referred to as solution B) at 50°C or lower, more preferably 45°C or lower, and even more preferably 42°C or lower, and cooled. For example, this solution B is the same as solution A, but is lower in temperature than solution A. 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 immersed is boiled, the short time spent cooling the cocoons is not wasted. As described above, in order to reduce damage to or not kill the individuals inside the cocoons, it is necessary to shorten the treatment time by even one minute, except for extremely low temperatures. The cocoons are then cooled while being boiled. Some can be reeled immediately at this stage, but if they cannot be reeled, the order is 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, any number of temperatures, or a device that changes the temperature in stages or automatically can be used. For example, a combination of 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 used, resulting in Solution A → Solution B → Solution A → Reeling. At lower temperatures, solution A (70°C, 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 20 seconds, solution B (40°C, 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 30 minutes, and the order is solution A → solution B → solution A → reeling. At even lower temperatures, solution A (60°C, 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 60 seconds, solution B (40°C, 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 15 minutes, and the order is solution A → solution B → solution A → solution B → solution A → reeling, but is not limited to these. Reeling may be done with hot water or solution B.This reduces damage to the individuals in the cocoon or prevents them from being killed, and still results in a cocoon that can be reeled. Since there are very limited conditions for the individuals in the cocoon to survive and be able to reel, 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. This method can also be carried out regardless of whether the individuals in the cocoon are alive or dead, and compared to general boiling of cocoons, it is possible to reduce coloring and odor and damage to the cocoon proteins.

[0026] (8) Method of removing thin cocoons and other cocoons that are not suitable for reeling In the present invention, the thin cocoon can be removed by utilizing the fact that the thin cocoon collapses. The method for removing the thin cocoon is described below, but is not limited to this. Cocoons that are thin and unsuitable for reeling are usually removed in advance, but thin cocoons that are not completely removed at that time will expand and contract due to temperature changes when they are immersed in and taken out of high-temperature liquid. The thin cocoons will become dented because they cannot withstand the changes in gas and the ingress and egress of gas. This can be used to remove thin cocoons. For example, if you carry out the same procedure as in (7), use solution A (92°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 1 second, solution B (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 15 minutes, and when 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 is an easy way 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. These thin cocoons can also be used for other purposes.

[0027] (9) A method for reeling silk that makes it easier to prevent it from being submerged in liquid or water, and a method for simultaneously applying a liquid that has an effect on the cocoons, the individuals within the cocoons, or humans, etc. For example, it can be done as follows, but is not limited to this. If we consider the ease of reeling the cocoons and the flow of the cocoons in the factory without considering the survival of the individuals in the cocoons, it is normal to put a lot of liquid into the cocoons and reel them in a state where only a small part of the cocoon floats or most of the cocoon is submerged in the liquid. However, in the present invention, in order to prevent a large amount of liquid from entering the cocoons, causing air shortage or submersion in liquid or water, the air inside the cocoons is secured, and they are partially submerged in liquid, such as hot water or cocoon boiling liquid, but are left floating without being submerged, or if they are submerged in liquid or water, the time is shortened before reeling. Depending on the state of the cocoons, such as thin cocoons, or depending on the conditions of the cocoon boiling process, it is possible that a certain amount of liquid will enter the cocoons. In that case, the liquid inside can be absorbed with absorbent paper or the like before reeling, or some of the liquid inside the cocoons can be pushed out before reeling (hereinafter referred to as "prevention of submersion in liquid or water A"). Alternatively, even without checking whether the liquid is quite deep, it is possible to prevent submersion in liquid or submersion by including such a process. Furthermore, in order to prevent death due to submersion in liquid or submersion, the reeling liquid is made shallow, for example, a container such as a petri dish is filled with a few centimeters or less, more preferably 1 cm or less of liquid for reeling, and the cocoons are placed on top of it. Alternatively, when using liquid with a certain depth, a mesh-structured support or mesh-structured basket that individuals such as pupae cannot pass through is placed in the machine or equipment that contains the reeling liquid, and the reeling liquid is placed a few centimeters or more, more preferably 1 cm or less above it, thereby preventing submersion in liquid or submersion (hereinafter referred to as submersion prevention B). In other words, the depth of the area below the basket can be any depth, and the liquid is set to a height slightly above the basket, and the cocoons are placed there to prevent the cocoons or individuals inside the cocoons from falling below the basket. It is also possible to prevent substances that cause dirt or odor from falling to the bottom by adjusting the mesh. This helps prevent dirt from transferring and the generation and spread of odors. Furthermore, baskets and similar containers make it easy to move the individuals inside the cocoons after reeling. Alternatively, machines can be used to automatically move the individuals after reeling. In either case, removing the remaining cocoons and the individuals inside the cocoons from the reeling liquid after reeling also helps prevent the generation and spread of odors.In addition, removing contaminated cocoons, dirt-causing substances, and molted shells that may have gotten in before or during reeling also helps prevent dirt from being transferred and odors from being generated and spread. The reason why the reeling liquid is not limited to, for example, 1 cm or less above the basket, is because it was discovered that reeling can be done without the liquid by devising the liquid. For example, if glycerin or oil is used as the liquid for reeling, once the cocoons are dipped in the liquid, the lubricating effect makes it possible to reel without the liquid (this will be referred to as liquid submersion prevention C). It would be even better if there was a container or device that would prevent the cocoons from flying out even when they are pulled during reeling. In addition, glycerin and oil, such as oleic acid, have been shown to have several effects on humans, and this makes it possible to impart these effects simultaneously. The 1 cm or less shown here is merely an example, and should be adjusted as appropriate depending on the size of the cocoon, the size of the individual cocoons inside the cocoon, the lineage, etc. In addition, liquid submersion prevention A to C may be used in combination or individually. By using this, silk reeling can be made that prevents submersion in liquid and water, and achieves at least one of the following: reducing damage to the individual silkworms (such as pupae) inside the cocoon, reducing coloring of the cocoon, and not killing the individual silkworms inside the cocoon. In preventing submersion in liquid and water A, all that is required is to drain the liquid inside, which can be done by pushing it out manually or mechanically, or it can be placed on something like a water-absorbing sheet and then absorbed. In preventing submersion in liquid and water B, any support is acceptable as long as the individual silkworms inside the cocoon are not submerged in liquid or water. Support by human hands is acceptable. It is also possible to prevent not only the individual silkworms, but also the substances that cause dirt and odors from being submerged in liquid or water. Furthermore, operations can be performed to remove or move those that are about to be submerged in liquid or water. This can be done manually or automatically by machine. Furthermore, the type and concentration of the liquid for preventing submersion and submersion C are merely examples, and as long as it produces a silk that achieves at least one of minimizing damage to the individuals inside the cocoon and not killing the individuals inside the cocoon, or as long as it has an effect on the individuals inside and living organisms such as humans, then it does not matter what type of liquid it is or what concentration it is.

[0028] (10) A method for minimizing damage to cocoons and the individuals within them, even when exposed to high temperatures of over 100°C for a short period of time, and enabling reeling For example, it can be carried out as follows, but is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the process of immersing or floating the cocoon in a solution of 100°C or higher containing at least one of water or an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., is included somewhere in the process of facilitating reeling. This makes it possible to create a cocoon in a state that is easy to reel. However, since it is difficult to exceed 100°C using water alone, it is recommended to dissolve a large amount of something to obtain the effect of raising the boiling point. For example, in anticipation of the effect of facilitating reeling, a 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution is prepared and heated vigorously to 100°C or higher, for example, just under 101°C. If a cocoon that has been reacted overnight at about 8°C in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate is placed there, it becomes easy to string and reel in a few seconds, for example 3 to 5 seconds. The number of seconds that is preferable varies depending on the type and condition of the cocoon, and 3 seconds or less is good, or 5 seconds or more is possible. Because it is an extremely short time, it achieves at least one of the following: reducing damage to cocoon proteins, reducing denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to the individuals inside the cocoons, reducing coloring compared to long-term boiling of cocoons, suppressing the generation and spread of a unique odor compared to long-term boiling of cocoons, and not killing the individuals inside the cocoons, allowing silk to be reeled. The temperatures, types of reagents, concentrations, and treatment times mentioned here are merely examples, and can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the condition of the cocoons, etc.

