Bagworm silk harvesting device and long bagworm silk production method

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of developing: a method for efficiently collecting a long bagworm silk thread without causing slack in winding during thread collection while preventing diversion of the spinning direction of a bagworm or separation from a linear path and at the same time, reducing the burden on a bagworm; and a device for implementing a production method of such a bagworm silk thread.　Provided is a bagworm silk thread collection device which comprises: a movable annular linear path that is configured to be capable of catching legs of a bagworm and to move in a longitudinal direction; a retainer for retaining a bagworm; and an adhesion controller which stores therein an adhesion regulating liquid that cleanses or removes an adhesive component of the bagworm silk thread spun on the movable annular linear path. The collection device is capable of accumulating the silk thread spun by a bagworm on the movable annular linear path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for harvesting long bagworm silk threads and a silk harvesting device using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] The threads that make up insect cocoons and mammalian hair have long been used as animal fibers for clothing, etc. In particular, silk thread derived from silkworms, the larvae of the silkworm moth (Bombyx mori) (often referred to as "silkworm silk thread" in this specification) is highly prized as a high-quality natural material, due to its excellent moisture absorption and release properties, moisture retention, and heat retention, as well as its unique luster and smooth texture.

[0003] In recent years, research has been progressing to find animal fibers from nature that have properties comparable to or even superior to those of silkworm silk, and these fibers are expected to be used as new natural materials. Spider silk (often referred to as "spider silk" in this specification) and bagworm silk (often referred to as "bagworm silk" in this specification) are good examples.

[0004] Spider silk has high elasticity, several times that of polystyrene, as well as other properties such as flexibility and stretchability. Silkworm silk, which expresses spider warp proteins, is expected to be used as medical materials such as surgical sutures, and as special materials for disaster prevention ropes and protective clothing (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, there are many challenges before spider silk can be put to practical use. First, mass production of spider silk is difficult due to the difficulty of mass-rearing spiders and extracting large amounts of silk from them, and production costs are high. However, this problem is currently being resolved by producing spider silk using genetically modified silkworms and Escherichia coli (Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 1). However, genetically modified organisms can only be reared and cultivated in facilities with the necessary equipment, which has led to new problems, such as the heavy burden of maintenance and management.

[0005] Meanwhile, bagworm silk has recently attracted attention as an animal fiber with mechanically superior properties compared to spider silk. For example, bagworm silk derived from the brown bagworm moth (Eumeta minuscula) boasts extremely high strength, boasting an elastic modulus 3.5 times that of silkworm silk and 2.5 times that of spider silk from the orb-weaver spider (Nephila clavata) (Non-Patent Document 2). Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single bagworm silk fiber is only about one-seventh that of a single silkworm silk fiber, resulting in a fine grain, a smooth texture, and the ability to produce thin, lightweight fabrics. Furthermore, bagworm silk possesses a luster and brilliance equivalent to or even superior to that of silkworm silk. Unlike spider silk, bagworm silk can be mass-produced because, like silkworms, it is easy to mass-raise bagworms and harvest silk from the larvae's spinning. Furthermore, bagworm silk offers advantages over silkworms in terms of management. For example, silkworms, which feed exclusively on fresh mulberry leaves, are reared in different locations and during different periods depending on the source of mulberry leaves and the time when the leaves open. Bagworms, on the other hand, are generalists and not very specific in their diets, with many species able to feed on leaves from a variety of tree species. Therefore, foliage is readily available and they can be reared in any location. Furthermore, some species can also feed on evergreen tree leaves, making a year-round supply possible, unlike the deciduous mulberry tree. Therefore, rearing costs are significantly lower than those of silkworms. Furthermore, bagworm silk can be harvested directly from wild-type bagworms, eliminating the need for genetically modified organisms or special maintenance facilities, as is the case with spider silk. For these reasons, bagworm silk is expected to be a promising new natural material.

[0006] However, there are several issues that must be resolved before bagworm silk can be put to practical use. The biggest challenge is the difficulty of obtaining fibers longer than 1 meter from bagworms. In the case of silkworms, silkworm silk is harvested from cocoons. Because cocoons are formed by the larvae's continuous spinning during pupation, it is relatively easy to obtain fibers longer than tens of meters by boiling and reeling the completed cocoons. Bagworms, on the other hand, pupate in the same nests where they lived as larvae, and therefore do not spin cocoons again before pupation. Furthermore, bagworm nests themselves are composed of relatively short silk threads entangled together, and fibers longer than 1 meter typically do not exist within the nests. Furthermore, existing technology can only spin silk from the innermost layer, which has a small amount of adhesive material around the silk threads. Even from these innermost layers, silk threads shorter than 50 cm can only be obtained. For these reasons, it has been thought that it is nearly impossible to obtain single fibers of bagworm silk that are meter-long using existing technology. In fact, no fabric woven with bagworm silk has been known to date.

[0007] Another challenge in making bagworm silk practical is that pieces of leaves and branches are always attached to the surface of bagworm nests. When harvesting bagworm silk from nests and turning it into a product, these impurities must be completely removed. However, this removal process requires a huge amount of effort and cost, which ultimately increases production costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to completely remove impurities using existing technology, and there are problems with low quality, such as the presence of small pieces of leaves in the final product and the silk being stained light brown by pigments derived from the impurities.