[0029] (11) A method for simultaneously preserving cocoons and facilitating reeling, and silk-reeling using the same In the present invention, the cocoons are immersed in a solution containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, and an enzyme, and then reeled. An example using an amino acid and an alkaline agent is shown below. In the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously preserve the cocoons while the individuals inside the cocoons are alive and make the cocoons easier to reel. It is possible to preserve the cocoons as they are at temperatures that are not so low that the individuals inside the cocoons freeze or are severely damaged, for example, at 3 to 19°C. In this case, it has been discovered that the cocoons can be preserved not by themselves, but by immersing them in a liquid that makes reeling easier, for example, a cocoon boiling liquid, or by floating them. However, since the development progresses little by little, especially at temperatures above 10°C, the storage period until the cocoons become adults is short. Therefore, it is more preferable to preserve the cocoons by immersing them in a liquid that makes reeling easier or by floating them at 3 to 10°C. This allows the liquid to gradually penetrate the cocoons even at low temperatures, making them easier to reel. Therefore, when the cocoons are removed from the low temperature, they are ready for reeling. Furthermore, to make reeling easier, a short-term reaction at high temperature can be carried out. For example, the cocoons taken out from the low temperature are reacted by immersing or floating them in a gas or liquid above room temperature, or above 20°C, more preferably above 50°C, and even more preferably above 70°C. More specifically, for example, reacting for 40 seconds in hot water or an aqueous solution at 70°C will result in a cocoon that is more suitable for reeling. In other words, it has been found that this short-term high temperature does not immediately affect the individuals in the cocoon because the respiration and activity of the individuals in the cocoon is reduced due to the original refrigerated storage, and the air and individuals in the cocoon are cold. Therefore, it is well suited to the combination of a short-term reaction at high temperature. By utilizing this, reeling can be achieved that achieves at least one of the following: suppressing damage and denaturation of cocoon proteins, suppressing damage to individuals in the cocoon, suppressing coloring of the cocoon, suppressing the generation and spread of the unique odor caused by boiling the cocoon, and not killing the individuals in the cocoon. This method can drastically reduce the time required to boil cocoons, and is therefore of great significance both industrially and in terms of the environment, such as power consumption.If you want to store it for a longer period of time, you can adjust the concentration of the solution that makes it easier to reel, for example, by diluting the concentration of the alkaline agent arginine and sodium bicarbonate solution. However, if you store it in the refrigerator for a long period of time, such as more than two months, the survival rate of the pupae will drop significantly even if they are not immersed in the solution, so care must be taken. Depending on the situation, it may be better to mix the cocoons with the solution, use a support to prevent them from being submerged in liquid or water, such as a basket, exchange air, and take the cocoons out for a moment to check their condition. It is also good to store the cocoons in the refrigerator as is, and start processing by immersing them in this low-temperature boiled cocoon solution a few days, a day, or a few hours before reeling. However, the temperature, type of reagent, and concentration mentioned here are merely examples, and can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type and condition of the cocoon and the storage period. Furthermore, lower temperatures may be possible depending on the type and condition of the cocoon and the storage period. This method can also be used when you are not concerned about the survival of the individuals inside the cocoons. Even in that case, it is possible to minimize damage to the cocoon proteins.

[0030] (12) A method for reeling silk using a low-temperature process to minimize damage to the cocoons and the individuals within them When making cocoons easier to reel, the cocoons are left as they are, more preferably placed in a liquid, even more preferably in the form of a liquid that is a cocoon boiling liquid or a liquid that makes reeling easier, or are floated and placed at a low temperature, for example in an incubator, refrigerator, or freezer that is set at a temperature lower than room temperature, more preferably below 20°C. This reduces the respiration and activity of the individuals inside the cocoons, and the air and individuals inside the cocoons are cold, thereby preventing the effects of heat from boiling or the effects of the reeling operation on the individuals inside the cocoons, and allows for reeling that achieves at least one of the following: reducing damage to and denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to the individuals inside the cocoons, reducing coloration of the cocoons, limiting the generation and spread of the unique odor caused by boiling cocoons, and not killing the individuals inside the cocoons. In this case, the process of lowering the temperature, for example, to 3 to 19°C, can be done within several tens of minutes if the temperature is only slightly cooled, or several tens of minutes to several hours if the temperature is further cooled. Further cooling is the same as the above-mentioned simultaneous storage and boiling of cocoons (11). In addition to these low temperatures, various temperature settings were examined and it was found that cocoons can survive even if they are placed at temperatures lower than 3°C or even below 0°C. For example, even if a cocoon is placed in a freezer at -18°C or the like as a whole cocoon, or immersed in liquid or floating in liquid, it will not freeze immediately. In particular, if the cocoon is placed in a liquid such as a boiling liquid and then placed in the freezer, depending on the amount of liquid, it will take time for the liquid and the cocoon to cool, and it may take several hours for the cocoon to start freezing. Taking advantage of this, the low-temperature process can be done by placing the cocoon in the freezer for several hours, or more safely, within 30 minutes, or even safer, within 10 minutes. However, the temperatures and times mentioned here are merely examples, and any temperature and time setting can be used as long as the individuals inside the cocoons do not freeze to death or suffer severe damage. These can be adjusted as appropriate depending on how low a freezer can be set to (-18°C, -20°C, -50°C, -80°C, etc.), the performance of the freezer, and the condition of the cocoons. The thing that can lower the temperature can be any machine or environment, such as an incubator, refrigerator, freezer, or even the cold outside air, as long as it can lower the temperature.In addition, when placing the cocoons in the freezer, it is possible to use a container with a different thermal conductivity, for example, a container with a good thermal conductivity, or to use the heat of vaporization to cool them quickly. Furthermore, a process of removing the cocoons from the freezer during the process may be included to check the state of the cocoons or the liquid in which they are soaked. This method can also be implemented when it is not important whether the individuals in the cocoons are alive or dead. Even in that case, it is possible to suppress damage to the cocoon proteins. In addition, if it is not important whether the individuals in the cocoons are alive or dead, they can be soaked in a liquid such as a cocoon boiling liquid and stored in the freezer for a long period of time. In this case, the cocoons will be completely frozen, so the cocoon boiling liquid will act on the cocoons and make them ready for reeling by thawing, for example, by leaving them at room temperature for several hours to several days, or by treating them at a high temperature above room temperature for a short period of time. In addition, in order to make reeling even easier, the cocoons can be soaked in a gas or liquid above room temperature, or above 20°C, more preferably above 50°C, and even more preferably above 70°C, or by floating them in the gas or liquid and reacting them.

[0031] (13) Silkworm cocoon reeling using a combination of alkaline agents In the present invention, the cocoons are immersed in a solution containing at least one of amino acids, alkaline agents, surfactants, enzymes, etc., before reeling. Below are examples using only amino acids, only alkaline agents, and both amino acids and alkaline agents. Cocoons were boiled using various amino acids, and as a result, L-arginine was found to be the most effective in making reeling easier. This can be attributed to the alkaline nature of the L-arginine aqueous solution. Therefore, we compared the alkaline agents L-arginine, sodium bicarbonate, and both L-arginine and sodium bicarbonate to see whether they could be reeled while minimizing damage to the individuals in the cocoon, and how easy they were to reel. It was found that all of them could be reeled while minimizing damage to the individuals. Among them, the combination of L-arginine and sodium bicarbonate was, on average, easy to reel and reel. This showed that it was possible to use a combination of multiple alkaline agents, rather than simply adjusting the pH by the concentration of the alkaline agent. The alkaline agents listed here are merely examples, and any combination of alkaline agents is possible. Other examples include sodium perborate, and it has been found that a combination of L-arginine, baking soda, and sodium perborate can also be used to reel silk with minimal damage to the individual fibers.

[0032] (14) A method for reeling silk without killing the individuals inside the cocoon In the present invention, by combining a plurality of (1) to (13) or utilizing at least one of them, it is possible to produce silk reeling that realizes at least one of the following: suppressing damage to cocoon proteins and denaturation of cocoon proteins, suppressing damage to individuals in the cocoon, suppressing coloring of the cocoon, suppressing the generation and spread of the unique odor caused by boiling the cocoon, and not killing individuals in the cocoon. However, some cocoons are already dead, stuck together, or weakened by transportation during the transportation stage, so some are dead or will die regardless of the conditions set for boiling and reeling. When obtaining experimental data, it is necessary to make a judgment taking into account the existence of such cocoons. It would be nice to express that by combining several of the present inventions, if the cocoon contains a healthy pupa before boiling, it is possible to reel the cocoon without killing 100% of the individuals in the cocoon. However, the current situation is that some cocoons are already dead, and some of them die when it is unknown. Taking these circumstances into consideration, two examples of methods for reeling silk without killing the individuals inside the cocoon are given below. After reeling, if you remove an individual from the cocoon, such as a pupa, and touch it, or even if you don't, you can confirm that the pupa is alive or was alive by observing whether it moves, the movement of the liquid inside, whether the pupa develops, or whether it emerges as an adult. Even if the pupa does not appear to be moving, it may emerge as an adult several days later, so it is important to observe it carefully. If you can observe the pupa inside the cocoon without removing the individual from the cocoon after reeling, you can observe it as it is, or even if you cannot observe the pupa inside, you can confirm that the individual is alive or was alive by observing the adult emergent from the cocoon. Similarly, if the individual inside the cocoon is a larva, you can tell whether it is alive by whether it moves, whether it develops, or whether it emerges as an adult. Similarly, if the adult is alive, you can tell whether it is alive by whether it moves, etc. In addition, the pupae in the following examples were the results of pupae emerging within a certain period of time, and some were close to emerging. However, these examples are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0033] Here is the first example. A raw cocoon was immersed in solution C (70°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) for 20 seconds, and then removed into the air. The hot air inside the cocoon cooled and shrunk, preventing liquid from entering the cocoon. It was then placed in solution D (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) and left floating for one minute, bringing the temperature of solution D 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 D and the boiling process continued for 29 minutes. After that, it was again immersed in solution C for 20 seconds, and then removed into the air. The hot air inside the cocoon cooled and shrunk, preventing liquid from entering the cocoon. After that, it was immersed in solution D (40°C 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution) and left floating for one minute, which brought the temperature of solution D closer to the temperature of the air inside the cocoon, further preventing liquid from entering the cocoon when it was immersed in solution D. After one minute, it was immersed in solution D to allow it to settle before reeling. After reeling, it was possible to confirm that the individuals inside the cocoon were alive.

[0034] Here is another example. First, a cocoon (Kinshu x Kanewa) was placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 8°C while floating with some of it submerged in the liquid. After that, it was placed in a water bath at about 70°C for about 40 seconds to react. The cocoon was then taken out into the air, and the hot air inside the cocoon cooled and shrunk, preventing liquid from entering the cocoon. After that, it was placed in hot water at about 40°C and left floating for about a minute, which brought the temperature of the hot water and the temperature of the air inside the cocoon closer together, further preventing liquid from entering the cocoon when it was placed in the liquid. It was then placed in hot water several times to allow it to settle, and the weight of the cocoon was measured, and then reeling was performed with the cocoon floating in the hot water to obtain raw silk. In this case, the process of soaking in hot water, allowing it to settle, and measuring the weight of the cocoon can be omitted, and reeling can be started immediately. After reeling, it was confirmed that the individuals inside the cocoons were alive.

[0035] (12) Silk reeling Reeling can be performed using an automatic reeling machine, a reeling machine, or by winding the silk around a plastic bottle automatically or manually, but is not limited to these. For example, reeling can be performed as follows, but is not limited to these. Raw silk is drawn out from the cocoons after boiling and wrapped around a plastic bottle wrapped in paper. The material to be wrapped around is not limited to plastic bottles, and any material that can be wrapped around the cocoon, such as cardboard, can be used. After wrapping, the silk can be wound manually or automatically using a motor. More preferably, several of the threads from the drawn cocoons are combined to the desired thickness and then wound around the cocoon. The temperature is set to a high temperature, for example, 50°C or less, more preferably 45°C or less, and even more preferably 42°C or less so that the larvae and pupae inside do not die. It is preferable to perform reeling at a temperature of, for example, 40°C, using a device that can be set to a temperature, but if the temperature does not drop immediately at room temperature, reeling can be performed at room temperature. In this case, if reeling takes a long time and the temperature drops to a minimum, the temperature can be returned to 40°C. In addition, when the raw silk of a cocoon breaks, it is preferable to find another thread and reel it in, but if the individual inside must survive, reeling may be stopped at that point, or reeling may be stopped and the pupa removed, depending on the situation. After reeling, the raw silk can be reeled in or turned into reeled silk by a method known to those skilled in the art.

[0036] (13) Observation of individual silkworms after reeling The following describes how to observe the individual (larva, pupa, or adult) after reeling, but this is not limited to the above. If a thin cocoon remains after reeling, it can be observed as it is, or the individual (larva, pupa, or adult) can be removed from the remaining cocoon layer and observed. The removed pupae can be washed with water, or left unwashed to observe the progress of development at room temperature or various temperature conditions. If the thin cocoon remains, it is difficult to see the progress of development inside, and it may not be known that the insect is alive until it emerges, so it is preferable to remove all pupae from the cocoon. This allows the progress of development to be observed, and depending on the pupa, the flow of internal liquid can be seen as development progresses. In addition, since the pupa moves on its own or when touched, it is clear that it is alive. However, some pupae do not react when touched immediately after reeling. Even such pupae will calm down and it will be easier to see their reaction on their own or when touched after a few hours or a night. You can confirm that they are alive by observing the emergence of the insects, the emergence of the insects, the egg-laying of the adults, and the mating of the adults. You can also raise the eggs that are laid and observe the progress of their development. Furthermore, you can also connect the eggs to the next generation, and the next generation after that.

[0037] Examples of silk reeling kits using the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following: A silk reeling kit includes an instruction manual (which describes a silk reeling method that achieves at least one of the following: reducing damage to cocoon proteins, reducing denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to individuals inside the cocoons, reducing coloring caused by boiling cocoons, reducing the generation and spread of a unique odor caused by boiling cocoons, and not killing individuals inside the cocoons), reagents (e.g., baking soda, arginine), a plastic bottle with a hole for winding raw silk, construction paper to wind the plastic bottle for the thread reel, a rod that serves as the axis of the plastic bottle for the thread reel, a container to fit the plastic bottle for the thread reel, a broom or toothbrush for stringing, a container to put the cocoons in when winding, a motor for automatic winding, or a set of a motor and a switch, or a set of some of these. The cocoons referred to here can be any cocoons spun by genetically modified silkworms, or any cocoons of the normal variety that are commonly used, and can be white or colored cocoons, and are not limited to any particular lineage. They can also be used for cocoons made by organisms other than silkworms. However, if you are making a silk-removal kit that minimizes damage to the individuals inside the cocoons and does not kill them, you should use cocoons with living individuals inside.

[0038] By using the silk-reeling kit of the present invention, children and students can reel silk with at least one of the following: reducing damage to cocoon proteins, reducing denaturation of cocoon proteins, reducing damage to the individuals inside the cocoons, reducing coloring caused by boiling cocoons, reducing the generation and spread of the unique odor caused by boiling cocoons, and not killing the individuals inside the cocoons. It is particularly significant that students can enjoy reeling silk from cocoons without killing the individuals inside the cocoons (larvae, pupae, or adults). In the educational field, it can eliminate or reduce the number of students who are worried about the death of pupae, or who are traumatized or distressed by killing them. In addition, there are quite a few people, not just children and students, who, from an ethical standpoint, are concerned about the intentional killing of silkworms when obtaining raw silk. For these people, the present invention will also be of ethical value. Also, there are peace silk products that use cocoons with holes in them, which are made by waiting for the pupae inside to emerge, but these cocoons cannot be extracted (reeled) as long threads because they have holes in them. 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. Also, while some people and countries eat the pupae, the pupae themselves are valuable because they are pupae that have been reduced in damage caused by boiling the cocoons, have reduced generation of a unique odor, and are less colored. Similarly, the larvae, adults, and the remains of the cocoons after reeling, as well as raw silk, are of equal value. Furthermore, there is a great educational aspect in that it is possible to observe the development of the pupae after reeling. The present invention has the potential to become a teaching material for children who will carry the future, as it allows them to receive blessings from the silkworms, coexist with living things, and think about the importance of life.