[0008] For the above reasons, in order to put bagworm silk to practical use as a new biological material, it was essential to develop a method for producing pure, long bagworm silk that was free of impurities.

[0009] In addition to the silk that makes up their nests (nest silk), bagworms spin threads in a zigzag pattern to provide footholds to prevent them from falling from branches or leaves. They then move by hooking their claws onto the threads. The inventors discovered that these threads (scaffold silk) are mechanically superior to nest silk. They attempted to develop a technology to spin and recover long lengths of scaffold silk from bagworms. As a result, they successfully mass-produced continuous, pure bagworm silk spanning over several tens of meters, something previously considered impossible. They filed a patent application (Patent Document 2) based on this method. This method utilizes the bagworm's ability to spontaneously spin scaffold silk along a linear path of a specific width by placing the bagworm along the path. While this method was revolutionary for producing long bagworm silk, it also brought to light new challenges. One of these challenges is the bagworm's stamina. Bagworms spin silk while holding the nest, so they require energy to support the nest in addition to the energy required to spin it. Therefore, spinning silk over long periods of time in a single silk harvesting process places a great strain on the bagworms. Furthermore, while bagworms placed on a linear path generally spin silk in a fixed direction along the path, their relatively high degree of freedom sometimes causes them to change direction or leave the path. Changing direction can cause the silk to become tangled or break during recovery. Furthermore, when bagworm silk is layered on a circular linear path, the accumulated silk threads are firmly bonded together by adhesive components, making recovery from the path and scouring to remove the adhesive components difficult.

[0010] To solve the above problems, the inventors conducted further research and developed a device that automates the process of harvesting and recovering bagworm silk. They then filed a patent application based on this device (Patent Document 3). This device includes a fixture that secures the bagworms together with their nests within the device and a movable linear track that moves longitudinally. This releases the bagworms from the load of supporting the nest and maintains their constant running direction. This allows for the stable production of long bagworm silk while maintaining the bagworms' stamina. A circular linear track is the most space-saving option for this device and is preferable in terms of production efficiency. However, as the linear track rotates, the bagworm silk threads are stacked on the track. The stacked bagworm silk threads are firmly bonded to each other by a sericin-like adhesive component. Therefore, when recovering the bagworm silk threads, not only is it necessary to peel them off the linear track, but it is also necessary to separate the adhered threads from each other. However, while the adhesive component is very strong, bagworm silk is thinner than silkworm silk, so forcibly peeling the threads off can lead to them breaking. To avoid this, it was necessary to collect the threads in a way that prevented them from sticking together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] WO2012 / 165477 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2018-197415 [Patent Document 3] Patent application 2018-227669 [Non-patent literature]

[0012] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kuwana Y, et al., 2014, PLoS One, DOI: 10.1371 / journal.pone.0105325 [Non-patent document 2] Shigeyoshi Osaki, 2002, Journal of the Society of Fiber Science and Technology (Fibers and Industry), 58: 74-78 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-227669 solves the problem of collecting bagworm silk threads without them sticking together by equipping the device with a peeler and a collector. The silk collection device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-227669 is configured so that bagworm silk threads spun onto a circular linear path are immediately peeled from the path using a peeler, and the peeled bagworm silk threads are collected in a collector. With this method, the spun bagworm silk threads are collected before they travel around the circular linear path, preventing the bagworm silk threads from sticking together on the linear path. However, a new problem has emerged: when collecting bagworm silk threads peeled from the circular linear path into a collector, the bagworm silk threads often become loose. This looseness can cause the bagworm silk threads to break.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention aims to further improve the bagworm silk harvesting device disclosed in Patent Publication No. 2018-197415, and to alleviate the newly emerging problem of loosening of the bagworm silk when harvesting it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The loosening of the bagworm silk thread occurs when the reel rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the circular linear path and winds the bagworm silk thread. This occurs because the bagworm's silk-spinning behavior on the linear path is slightly zigzag, while the silk thread is reeled in linearly from the reel. To solve this new problem, the inventors adopted a method in which, rather than immediately peeling the bagworm silk thread spun onto the circular linear path from the linear path, the bagworm silk thread is allowed to spin for a certain period of time and then collected. By applying tension from the reel to the bagworm silk thread accumulated on the linear path and collecting it, loosening of the silk thread is eliminated. However, as mentioned above, this method still suffers from the problem of the bagworm silk threads peeling off from each other. Therefore, the inventors solved the above problem by immediately treating the bagworm silk thread spun onto the circular linear path with an adhesion control solution to control the adhesive strength of the adhesive component. According to this method, the adhesive strength of the adhesive component is moderately suppressed, so that although the bagworm silk threads adhere to each other to the extent that they can be accumulated, they are not firmly fixed to each other. Therefore, when recovered, a single bagworm silk thread can be easily pulled out of the accumulated silk mass without tangling, and with just enough force to prevent breakage. This eliminates the need for management and adjustment work to prevent loosening and tangling of the bagworm silk thread during recovery, making it possible to further improve the production efficiency of long bagworm silk thread. The present invention is based on the results of this development and provides the following.