[0039] Furthermore, the production of paper using the cocoon thread obtained by the present invention can be carried out, for example, as follows, but is not limited to this. The obtained cocoon thread is chopped, dispersed in water, kneaded and glued, mixed, then paper-making is performed, and dried. 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. Those skilled in the art can adjust the amount of kneading and glue appropriately. This paper production method does not require cutting down 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, and has educational value. When threads from colored cocoons are used, colored paper can be made without dyeing. Furthermore, if raw silk from genetically modified silkworms that have fluorescent proteins in their silk glands can be used, it will be possible to produce fluorescent paper.

[0040] Examples of paper making kits using the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following: The paper making kit may be a set of container, frame, mesh board, raw silk, kneading agent, starch paste, PET bottle for dispersion, absorbent towel, and clear file to paste the paper on, or a set of some of these. The raw silk referred to here can be raw silk obtained from any genetically modified silkworm, or a normal variety of raw silk that is commonly used, and there is no restriction on the lineage. It can also be applied to raw silk from organisms other than silkworms. A silk removal / paper making kit that combines the silk removal kit and this paper making kit is also possible.

[0041] Examples of educational kits using the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following: A manual stating that in conventional cocoon processing, boiling and reeling, the individuals inside the cocoons, such as the larvae and pupae, die, but in the case of the present invention, reeling can be performed without killing the larvae and pupae inside; a manual conveying the significance of producing raw silk without killing the larvae and pupae inside from an ethical perspective; an experimental kit set that allows comparison between conventional boiling cocoons and the method using the present invention, or a set of parts of these. A thread removal and paper making kit that combines the thread removal kit and this paper making kit is also possible.

[0042] The present invention also provides pigments, cocoon proteins, cocoons, larvae, pupae, adults, raw silk, degummed silk, 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, which are obtained by utilizing any of the present inventions at any stage. 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

[0043] 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

[0044] Cocoon spinning is done by soaking the cocoons in a solution containing an alkaline agent at 60℃ or less, minimizing damage to the cocoons and the individuals inside them. In the present invention, the cocoons are immersed in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, and the like, before reeling. The following is an example in which an alkaline agent is used. First, the cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted in an incubator at about 57°C for about 45 minutes while being partially submerged in the liquid and floating. As a result, the cocoons were in a state where they could be reeled while still maintaining their shape. After measuring the weight of the cocoons, they were reeled directly in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and raw silk was obtained. Some of the cocoons took a long time to string, but they were able to be reeled. The odor was suppressed compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less coloring due to pupae, etc. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). All of these pupae emerged. Figure 1 shows photographs of raw silk from one of the cocoons, as well as pupae and adult insects.

[0045] Similarly, when the temperature of the incubator was set to about 43°C and the cocoons were left to react for about 4 hours, it was even easier to reel them in. Not only was the smell less than that of cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, but the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by the pupae. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). All of the pupae had emerged (including those that had begun to emerge).

[0046] Similarly, cocoons that were left to react in an incubator at a temperature of about 50°C for about 3 hours and 45 minutes were also easy to reel. Not only was the odor reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, but the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). All of the pupae emerged.

[0047] In addition, a cocoon (Kinshu x Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at approximately 60°C, and the cocoon was left to soak for approximately 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 approximately 40°C for approximately 1 minute, then immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution several times to allow it to swell. The cocoon was then weighed, and reeled in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at approximately 40°C to obtain raw silk (cocoon thread). The raw silk was beautiful, with little discoloration or odor from pupae, etc.

[0048] As an example of a different type of cocoon, a cocoon (Shunrei x Shogetsu) was placed in a thermostatic bath containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 58°C, and the cocoon was soaked in the sodium bicarbonate solution for about 35 minutes. As a result, the shape of the cocoon was well maintained and the sericin was perfectly swollen. The cocoon was then soaked in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C, and then reeled directly in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain raw silk (cocoon thread). The raw silk was beautiful, with less discoloration and odor caused by pupae, etc. The same experiment was performed using raw cocoons stored in a refrigerator instead of at room temperature, and the raw silk obtained was beautiful, with less discoloration and odor caused by pupae, etc. In addition, when the same procedure was carried out using fresh cocoons that had been frozen, the raw silk obtained was beautiful, with less discoloration and odor caused by pupae. 20 fresh cocoons that had been refrigerated were collected, reeled, and then reeled, and the raw silk obtained was also beautiful. In addition, when the same procedure was carried out using fresh cocoons that had been refrigerated, but with 1.5% sodium bicarbonate water instead of 3.0%, the raw silk obtained was also beautiful. However, with 1.5% sodium bicarbonate water, some cocoons took a long time to string, and it was felt that the cocoons were not boiled sufficiently, but it was not impossible to reel them, and it was one of the options when the concentration of the alkaline agent needed to be reduced. However, with other types of cocoons that were not suitable for reeling (cocoons not for reeling), it was difficult to reel them with 1.5% sodium bicarbonate water. Therefore, to apply to various cocoons, an alkaline agent with a concentration higher than 1.5% is more preferable. EXAMPLES

[0049] Cocoons and cocoons are immersed in liquids over 60°C or floated on the surface. Cocoon spinning with minimal damage to the individual silkworms In the present invention, the yarn is immersed in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, and the like, before reeling. The following is an example of using high concentration sodium bicarbonate as an alkaline agent. First, a cocoon (Shunrei x Shogetsu) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath A) filled with 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 60°C so that it was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water, and the cocoon was immersed for about 60 seconds. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath B) filled with 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C for about 1 minute in a floating state, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 14 minutes. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air, and then placed in thermostatic bath A again and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 60°C for about 60 seconds. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. After that, the cocoons were 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 liquid for about 14 minutes. The cocoons were then taken out of the liquid and 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. The cocoons were then taken out of the liquid and into the air. After that, the cocoons were 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 cocoons were then weighed, and reeled in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain raw silk (cocoon thread). The obtained raw silk was beautiful, with less coloring and odor. After reeling, the pupae were taken out and it was confirmed that they were alive. Some of them had emerged (or were about to emerge).

[0050] Similarly, a cocoon (Kinshu × Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath C) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 70°C, and the cocoon was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water for about 7 seconds (treatment 1). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C while floating for about 1 minute, 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 then placed in thermostatic bath C again and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 70°C for about 7 seconds (treatment 2). 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, then placed in the hot water several times to allow it to settle, the weight of the cocoon was measured, and reeling was performed to obtain raw silk (cocoon thread). The obtained raw silk was beautiful, with less coloring and odor. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive. All of the live pupae emerged (n=4). Figure 2 shows the raw silk, pupae, and adult silkworms from one of the cocoons. The same experiment was also conducted with the pupa soaked 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 confirmed to be alive after reeling (n=3). The pupae did not fully emerge, but the movement of the pupae was enough to give the impression that they were alive. The raw silk obtained was beautiful. If the cocoon thread broke during reeling, depending on the condition of the cocoon, reeling was stopped there and the pupae inside were rescued, even if it still looked like they could be reeled.

[0051] Similarly, a cocoon (Shunrei x Shogetsu) was first placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath D) 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 20 seconds (treatment 3). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C for about 1 minute in a floating state, 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 thermostatic bath D again and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 70°C for about 20 seconds (treatment 4). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. The cocoons were then left to float 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 raw silk (cocoon thread). The raw silk obtained was beautiful. One pupa was dead either before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were confirmed to be alive after reeling (n=3). All of the living pupae emerged. Photographs of the raw silk, pupae, and adult insects from one of the cocoons are shown in Figure 3. In addition, the same experiment was conducted on treatments 3 and 4, where the time spent 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 were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). Half of the live pupae had emerged. The remaining half had 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.

[0052] Similarly, a cocoon (Kinshu × Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath E) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 80°C, and the cocoon was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water for about 5 seconds (Process 5). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C for about 1 minute while floating, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water and immersed in the liquid for about 9 minutes. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air, and then placed in thermostatic bath E again and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 80°C for about 5 seconds (Process 6). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air, and placed in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute while floating, and then placed in the hot water several times to allow it to settle, and the weight of the cocoon was measured, followed by reeling to obtain raw silk (cocoon thread). The raw silk obtained was beautiful. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=3). Some of the live pupae had emerged, while the rest had only progressed to the intermediate stage of emerging, but the movement of the pupae was enough to make it clear that they were alive. Furthermore, after process 6, the cocoons were left floating in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C for about 1 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 raw silk (cocoon thread). The raw silk obtained was beautiful. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). All of the live pupae emerged. Furthermore, when two pupae were placed in each petri dish, the ones that emerged were a female and a male, and mating and egg-laying between the male and female could also be confirmed. Photographs of the raw silk, pupae, and adults from two cocoons at this time are shown in Figure 4.

[0053] Similarly, a cocoon (Kinshu x Kanewa) was first placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath F) 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. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath G) 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 in thermostatic bath F again and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 80°C for about 5 seconds. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid into the air. It was then placed in thermostatic bath G 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. After removing the cocoons from the liquid into the air, they were placed back into the thermostatic chamber F and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 80°C for about 5 seconds. After removing the cocoons from the liquid into the air, they 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 reeled directly in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C to obtain raw silk (cocoon thread). The raw silk obtained was beautiful. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). 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 it clear that they were alive. Photographs of the raw silk from two cocoons, pupae, and adults are shown in Figure 5.

[0054] Similarly, a cocoon (Kinshu × Kanewa) was first placed in a 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C so that it was immersed therein, and the cocoon was immersed therein for about 1 hour (Process 7). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. The cocoon was then placed in a thermostatic chamber (thermostatic chamber H) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 80°C so that it was immersed therein, and the cocoon was immersed therein for about 5 seconds (Process 8). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. The cocoon was then again left floating in the 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 40°C for about 1 minute, and then placed back into the sodium bicarbonate solution and immersed therein for about 4 minutes (Process 9). The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air, and again placed in the thermostatic chamber H, and immersed therein for about 5 seconds in the 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 80°C (Process 10). 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 cocoons were then weighed and reeled to obtain raw silk (cocoon thread) (Process 11). The raw silk obtained was beautiful. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). The living pupae had not yet fully emerged, but the fact that they were moving was enough to give the impression that they were alive. In addition, in the treatments 7 and 9, instead of 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C, a 3.0% sodium bicarbonate and 0.01% nonionic surfactant solution at about 40°C was used, and in the treatment 11, the hot water was replaced with a 3.0% sodium bicarbonate and 0.01% nonionic surfactant solution at about 40°C, and the same procedure was repeated to obtain raw silk. The obtained raw silk was beautiful. One pupa was dead before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were confirmed to be alive after reeling (n=3). The living pupa did not emerge, but the movement of the pupa was enough to make it feel alive.

[0055] Similarly, a cocoon (Kinshu x Kanewa) was placed in a thermostatic chamber containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 92°C, and the cocoon was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution for about 2 seconds. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic chamber 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 solution for about 29 minutes. After removing the cocoon from the liquid into the air, it was placed in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute while floating, and then placed in the hot water several times to allow it to settle. The cocoon was then weighed, and reeled to obtain raw silk (cocoon thread). The obtained raw silk was beautiful. Two pupae were dead before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were confirmed to be alive after reeling (n=2). Some of the living pupae emerged, while the rest did not, but the movement of the pupae was enough to give the impression that they were alive.

[0056] Similarly, a cocoon (Shunrei x Shogetsu) was first placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath I) 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 removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath J) 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 removed from the liquid into the air, and then placed again in thermostatic bath I and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 95°C for about 2 seconds. The cocoon was then removed from the liquid into the air. It was then placed again in thermostatic bath J 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 removed from the liquid into the air, and placed back into thermostatic chamber I, where they were immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution at about 95°C for about 2 seconds. After removing the cocoons from the liquid into the air, they 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 acclimate, the weight of the cocoons was measured, and they were then 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 confirmed to be alive after reeling (n=3). Some of the living pupae emerged, while the rest did not, but the movement of the pupae was enough to sense that they were alive.

[0057] Similarly, a cocoon (Kinshu x Kanewa) was first placed in a thermostatic bath (thermostatic bath L) containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 92°C so that it was immersed in the sodium bicarbonate water, and the cocoon was immersed for about 1 second. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air. It was then placed in a thermostatic bath containing 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C for about 1 minute while floating, 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 and into the air, and then placed in the thermostatic bath L again and immersed in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 92°C for about 1 second. The cocoon was then taken out of the liquid and into the air, and left floating in 3.0% sodium bicarbonate water at about 40°C for about 1 minute, and then placed in the sodium bicarbonate water several times to allow it to become familiar with the liquid. The thin cocoon layer cannot withstand all these operations and is dented by the force of gases entering and leaving the cocoon. The results are shown in Figure 6. EXAMPLES

[0058] Cocoon spinning that minimizes damage to the cocoons and the individuals inside them by immersing or floating the cocoons in a solution containing an alkaline agent at 60°C or lower and treating them at 42°C or higher. In the present invention, the cocoons are immersed in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, and the like, before reeling. The following is an example of using an alkaline agent. First, the cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted in an incubator at about 42°C for about 1 hour while floating and submerged in the liquid (referred to as reaction A), and then reacted in an incubator at about 50°C for about 1 hour and 20 minutes (referred to as reaction B). As a result, the cocoons were in a state where they could be reeled while still maintaining their shape. After measuring the weight of the cocoons, they were reeled directly in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate to obtain raw silk. The odor was suppressed compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration due to pupae, etc. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). All of the pupae had emerged.

[0059] Similarly, reaction A was carried out at 43°C for about an hour, and reaction B was carried out at 50°C for about an hour, and silk could be spun. Not only was the smell less than that of cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, but the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors. After reeling, the larvae or pupae were removed and, when touched, or even if not touched, it was possible to confirm that the larvae or pupae were alive by checking whether they moved, or whether there was movement of the internal fluid, or whether the larvae or pupae were developing (n=4). There was one larva and three pupae. Some of these had emerged.

[0060] Similarly, reaction A was performed at 42°C for about 1 hour, and reaction B was performed at 43°C for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and it was also possible to reel in silk. Not only was the odor reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, but the raw silk was beautiful, with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). Some of them had emerged.

[0061] In addition, cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted in an incubator at about 49°C for about 1 hour while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid (referred to as Reaction C), and then immersed in a water bath at about 70°C for about 20 seconds (referred to as Reaction D). The cocoons were then taken out of the liquid into the air, floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute, then placed in hot water several times to allow them to acclimate, and the weight of the cocoons was measured. The cocoons were then reeled in while floating in the hot water to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration due to pupae. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). Some of them had emerged.

[0062] Similarly, reaction C was performed overnight at about 20°C, and reaction D was performed for about 40 seconds at about 70°C, and spinning was also possible. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae. After spinning, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). Some of them had emerged.

[0063] Similarly, reaction C was performed overnight at about 30°C, and reaction D was performed for about 30 seconds at about 70°C, and spinning was also possible. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae. After spinning, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). Some of them had emerged.

[0064] In addition, cocoons (Kinshu x Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted in an incubator at about 42°C for about 2 hours while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid, and then reacted in a water bath at about 70°C while floating for about 50 seconds. The cocoons were then removed from the liquid into the air, floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute, and then immersed in the hot water several times to allow them to acclimate, and the weight of the cocoons was measured. The cocoons were then reeled while floating in the hot water to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae. Some of the pupae were dead before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but some live pupae were also confirmed. Some of them had emerged. EXAMPLES

[0065] Cocoon spinning is performed by adjusting the liquid depth to prevent submersion or drowning. In the present invention, the height of the liquid to be submerged or not submerged varies depending on the size of the cocoon and the larvae, pupae, and adults therein, but an example using raw cocoons (Kinshu x Kanewa) is shown. First, the cocoons (Kinshu x Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 8°C while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid, and then immersed in a water bath at about 70°C for about 20 seconds. Then, the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air, floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute, then immersed in hot water several times to allow them to acclimate, and the weight of the cocoons was measured. After that, reeling was performed with the depth of the hot water (referred to as liquid E) set to 1 cm or less, and raw silk was obtained while preventing submersion. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae, etc. After reeling, the pupae were removed and confirmed to be alive (n=4). Some of them emerged as adults.