[0016] (1) A silk harvesting device for bagworm silk, comprising a movable circular linear path with an accumulator, a fixture for fixing the bagworm, and an adhesion controller, wherein the movable circular linear path has a width less than the maximum left-right leg spread width of the bagworm fixed to the fixture and is configured to be able to engage the legs of the bagworm, the accumulator is positioned integrally on the movable circular linear path and is configured to allow the bagworm fixed to the fixture to collect the bagworm silk thread spun on the movable circular linear path, the fixture is positioned in a position where the fixed bagworm can be engaged on the movable circular linear path, and the adhesion controller is configured to store an adhesion control liquid so that the bagworm silk thread spun on the movable circular linear path comes into contact with the adhesion control liquid. (2) A silk harvesting device as described in (1), further comprising one or more peelers, each of which is configured to store a peeling solution and / or steam for peeling the bagworm silk from the accumulator, and which is positioned so that all or part of the accumulator can come into contact with the peeling solution and / or steam in the container. (3) The silk harvesting device described in (1) or (2) further comprises a collector independent of the movable circular linear path, and the collector is configured to be able to recover the bagworm silk thread from the accumulator. (4) The thread collection device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the movable circular linear path has a circular shape. (5) The thread collection device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the movable circular linear path is an automatic linear path. (6) A silk harvesting device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the collector is provided with a thread winding section configured to be able to wind up the bagworm silk thread on its outer periphery. (7) A method for producing long bagworm silk thread, comprising a spinning process in which the legs of a bagworm are engaged on a movable circular linear path that has a width less than the maximum left-right leg spread width of the bagworm used for silk production and that is capable of engaging the legs of the bagworm, and the bagworm is caused to spin thread continuously along the movable circular linear path; a contacting process in which the bagworm silk thread on the movable circular linear path is brought into contact with an adhesion control liquid after the spinning process; an accumulation process in which the bagworm silk thread after the contacting process is accumulated; and a recovery process in which the bagworm silk thread accumulated after the accumulation process is recovered; wherein in the spinning process, the bagworm used or its bagworm nest is fixed to the movable circular linear path in a position where the bagworm can engage its legs, and the movable circular linear path moves in the longitudinal direction automatically and / or by the movement of the bagworm. (8) A production method described in (7), further comprising a second contact step in which the bagworm silk accumulated in the linear path after the accumulation step is contacted with a peeling solution and / or steam. This specification includes the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-096444, from which the present application claims priority. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The bagworm silk harvesting device of the present invention enables automation and stable production of long bagworm silk threads from harvesting to recovery.

[0018] According to the method for producing bagworm silk of the present invention, it is possible to make the bagworms spin silk only in a certain direction without imposing a load on them to support the nest.

[0019] According to the bagworm silk production method of the present invention, the bagworm silk threads are accumulated and then bound together with a weak force that allows easy peeling by contacting them with an adhesion control solution. This makes it easy to handle the accumulated bagworm silk threads, and eliminates the need to adjust the looseness or tangles of the bagworm silk threads when retrieving them. Furthermore, by completely separating the silk harvesting and retrieval, the required space for silk harvesting can be reduced compared to conventional production devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams of the thread collection device of the present invention, in which (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view. [Figure 2] A: A conceptual diagram of the linear path in the silk harvesting device of the present invention. This diagram shows a linear path with a circular cross section. In the diagram, L indicates the length of the long axis of the linear path, and φ indicates the cross-sectional diameter of the linear path. In this linear path, φ corresponds to the width of the linear path. B: A dorsal view of the head and thorax of a bagworm with its legs spread to the maximum width on the left and right. In the diagram, FL indicates the front legs, ML indicates the middle legs, and RL indicates the rear legs. Furthermore, W1 indicates the maximum spread width of the middle legs, and W2 indicates the maximum spread width of the hind legs. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing specific examples of linear paths in the thread-collecting device of the present invention, in which (a) shows a linear path (0301) made of the outer edge of a disk, (b) shows a linear path (0302) made of the ring edge, and (c) shows a linear path (0303) made of the inner wall surface of a tube. [Figure 4]1 is a conceptual diagram of a fixation device in the thread collection device of the present invention, showing (a) a structure for gripping an object to be fixed with multiple claw-shaped members, (b) a tubular structure for fitting the object to be fixed, and (c) a structure for connecting (including attaching and suturing) the object to be fixed to a support. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of the shape of the spool provided on the outer periphery of the collector. (a) shows a disk shape, and (b) shows a cylindrical shape. Each shows a protrusion (0501) arranged at the end of the spool. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a basic process flow diagram of the method for producing long bagworm silk of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 1. Bagworm silk harvesting device Overview A first aspect of the present invention is a bagworm silk harvesting device. The silk harvesting device of the present invention comprises a movable circular linear path, a fixator, and an adhesion controller as essential components, and the movable circular linear path is configured to comprise an accumulator as an essential component. It is also configured to comprise a peeler and a collector as optional components.

[0022] The silk harvesting device of the present invention maintains the stamina of the bagworm and keeps the bagworm's running direction constant, making it possible to automate the harvesting of long bagworm silk. It also prevents loosening of the spun bagworm silk when retrieving it, which can lead to breakage of the bagworm silk, or tangling of the threads during retrieval. This improves the production efficiency of long bagworm silk, reduces manufacturing costs, and enables stable production.

[0023] 1-2.Definition The following terms frequently used in this specification are defined as follows: "Baggworm" is a general term for the larvae of moths belonging to the family Psychidae in the order Lepidoptera. Moths of the family Psychidae are distributed throughout the world, and all larvae (bagworms) live in nests made of natural materials such as leaves and branches woven together with the silk they spin themselves throughout their larval stages. The nests are sac-shaped enough to encase the entire body of the bagworm, and can be spindle-shaped, cylindrical, conical, or other shapes. Bagworms usually hide within these nests, always accompanying them when feeding or moving, and pupation generally also occurs within the nest. In this specification, when the term "nest" is simply used, it refers to a bagworm nest unless otherwise specified.

[0024] The term "bagworm" as used herein refers to the larvae of moths belonging to the Psychidae family, regardless of species, age, or sex, as long as they are the species that build the nests. For example, the Psychidae family includes genera such as Acanthopsyche, Anatolopsyche, Bacotia, Bambalina, Canephora, Chalioides, Dahlica, Diplodoma, Eumeta, Eumasia, Kozhantshikovia, Mahasena, Nipponopsyche, Paranarychia, Proutia, Psyche, Pteroma, Siederia, Striglocyrbasia, Taleporia, Theriodopteryx, and Trigonodoma, and the bagworms used herein may be species belonging to any of these genera. Specific examples of bagworm species include Eumeta japonica, Eumeta minuscula, and Nipponopsyche fuscescens. The larvae may be at any stage, from the first stage to the final stage. However, if the goal is to obtain thicker and longer bagworm silk, larger bagworms are preferred. For example, within the same species, the final stage larvae are preferred, and within the sexes, the larger females are preferred. Furthermore, within the Psychidae family, larger species are preferred. Therefore, the giant silkworm moth and the brown silkworm moth are suitable species of bagworms to be used in the present invention.

[0025] As used herein, "silk thread" refers to thread derived from insects, a protein thread spun by insect larvae and adults for the purposes of nesting, movement, anchoring, spinning cocoons, capturing food, etc. When simply referring to "silk thread" in this specification, it refers to bagworm silk thread unless otherwise specified.

[0026] As used herein, "bagworm silk" refers to silk derived from bagworms. Bagworm silk as used herein includes single fibers, spun fibers, and aggregate fibers.

[0027] In this specification, "single fiber" refers to the smallest unit filament that constitutes a fiber component, and is also called a monofilament. Single fibers are primarily composed of fibroin-like proteins that constitute silk thread. In the natural state, bagworm silk is spun as a difilament, in which two single fibers are bonded together with an adhesive component made of protein. This spun difilament is called a "spun fiber." By scouring the spun fiber, the adhesive component is removed and single fibers can be obtained.

[0028] As used herein, "aggregate fiber" refers to a fiber composed of multiple fiber bundles, also known as a multifilament. This refers to so-called raw silk, which is generally composed of multiple single fibers. However, in this specification, it also encompasses cases where the fiber is composed of multiple single fibers and spun fibers, or multiple spun fibers. The aggregate fiber in this specification can also include mixed fibers composed of fibers other than bagworm silk, such as silkworm silk, but unless otherwise specified, it refers to an aggregate fiber composed solely of bagworm silk. The aggregate fiber is twisted by twisting, resulting in a stronger silk thread. However, the aggregate fiber in this specification encompasses not only twisted fibers but also untwisted fibers that are soft and smooth to the touch.

[0029] Bagworm silk consists of scaffold silk and nest silk. "Scaffold silk" is silk that bagworms spin before moving. It functions as a foothold to prevent them from falling off branches, leaves, etc. while moving. Bagworms typically use this scaffold silk as a foothold, hooking the claws of their legs onto it to move in the direction of their movement. Scaffold silk is typically spun in a zigzag pattern because the bagworm spins the silk while swinging its head from side to side. Each time it turns, the adhesive component mentioned above secures the silk to the base branch or leaf. This structure makes it easier for the bagworm to hook its left and right legs onto the scaffold silk and distributes the load on the silk's anchorage and silk thread to the left and right. "Nest silk," on the other hand, is silk that makes up the nest and is spun to bind together leaf and branch pieces and to create a comfortable environment for the inner walls of the nest, which is its living area. As a general rule, scaffold silk threads are thicker and mechanically stronger than nest silk threads.

[0030] As used herein, "long" refers to a length longer than the usual length in that field. In this specification, it particularly refers to a length longer than the length of spun fibers obtainable from bagworms using existing technology (less than 1 m). Specifically, it is 1 m or more, preferably 1.5 m or more or 2 m or more, and more preferably 3 m or more, 4 m or more, 5 m or more, 6 m or more, 7 m or more, 8 m or more, 9 m or more, or 10 m or more. There is no particular upper limit, but it corresponds to the length of silk that a bagworm can continuously spin. For example, it may be 1.5 km or less, 1 km or less, 900 m or less, 800 m or less, 700 m or less, 600 m or less, 500 m or less, 400 m or less, 300 m or less, 200 m or less, or 100 m or less. The length of bagworm silk fibers is also the length of the individual fibers that make them up, which corresponds to the length of silk continuously spun by the bagworm. Therefore, if bagworms can be made to spin silk continuously, it will be possible to obtain longer bagworm silk threads.