[0066] Similarly, liquid E was glycerin instead of hot water, and reeling was performed with the depth of the liquid at 1 cm or less, preventing submersion in the liquid to obtain raw silk. Compared to hot water, reeling was more difficult, and some cocoons could only reel to a certain extent. Also, once glycerin was applied, it was possible to reel the cocoons without immersing them in glycerin due to its effect. The raw silk was given glycerin, and the raw silk was produced in which the effects of glycerin could be expected, and it had a different texture from that of the raw silk reeled in hot water. After reeling, when the pupae were taken out, some still had glycerin on them. In this case, most of the glycerin was wiped off, but the amount of glycerin left on it can be adjusted as needed, and pupae that are more likely to be affected by glycerin can be prepared. When the pupae were touched, or even if they were not touched, it was confirmed that they were alive by whether they moved, or by the movement of the liquid inside, or by whether the development of the pupae progressed (n=4). Some of them emerged as adults. Photographs of raw silk from one of the cocoons, as well as pupae and adult insects, are shown in Figure 7.

[0067] Similarly, liquid E was oleic acid instead of hot water, and raw silk was obtained by reeling with the depth of the liquid kept at 1 cm or less to prevent submersion in the liquid. Also, once oleic acid was applied, it was possible to reel the silk without immersing it in oleic acid. Reeling itself was easier than with glycerin. The obtained raw silk was given oleic acid, and became a raw silk in which the effects of oleic acid could be expected, and it became a raw silk with a different texture from that of silk reeled in hot water. After reeling, when the pupae were taken out, some of them still had oleic acid on them. In this case, most of the oleic acid was wiped off, but the amount of oleic acid left on it can be adjusted as needed, and pupae that are more likely to be affected by oleic acid can be prepared. When the pupae were touched, or even if they were not touched, it was confirmed that they were alive by whether they moved, or whether the liquid inside moved, or whether the development of the pupae progressed (n=4). Some of them emerged as adults. Photographs of raw silk from one of the cocoons, as well as pupae and adult insects, are shown in Figure 8. EXAMPLES

[0068] Cocoon spinning, with support to prevent submersion in liquid or water First, cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 8°C while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid. After that, they were immersed in a water bath at about 70°C for about 40 seconds. After that, the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air, floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute, and then immersed in the hot water several times to allow them to acclimate, and the weight of the cocoons was measured. After that, a basket was placed in a water bath at about 40°C to prevent them from being submerged in water, and the water in the water bath was set to be less than 1 cm above the basket. With the cocoons floating in the hot water, threads from about 9 cocoons were collected, kennel twisted, and reeled, aiming for 27 rounds, and then the cocoons were raised and dried to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors. Of the nine individuals, one pupa was dead before or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were found to be alive after reeling (n=8). Some of them even emerged.

[0069] Next, the cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 8°C while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid. After that, they were immersed in a water bath at about 95°C for about 3 seconds. After that, the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air, floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute, and then immersed in the hot water several times to allow them to acclimate, and the weight of the cocoons was measured. After that, a basket was placed in a water bath at about 40°C to prevent them from being submerged in water, and the water in the water bath was adjusted so that the top of the basket was 0.8 cm or less. With the cocoons floating in the hot water, threads from about 9 cocoons were collected, kennel twisted, and reeled, aiming for 27 rounds, and then the cocoons were raised and dried to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that all nine pupae were alive. Furthermore, all of them emerged. Figure 9 shows the state of the basket at this time, as well as photos of the raw silk from the cocoons, the pupae, and the adults. EXAMPLES

[0070] Cocoon spinning, which involves immersing the cocoons in a liquid over 100℃ or floating them in it, minimizing damage to the cocoons and the individuals inside them. In the present invention, the cocoons are immersed in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, and the like, before reeling. An example using an alkaline agent is shown below. First, the cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 8°C while floating with a certain amount of the cocoons submerged in the liquid. After that, the cocoons were immersed in boiling 3% sodium bicarbonate water (about 101°C) for about 3 to 5 seconds. Then, the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air, floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute, then placed in hot water several times to allow them to blend, the weight of the cocoons was measured, and reeling was performed with the cocoons floating in the hot water, and raw silk was obtained. At this time, the pupae were removed after reeling, and it was confirmed that the pupae were alive, except for those cocoons that were originally dirty and those that had larvae in them and were probably dead and harbored. All the surviving pupae emerged. EXAMPLES

[0071] A method for simultaneously preserving cocoons and reeling them into silk, and silk-reeling using this method In the present invention, the cocoons are immersed in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, and the like, before reeling. An example using an alkaline agent is shown below. First, the cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 3°C ​​while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid (referred to as reaction F), and then reacted while immersed in water in a water bath at about 70°C for about 20 seconds (referred to as reaction G). Then, the cocoons were taken out of the liquid and placed in the air, floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute, then placed in hot water several times to allow them to blend, the weight of the cocoons was measured, and reeling was performed with the cocoons floating in the hot water to obtain raw silk. After reeling, the pupae were taken out and it was confirmed that all of the pupae were alive (n=4). Some of them had emerged.

[0072] Similarly, reaction F was allowed to react overnight at 8°C, and reaction G was allowed to react for approximately 20 seconds at 70°C to obtain raw silk. Not only was the odor reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, but the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that all of them were alive (n=4). All of the pupae emerged. Photographs of the raw silk, pupae, and adults from one of these cocoons are shown in Figure 10.

[0073] Similarly, reaction F was allowed to react overnight at 8°C, and reaction G was allowed to react for about 30 seconds at 70°C to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that all of them were alive (n=4). All of the pupae emerged.

[0074] Similarly, reaction F was allowed to react overnight at 8°C, and reaction G was allowed to react for approximately 40 seconds at 70°C to obtain raw silk. Not only was the odor reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, but the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that all of them were alive (n=4). All of the pupae had emerged (including those that had begun to emerge).

[0075] Similarly, reaction F was allowed to react overnight at 8°C, and reaction G was allowed to react for approximately 60 seconds at 70°C to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that all of them were alive (n=4). Some of them had even emerged.

[0076] Similarly, reaction F was allowed to react overnight at 8°C, and reaction G was allowed to react for about 3 seconds at 95°C to obtain raw silk. In this case, one pupa was dead before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but all other pupae were confirmed to be alive after reeling (n=3). Some of them even emerged.

[0077] Similarly, reaction F was allowed to react overnight at 13°C, and reaction G was allowed to react for approximately 40 seconds at 70°C to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that all of them were alive (n=4). Some of them had even emerged.

[0078] Similarly, reaction F was allowed to react overnight at 19°C, and reaction G was allowed to react for approximately 40 seconds at 70°C to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that all of them were alive (n=4). Some of them had even emerged.

[0079] Similarly, in frozen cocoons of genetically modified silkworms containing foreign proteins, reaction F was performed overnight at 8°C and reaction G was performed at 95°C for approximately 3 seconds (n=4), reaction F was performed overnight at 8°C and reaction G was performed at 70°C for approximately 40 seconds (n=4), reaction F was performed overnight at 8°C and reaction G was performed at 60°C for approximately 12 minutes (n=4), reaction F was performed overnight at 8°C and reaction G was performed at 61°C for approximately 12 minutes (n=4), and reaction F was performed overnight at 8°C and reaction G was performed at 45°C for approximately 1 hour (n=4).In all of the cocoons under all of the conditions, damage to the cocoon proteins was reduced, denaturation of proteins such as the foreign protein expressed by genetic modification was suppressed, and damage to the individuals inside the cocoons was reduced, and the cocoons could be reeled.

[0080] Similarly, when reaction F was carried out on a different type of dried cocoon at 8°C for 2 days and reaction G at 70°C for approximately 50 seconds, the results showed that the cocoons could be reeled with less damage to the individuals inside the cocoon, and the resulting raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors (n=4).