[0031] In this specification, "silk harvesting" refers to making a bagworm spin silk thread in order to obtain bagworm silk thread. However, in the case of the silk harvesting device of the present invention, "silk harvesting" can mean not only spinning silk thread but also collecting the spun silk thread. In this specification, the bagworm silk thread to be harvested is scaffold silk thread.

[0032] As used herein, "legs" refers to all or part of a bagworm's legs. The bagworm's thorax contains legs called thoracic legs. These thoracic legs consist of three pairs on each side (front, middle, and back legs), for a total of six legs.

[0033] "Interlocking" generally refers to hooking and securing something, but in this specification it refers to the bagworm hooking its legs onto a linear path in order to move along it. Bagworms usually interlock their legs with twigs or leaves to support all or part of their own weight and that of their nest. In other words, interlocking includes the meaning of preventing the bagworm, including the nest, from falling, but in this invention, since the bagworm is fixed, it does not need to support its own weight. Therefore, interlocking as described in this specification does not, in principle, include the meaning of supporting its own weight. Note that interlocking and uninterlocking are at the discretion of the bagworm, and it does not mean that once interlocked, the legs are fixed in place. By repeatedly interlocking and uninterlocking its legs, bagworms can move freely along a linear path.

[0034] 1-3.Configuration A conceptual diagram of the thread harvesting device of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. As shown in this figure, the thread harvesting device (0100) of the present invention comprises a movable circular linear path (0101), a fixing device (0102), and an adhesion controller (0103) as a thread harvesting section. The thread harvesting device of the present invention also comprises a peeler and a recovery device (not shown) as a recovery section. In the thread harvesting device of the present invention, each component of the thread harvesting section is an essential component, and each component of the recovery section is an optional component. Each component will be explained below.

[0035] 1-3-1. Movable circular track The "movable circular linear path" (0101) is a circular linear path that moves in the longitudinal direction, and constitutes an essential component of the silk harvesting device of the present invention, constituting the silk harvesting section that harvests bagworm silk. The movable circular linear path is equipped with an accumulator (0104) as an essential component, and can also be equipped with a ratchet (0105) as needed.

[0036] (1) Linear track configuration As used herein, a "linear path" refers to a bagworm walkway that has a linear shape. As used herein, a "linear shape" refers to a single rail-like shape with the same or similar width. The cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited, but examples include a circle, an approximately circle (including an oval), a polygon (including a square or an approximately square), or a combination thereof.

[0037] The width of the linear path is configured to be shorter than the maximum leg spread width of the bagworm used in the silk harvesting device of the present invention. In this specification, the "width of the linear path" refers to the length of the portion of the linear path that is directly involved in the locking of the bagworm's legs onto the linear path. This roughly corresponds to the length of the short axis of the linear path. The upper limit of the width of the linear path is a length less than the maximum leg spread width of the bagworm used in the silk harvesting device of the present invention. On the other hand, the lower limit is not particularly limited as long as the bagworm's legs can be locked onto it. For example, it may be the edge of a thin metal plate about 0.5 mm thick. In the linear path shown in Figure 2A, the cross-sectional diameter (φ) corresponds to the width of the linear path.

[0038] As used herein, "maximum leg spread of a bagworm" refers to the width (W1 and W2) of the bagworm's left and right legs when they are spread to their maximum extent, as shown in Figure 2(b). Bagworms have three pairs of legs (front, middle, and back), and the maximum leg spread is preferably the width other than the longest (widest) of these, i.e., the second longest or shortest. More preferably, it is the shortest (narrowest) leg spread. In Figure 2B, of the three pairs, the maximum leg spread (W1) of the middle legs (ML) is the widest, and the maximum leg spread (W2) of the back legs (RL) is the shortest. Therefore, when determining the width of the linear path, the maximum leg spread of a bagworm is preferably the maximum leg spread of the front legs (FL) or back legs (RL), particularly W2, which is the maximum leg spread of the back legs (RL). This maximum leg spread varies depending on the species, sex, and age of the bagworm, but generally falls within a certain range for bagworms of the same species and of similar ages. For example, for young bagworms (approximately 1st to 3rd instars) of the giant bagworm, it is 2mm to 4mm or 3mm to 5mm, for middle-aged bagworms (approximately 4th to 5th instars), it is 3mm to 7mm or 4mm to 8mm, and for sub- or final-aged bagworms, it is 4mm to 9mm, 5mm to 10mm, or 6mm to 12mm. For young bagworms (approximately 1st to 3rd instars) of the brown bagworm, it is 1.5mm to 3.5mm, for middle-aged bagworms, it is 2.5mm to 6mm or 3mm to 7mm, and for sub- or final-aged bagworms, it is 3.5mm to 8mm, 4mm to 9mm, or 5mm to 10mm. Therefore, the width of the linear path can be changed as appropriate depending on the species, age, or sex of the bagworm used. In relation to the leg locking described below, it is preferable that the width of the linear path be shorter than the shortest (narrowest) length within the range of maximum leg spread width for each age of the species of bagworm used.

[0039] The linear path is configured so that the bagworm can hook its legs. "Able to hook legs" refers to a structure that allows the bagworm to hook its legs onto the linear path. It does not matter which legs are hooked onto the linear path. For example, of the bagworm's three pairs of six legs, at least one on each side may hook onto the linear path, sandwiching it between them, or two or three legs on either the left or right side may hook onto the linear path, hanging over the shoulders. If the bagworm can hook its legs onto the linear path, it can move along it while spinning scaffolding silk threads onto it.

[0040] The linear path in the silk harvesting device of the present invention is a circular linear path. A "circular linear path" refers to a linear path that has no ends and forms a ring shape as a whole. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "linear path" hereinafter refers to a "circular linear path" or a "movable circular linear path" as described below. Because a circular linear path has no ends, long lengths of silk thread can be harvested as long as the bagworm continues to circle the linear path. The circular linear path may be either closed or open. A closed circular path is preferred. In the case of an open circular path, the gaps in the open loop are wide enough for the bagworm to cross. Such gaps may exist in multiple locations on the open circular linear path. The overall shape of the circular linear path may be circular, approximately circular, rectangular, approximately rectangular, polygonal, irregular, or a combination thereof. A circular circular circular linear path or an approximately circular elliptical circular circular linear path is preferred.

[0041] Specific examples of the circular annular linear path include a linear path (0301) made of the outer edge of a disk as shown in FIG. 3(a), a linear path (0302) made of a ring edge as shown in FIG. 3(b), and a linear path (0303) made of the inner wall surface of a pipe as shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0042] The linear path (0301) formed by the outer edge of a disk refers to a linear path formed by the outer periphery of a circular plate-like member. In this case, the thickness of the disk corresponds to the width of the linear path. The disk diameter φ is not limited, but may be in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm, 10 cm to 30 cm, 15 cm to 25 cm, or 17 cm to 20 cm.

[0043] The linear path (0302) consisting of a ring edge portion refers to a linear path formed by looping a rod-shaped member such as a wire. In this case, the diameter or minor axis width of the rod-shaped member corresponds to the width of the linear path. The ring diameter φ is not limited, but like the disk diameter, it may be in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm, 10 cm to 30 cm, 15 cm to 25 cm, or 17 cm to 20 cm.

[0044] The linear path (0303) formed on the inner wall surface of the pipe refers to a linear path formed on a part of the inner wall surface of the pipe. This part is formed as an annular protrusion along the inner circumferential surface of the pipe, and has a structure in which the width of its minor axis is the width of the linear path. The inner circumferential diameter φ of the pipe is not limited, but may be in the range of 10 cm to 60 cm, 15 cm to 50 cm, 20 cm to 40 cm, or 25 cm to 30 cm.

[0045] The material of the linear path is not limited. For example, metal, ceramics (including enamel), glass, stone, resin (including synthetic and natural resins), wood materials (including branches, vines, bamboo, etc.), fiber, bone, fangs, or a combination thereof can be used. Materials that are not damaged by the bagworm's biting force are preferred. For example, metal, ceramics, glass, stone, etc. are suitable. Furthermore, to facilitate the recovery of the spun bagworm silk, the area where the bagworm silk adheres is preferably a smooth material. Here, "smooth material" refers to materials such as metal, glass, and plastic that can be processed to a smooth surface. It also includes materials that are difficult to finish to a smooth surface, such as wood materials and fiber, but that have been smoothed by coating their surfaces with paint or the like. When the linear path is the outer edge of a plate-shaped member, the plate-shaped member and the outer edge may be made of the same or different materials.

[0046] A plurality of linear paths can be provided in the silk collection device. The conditions such as the shape and material of each linear path may be the same or different, or a combination thereof. An example of such a linear path is a linear path formed by the outer edge of a plurality of coaxial disks arranged in parallel.

[0047] In the thread harvesting device of the present invention, the linear path may have a slope relative to the horizontal plane. The slope angle is not limited. For example, when the linear path is formed at the outer edge of the disk, if the flat surface of the disk member serving as the base is arranged horizontally, the slope angle of the linear path is 0 degrees. On the other hand, if the flat surface of the disk member is arranged vertically, the linear path can have any slope angle.

[0048] (2) Configuration of the movable circular track A "movable circular linear path" is configured so that the circular linear path moves in the longitudinal direction. Here, "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis of the linear path, and therefore, in the case of a circular linear path, the linear path is configured to rotate. For example, if the circular linear path is a circular circular linear path made up of the outer edge of a disk, the entire disk member has a rotatable structure.

[0049] The movable circular linear path is configured to rotate in synchronization with the movement of the bagworm as it moves along the linear path in the forward direction while spinning its silk. Therefore, it is preferable that the force required for the initial movement of the linear path be equal to or less than the propulsive force generated when the bagworm moves along the linear path. Examples of power sources for driving the linear path include the propulsive force of the bagworm and electricity.

[0050] "The bagworm's propulsive force" is the propulsive force generated when the bagworm moves along a linear path. In the silk harvesting device of the present invention, the bagworm is fixed by a fixing device described below. Therefore, even if the bagworm moves along the linear path while spinning silk, it cannot actually move forward in the direction of travel. The propulsive force generated by the bagworm's movement can drive the linear path as a force acting in the opposite direction to the bagworm's direction of travel. In this specification, this force is referred to as the bagworm's propulsive force.