[0081] In addition, frozen cocoons of transgenic silkworms containing foreign proteins were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, reacted overnight in an incubator at about -18°C, and then left at room temperature for one day. The cocoons were then weighed and reeled directly in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate to obtain raw silk. Although it was possible to reel the cocoons while reducing damage to the cocoon proteins, suppressing the denaturation of proteins such as the foreign proteins expressed by transgenic silkworms, and further reducing damage to the individuals inside the cocoons, it was difficult to reel them. Therefore, the conditions were slightly changed, and frozen cocoons of transgenic silkworms containing foreign proteins were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, reacted overnight in an incubator at about -18°C, then left at room temperature for one day, and then reacted in an incubator at about 42°C for about 1 hour and 30 minutes before reeling. The cocoons were then weighed and reeled in a 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate solution to obtain raw silk. The cocoons could be reeled while reducing damage to the cocoon proteins, suppressing the denaturation of proteins such as foreign proteins expressed by genetic recombination, and further reducing damage to the individual silk within the cocoons, but some cocoons were difficult to reel.

[0082] Additionally, cocoons (Kinshu x Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at approximately 8°C while partly submerged but still floating in the liquid, and then reacted for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes in an incubator at approximately 50°C. As a result, the cocoons were able to maintain their shape and were ready for reeling. The cocoons were weighed, and then reeled directly in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate to obtain raw silk. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). Some of them had emerged.

[0083] In addition, cocoons (Kinshu x Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at approximately 8°C while partly submerged but still floating in the liquid, and then at room temperature overnight. As a result, the cocoons were in a state where they could be reeled while still maintaining their shape. The weight of the cocoons was then measured, and they were reeled directly in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae and other factors. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). All of the pupae had emerged.

[0084] Also, cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 8°C while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid. After that, they were reacted for about 30 seconds in a water bath at about 70°C, and then the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air and floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute. Then, they were placed in hot water several times to allow them to settle, and again reacted for about 30 seconds in a water bath at about 70°C, and then the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air and floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute. Then, they were placed in hot water several times to allow them to settle, and after the weight of the cocoons was measured, they were reeled while floating in hot water to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae, etc. In this case, one pupa had died before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were confirmed to be alive after reeling (n=3).

[0085] In addition, cocoons (Kinshu x Kanewa) were reacted in a water bath at about 70°C for about 20 seconds, then removed from the liquid into the air and floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute. Then, they were placed in hot water several times to allow them to blend, placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 8°C while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid. After that, they were reacted in a water bath at about 70°C for about 20 seconds, then removed from the liquid into the air and floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute. Then, they were placed in hot water several times to allow them to blend, and after weighing the cocoons, they were reeled with the cocoons floating in the hot water to obtain raw silk. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae, etc. After reeling, the pupae were removed and confirmed to be alive (n=4). All of the pupae emerged as adults.

[0086] In addition, cocoons (Kinshu x Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted overnight in an incubator at about 8°C while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid, and then reacted at room temperature for two days. After that, the cocoons were reacted while floating in a water bath at about 70°C for about 20 seconds, and then removed from the liquid into the air and floated in hot water at about 40°C for about one minute. After that, the cocoons were placed in hot water several times to allow them to blend, and after weighing the cocoons, they were reeled in while floating in the hot water to obtain raw silk. The odor was suppressed compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less coloring due to pupae and other factors. At this time, there were two pupae that had died before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but it was confirmed that the other pupae taken out after reeling were alive.

[0087] In addition, cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and reacted in an incubator at about 8°C for 3 days while floating with some of them submerged in the liquid (referred to as reaction H). After that, they were reacted in a water bath at about 70°C for about 40 seconds (referred to as reaction I). Then, the cocoons were taken out of the liquid into the air and floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute. The cocoons were then immersed in hot water several times to allow them to acclimate, weighed, and then reeled with the cocoons floating in the hot water to obtain raw silk. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). Some of them had emerged.

[0088] Similarly, reaction H was carried out for 7 days, and reaction I was carried out in a water bath at about 70°C for about 40 seconds, and raw silk was obtained in the same manner. In this case, one pupa was dead before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were confirmed to be alive when removed after reeling (n=3). Some of them had emerged as adults.

[0089] Similarly, reaction H was carried out for 9 days, and reaction I was carried out for about 20 seconds in a water bath at about 70°C, and raw silk was obtained in the same manner. In this case, one pupa was dead before reeling or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were confirmed to be alive when removed after reeling (n=3). Some of them had emerged. EXAMPLES

[0090] Cocoon spinning, which minimizes damage to the cocoons and the individuals inside them, including the process of putting them in the freezer In the present invention, the silkworm is immersed in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, and the like, and then reeled. The following is an example in which an amino acid and an alkaline agent are used. In addition, a cocoon (Kinshu × Kanewa) was placed in an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and the cocoon was immersed in the solution and placed in a freezer at about -18°C for 5 minutes. After that, the cocoon was reacted for about 3 to 5 seconds in a water bath at about 95°C, and then the cocoon was taken out of the solution into the air and floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute. After that, the cocoon was placed in hot water several times to allow it to blend, and the weight of the cocoon was measured, and then reeled with the cocoon floating in the hot water to obtain raw silk. The odor was suppressed compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration due to pupae, etc. In this case, one pupa was dead before or due to the effects of reeling, but the rest were confirmed to be alive after reeling (n=3). Some of them emerged as adults. EXAMPLES

[0091] Silkworm cocoon spinning using a combination of multiple alkaline agents In the present invention, the silkworm cocoons are immersed in a solution containing at least one of amino acids, alkaline agents, surfactants, enzymes, etc., before reeling. Below are examples using only amino acids, only alkaline agents, and both amino acids and alkaline agents. Cocoons (Kinshu × Kanewa) were placed in a 3.0% arginine solution (referred to as solution J), and reacted at about 8°C for 6 hours while the cocoons were immersed. After that, the reaction was allowed to continue for about 40 seconds in a water bath at about 70°C, and then the cocoons were taken out of the solution into the air and floated in hot water at about 40°C for about 1 minute. The cocoons were then placed in the hot water several times to allow them to blend, and the weight of the cocoons was measured. After that, raw silk was obtained by reeling with the cocoons floating in the hot water. The odor was suppressed compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less coloring due to pupae, etc. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). All of the pupae have hatched.

[0092] Similarly, aqueous solution J was replaced with a 3.0% aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate, and raw silk was obtained in the same manner. The odor was reduced compared to cocoons boiled at high temperatures for a long time, and the raw silk was beautiful with less discoloration caused by pupae. After reeling, the pupae were removed and it was confirmed that they were alive (n=4). All of the pupae emerged.

[0093] Similarly, aqueous solution J was replaced with an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and raw silk was obtained in the same manner. There was one pupa that did not develop properly, had a dirty cocoon, and was thought to have died before reeling, or had died as a result of reeling, but apart from that, it was confirmed that the pupae removed after reeling were alive (n=3). Some of them emerged. Furthermore, the raw silk obtained from the cocoons of those living pupae was beautiful, with less discoloration caused by the pupae. Among the cases using an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine, a solution of 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, and a solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate, the case using an aqueous solution of 3.0% arginine and 3.0% sodium bicarbonate was, on average, easier to find threads and easier to reel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0094] [Figure 1] The cocoons are soaked in a 57°C aqueous solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent and boiled to prevent the denaturation of the cocoon proteins, and the raw silk is spun out, along with a pupa after reeling, and an adult insect that has emerged from the pupa. [Diagram 2] The cocoons are immersed 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. [Diagram 3] The photographs show silk thread spun by immersing the 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 a pupa after reeling and an adult insect that has emerged from the pupa. [Figure 4] The cocoons are immersed 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 the cocoons are boiled and reeled simultaneously. These photographs show silk thread that has been spun, a pupa after reeling, and an adult that has emerged from the pupa. [Diagram 5]These photographs show silk thread spun by immersing the cocoons in a hot (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, and adult insects that have emerged from the pupae, and pupae that have progressed in development. [Figure 6] This is a photo of a thin cocoon that has been dented by briefly immersing the cocoon in a high-temperature (92°C) solution containing a high concentration of alkaline agent. [Figure 7] The photographs show raw silk produced by reeling the cocoons into silk, which have been soaked in glycerin to a depth of less than 1cm to prevent them from being submerged in liquid, pupae after reeling, and the adult insects that have emerged from the pupae. [Figure 8] The photographs show raw silk produced by reeling cocoons that have been dipped in oleic acid to a depth of less than 1cm to prevent them from being submerged, pupae after reeling, and the adult moths that have emerged from the pupae. [Figure 9] The photographs show the reeling of cocoons using baskets to prevent them from becoming submerged, raw silk that has been reeled back in and dried after reeling, pupae after reeling, and the adult silkworms that have emerged from the pupae. [Figure 10] The photographs show raw silk spun from cocoons that have been simultaneously stored at low temperatures to make them easier to reel, then treated for a short period at 70°C, a pupa after reeling, and an adult that has emerged from the pupa.