[0051] On the one hand, in the case of electricity, it is configured to be able to automatically drive a linear path through a motor, gears, etc. The moving direction of this automatic linear path is opposite to the advancing direction of the silverfish. Also, the moving speed of the linear path is preferably equal to or less than the moving speed of the silverfish. The specific moving speed of the silverfish varies depending on the type, age, individual size, etc. of the silverfish, but usually it is in the range of 3 m / hr to 15 m / hr, and in the fastest case it is in the range of 17 m / hr to 22 m / hr. Therefore, in the case of the automatic linear path as well, the moving speed (v) may be set to be less than or equal to these speeds. For example, it may be moved at 0 m / hr < v ≤ 22 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 20 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 17 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 15 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 12 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 10 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 8 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 5 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 4 m / hr, or 0 m / hr < v ≤ 3 m / hr. Note that even in the case of the automatic linear path, during silk reeling, the moving propulsion force of the silverfish acts on the linear path simultaneously. That is, the automatic linear path is a mechanism that assists the movement of the silverfish. In this case, since the driving force of the automatic linear path is applied, the burden on the movement of the silverfish can be greatly reduced.

[0052] Note that the movable circular linear path is configured to be detachable from the silk reeling device of the present invention. This detachable function is convenient when maintaining the state in which the silverfish silk thread accumulated in the accumulator on the movable circular linear path described later is accumulated or when collecting the silverfish silk thread and in relation to the stripper and / or collector arranged at different positions in the silk reeling device.

[0053] The movable circular linear path includes an "accumulator" (0104) as an essential component and a ratchet (0105) as an optional component. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described.

[0054] (a) Accumulator The "accumulator" (0104) is integrally arranged on the movable circular linear path and is configured to be able to accumulate the silk thread spun by the silverfish.

[0055] "Integrated" here means inseparable. In other words, the spinning surface of the linear path forms an accumulator, and the accumulator is configured to hold bagworm silk threads stacked on the spinning surface of the linear path. In this specification, "accumulation" refers to bagworm silk threads being spun multiple times onto the spinning surface. Bagworm silk threads are accumulated when a bagworm fixed to a holder spins more than one revolution (one lap) on a movable circular linear path. Bagworm silk threads do not necessarily have to be in contact with each other on the accumulator. However, as the number of revolutions of bagworm silk threads spun on the linear path increases, the bagworm silk threads accumulated in the accumulator eventually come into contact with each other and even become stacked. In conventional methods, when multiple bagworm silk threads spun on a circular linear path come into contact with each other, the adhesive components firmly bond the threads together, making it difficult to separate them without tearing or breaking them. Therefore, when spinning bagworm silk threads on a circular linear path, the spun bagworm silk threads are collected before they circle the linear path to prevent them from sticking together. However, with the silk harvesting device of the present invention, the adhesion controller described below makes it possible to easily separate bagworm silk threads even when they come into contact with each other and are stacked in the accumulator. Therefore, bagworm silk threads can be accumulated without being collected until the bagworms have completed spinning.

[0056] (b) Ratchet The movable circular linear path may be provided with a "ratchet" (0105) as an optional component. A "ratchet" is a part for limiting the direction of movement to one direction. Although not limited to this, it is usually composed of a gear with teeth inclined in a certain direction and a pawl arranged to hang over the teeth. When the gear rotates in the opposite direction, the pawl bites into the gear teeth, so the gear can only rotate in a certain direction.

[0057] In the silk harvesting device of the present invention, the operation of the movable circular linear path and the gears is synchronized, so that the movable circular linear path can only move in one direction. For example, if the movable circular linear path is composed of a disk outer extension, by making the disk and the gear coaxial, the disk can only rotate in the direction that the ratchet can rotate. By providing this part, even if the bagworm engaged in the movable circular linear path steps back, the linear path will not move, so the silk spinning direction will not change and can always be maintained in a constant direction. The ratchet may also have a release function if desired.

[0058] 1-3-2. Fixator The "fixing device" (0102) is a device for fixing the bagworm used for silk harvesting, and in the silk harvesting device of the present invention, it is an essential component that constitutes the silk harvesting section together with the movable circular linear path and the adhesion controller described below.

[0059] The fixing device is configured to fix the bagworm in a predetermined position within the silk harvesting device of the present invention. The fixing device has the function of restricting the bagworm's free movement within the silk harvesting device of the present invention and forcing the bagworm to spin silk in a fixed direction along the linear path. The fixing device can restrict the bagworm from changing its direction of movement or from leaving the linear path during silk harvesting.

[0060] The fixation method is not limited. Examples include a structure in which the fixation target is gripped with multiple claw-shaped members as shown in Figure 4(a), a tubular structure into which the fixation target is fitted as shown in Figure 4(b), and a structure in which the fixation target is connected (including by adhering or suturing) to a support as shown in Figure 4(c), but any configuration is acceptable as long as it can fix the target. A fixation adjustment unit can also be provided to fine-tune the fixation force so as not to apply excessive load or pressure to the bagworm when fixating it.