Claims

1. This method, when making cocoons easier to reel, involves immersing the cocoons in a high-temperature liquid of 43°C or more, more preferably 60°C or more, such as hot water, boiled cocoon liquid, or liquid that makes reeling easier, and then taking the cocoons out into the air, or floating the cocoons in the liquid after taking them out into the air and waiting for the high-temperature air inside the cocoons to shrink, thereby reducing the amount of liquid that enters the cocoons and preventing the effects of the high-temperature liquid, liquid components, lack of air, etc., and suppressing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, and also provides a method for reeling cocoons while suppressing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults inside the cocoons, or a method for making cocoons that can be reeled, silk floss, pongee, or fiber that can be used as the raw material for paper.

2. This method involves immersing or floating cocoons, such as fresh cocoons, frozen fresh cocoons, fresh cocoons stored in a refrigerator, dried fresh cocoons, or dried cocoons, in a liquid at 43°C to 60°C, such as a cocoon boiling liquid, a liquid that facilitates reeling, or a liquid containing at least one of an alkali agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., or by combining immersion or floating in liquids at a plurality of temperatures between 43°C to 60°C, thereby reeling the cocoons while suppressing damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults in the cocoons, without boiling the cocoons at 60°C or higher, or by producing fibers for the raw material of cocoons, silk floss, pongee, or paper that can be reeled.

3. The method for reeling cocoons includes a step of immersing or floating the cocoons in a solution containing at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., and also includes a step of exposing the cocoons to a temperature of 60°C or higher within a range in which damage to the larvae, pupae, or adults in the cocoons is suppressed, or the method for producing fibers for the raw material of cocoons, silk floss, pongee, or paper that can be reeled is provided.

4. This method involves combining a step of immersing or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid of 60°C or less containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., and a step of immersing or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid of over 42°C containing at least one of water, an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme, etc., or by repeatedly carrying out both of these steps or at least one of them, thereby achieving a method for reeling the cocoons while suppressing damage to the larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons, or a method for producing fibers for the raw material of cocoons, silk floss, pongee or paper that can be reeled.

5. Cocoons that have been made easier to reel, for example cocoons that have been made easier to reel by boiling, must be reeled after reducing the amount of liquid if liquid has entered the cocoon; reeling by immersing the cocoon in liquid at a height that will prevent it from becoming submerged in liquid or water; reeling by supporting the cocoon by hand to prevent it from becoming submerged in liquid or water even if it is immersed in liquid, or by using a machine or tool such as a supporting net to prevent it from becoming submerged in liquid or water; moving cocoons that are about to become submerged in liquid or the larvae, pupae, or adults inside them; moving the cocoons by hand or by using a machine or tool such as a supporting net to prevent them from becoming submerged in liquid or water. A method for reeling cocoons while minimizing damage to the larvae, pupae or adults in the cocoons, or a method for turning cocoons into fibers that can be reeled, silk floss, pongee or paper, by carrying out at least one of the following steps: adjusting the position of the cocoons with a machine or tool; immersing the cocoons in a liquid containing at least one of glycerin and oil and then removing them from the liquid for reeling; removing the cocoons after reeling and the individual pieces inside the cocoons such as pupae from the reeling liquid; and moving the individual pieces inside the cocoons such as pupae to a position where they are not submerged in the liquid or water.

6. At some point in the process of making cocoons that are easy to reel, the cocoons are immersed in or floated in a gas or liquid containing at least one of water or an alkaline agent, surfactant, enzyme, etc., at a temperature of 43°C or higher, more preferably 60°C to 100°C, and then removed in a short period of time to prevent the inside of the cocoon from becoming too hot or from remaining at a high temperature for a long period of time, and in some cases, this operation is repeated at the same temperature or at a different temperature within this range, thereby providing a method for reeling cocoons while minimizing damage to the larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoon, or a method for making cocoons that can be reeled, or fibers that can be used as the raw material for silk floss, pongee, or paper.

7. A method for reeling cocoons while suppressing damage to the larvae, pupae or adults within the cocoons, or a method for producing fibers for the raw material of cocoons, silk floss, pongee or paper, which can be reeled by combining or floating the cocoons in gas or liquid at 43°C or higher, more preferably 60 to 100°C, containing water or at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme or the like, and removing them in a short time, with immersion of the cocoons in liquid or steam at 50°C or lower, more preferably 42°C or lower, containing water or at least one of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, an enzyme or the like, more preferably a solution containing at least a high concentration of an alkaline agent of 1.5% or more, or by repeatedly carrying out both or at least one of these steps.

8. This method does not include a step of immersing the cocoons in a salt solution of 15% or more, but involves immersing or floating the cocoons in a liquid that facilitates reeling, such as a cocoon boiling liquid, and storing them in a refrigerator or at a low temperature of 20°C or lower, thereby simultaneously carrying out the steps of preservation and facilitating reeling, or storing the cocoons as they are without immersing them in a liquid, such as a refrigerator, and then immersing them in a liquid that facilitates reeling halfway through the storage, at a low temperature of 20°C or lower, thereby simultaneously carrying out the steps of preservation and facilitating reeling.

9. By treating the cocoons at a low temperature of 20°C or less, when the cocoons are subsequently immersed in or floated in a gas or liquid above room temperature, or above 20°C, more preferably above 50°C, and even more preferably above 70°C, the temperature inside the cocoon can be prevented from becoming too hot suddenly, and the low temperature can be used to reduce the activity or respiration of the individuals inside the cocoon, thereby mitigating the effects of high temperature, thereby providing a method for reeling the cocoons while minimizing damage to the larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoon, or a method for making cocoons that can be spun, into fibers for use as the raw material for silk floss, pongee or paper.

10. This method involves combining a process of immersing or floating the cocoons in a liquid that facilitates reeling, such as a cocoon boiling liquid, and storing the cocoons in a refrigerator or treating them at a low temperature of 20°C or lower with a process of immersing or floating the cocoons in a gas or liquid that is at room temperature or higher, or at least at 20°C or higher, more preferably at 50°C or higher, and even more preferably at 70°C or higher, or in addition to this, or by repeatedly carrying out both or at least one of these processes, thereby providing a method for reeling cocoons while minimizing damage to the larvae, pupae or adults within the cocoons, or a method for producing fibers that can be used as the raw material for reeling cocoons, silk floss, pongee or paper.

11. A method for reeling silk without killing the larvae, pupae or adults inside the cocoons, using a combination of claims 1 to 10 or utilizing at least one of claims 1 to 10, or a method for producing cocoons that can be reeled into silk, raw cotton, silk thread or fiber for use as the raw material for paper, or raw silk, or a method for carrying out at least one of the following: washing the larvae, pupae or adults that have been reeled without killing them with water, or observing the larvae, pupae or adults at room temperature or various temperature conditions without washing them with water, allowing the larvae or pupae to develop into adults, mating the adults, observing female eggs, and causing the eggs to develop.

12. A method for educating or explaining using at least one of claims 1 to 11, or a method for suppressing damage to larvae, pupae, or adults in a cocoon using at least one of claims 1 to 11, or a method for realizing at least one of suppressing damage to cocoon proteins, suppressing denaturation of cocoon proteins including proteins expressed by genetic modification of the cocoon, and suppressing the generation and spread of a unique odor, and a method for reeling cocoons using them.

13. A machine automating at least one of claims 1 to 12, or a silk-removing kit, a paper-making kit, or a learning material using at least one of claims 1 to 12, or a cocoon, a pupa, a larva, an adult, a pigment, a cocoon protein, paper, raw silk, degummed silk, or a fiber thereof, or a product obtained from raw silk or degummed silk obtained using at least one of claims 1 to 12.

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