[0061] The object to be fixed is either the bagworm nest (assuming there is a bagworm inside) or the bagworm itself. The nest is preferable. This is because bagworms separated from the nest may become overly stressed if left naked for a long time, which may affect the amount and efficiency of silk spinning.

[0062] In the silk harvesting device of the present invention, the fixing device is positioned so that the fixed bagworm can be locked onto the movable circular linear path. The fixing unit may be equipped with a position adjustment unit that can finely adjust the position of the fixed bagworm in the forward, backward, left, and right directions so that the bagworm can be locked onto the linear path with its legs.

[0063] 1-3-3. Adhesion controller The "adhesion controller" (0103) is a device that brings the bagworm silk threads spun onto the movable circular linear path into contact with an adhesion control solution. In the silk harvesting device of the present invention, it is an essential component of the silk harvesting unit, along with the movable circular linear path and the fixing device. The adhesion controller uses the adhesion control solution contained therein to wash or remove some of the adhesive components adhering to the surface of the bagworm silk threads spun onto the linear path, thereby suppressing the adhesive action of the adhesive components and controlling the adhesive strength of the bagworm silk threads to the accumulator on the linear path. Although adhesive properties remain due to the remaining adhesive components, the adhesive strength is suppressed, so that even if the bagworm silk threads come into contact with each other on the accumulator, they can be easily peeled off with a tension that will not break them. Furthermore, the remaining adhesive components make it possible to manage the bagworm silk threads as silk thread bundles that are fixed with appropriate adhesive strength without entangling each other.

[0064] The specific configuration of the adhesion controller is not limited as long as it can contact the bagworm silk thread on the linear path. Configurations for contacting the bagworm silk thread with the adhesion control liquid include spraying, scattering, applying, dripping, immersing, and seeping of the adhesion control liquid. Specifically, for example, the adhesion controller may be configured to immerse a portion of the linear path in the adhesion control liquid in the adhesion controller, drip the adhesion control liquid in the adhesion controller onto a portion of the linear path, spray or scatter the adhesion control liquid from the adhesion controller onto a portion of the linear path, or integrate the adhesion controller with the linear path to allow the adhesion control liquid to seep out from a portion of the seepage grooves and / or seepage holes provided on the linear path. Alternatively, a combination of these configurations may be used.

[0065] The adhesion controller may have any shape. Examples include a reservoir tank shape, a container shape having a drip hole or injection hole through which the adhesion control liquid in the device can be dripped or injected onto a portion of the linear path, and a tubular or disc shape having a flow path inside or below the linear path and one or more exudation grooves or exudation holes opening onto the linear path. When an exudation groove or exudation hole is present, the shape of the exudation groove is not particularly limited. Examples include slits, wavy stripes, and dashed lines. The shape of the exudation hole is also not particularly limited. For example, it may be circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, approximately rectangular, polygonal (e.g., hexagonal), or irregular. The width of the exudation groove or the size of the exudation hole are not particularly limited. However, if the width of the exudation groove or the diameter of the exudation hole are too large, the device will not be able to perform its intended function as a site for spinning bagworm silk. Therefore, it is preferable that the width of the exudation groove and the diameter of the exudation hole be small enough to prevent clogging with the adhesion control liquid. It is desirable to place the adhesion controller in a position where the adhesion control liquid does not come into direct contact with the bagworm.

[0066] The material of the adhesion controller is not limited as long as the linear path, the adhesion controller, or its inner wall is a material that is not dissolved, corroded, or altered by the adhesion control liquid. The material can be determined appropriately depending on the type of adhesion control liquid to be stored. For example, if the adhesion control liquid is an aqueous solution containing a surfactant, the adhesion controller is preferably made of plastic, ceramic (enamel), glass, etc.

[0067] The adhesion control device may include a supply port for supplying the adhesion control liquid into the device and / or a discharge port for discharging the adhesion control liquid from the device.

[0068] The thread harvesting device of the present invention may be provided with one or more adhesion controllers. When there are multiple adhesion controllers, the shapes and sizes of the adhesion controllers may be the same or different, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, when there are multiple adhesion controllers, the conditions such as the type and volume of adhesion control liquid stored in each adhesion controller can be determined independently for each adhesion controller.

[0069] An "adhesion control solution" is a solution that can control the adhesive strength of bagworm silk thread by washing or removing from the bagworm silk thread a portion of the water-soluble adhesive component (sericin-like protein) that is spun together with the fiber component (fibroin-like protein) and present around the fiber component.

[0070] Because the adhesion control solution does not completely remove the water-soluble adhesive components, some of the adhesive components remain on the surface of the bagworm silk thread. Bagworm silk threads treated with the adhesion control solution lose their strong adhesive strength due to the reduced amount of adhesive components, but some adhesive strength remains. Therefore, the bagworm silk threads accumulated on the accumulator adhere to each other with weak adhesive strength and are stacked without coming apart. The stacked bagworm silk threads are also fixed as a circular bundle (bagworm silk thread bundle), making subsequent handling easier and preventing the bagworm silk threads that make up the bundle from becoming entangled. On the other hand, because the adhesive strength between the bagworm silk threads in the bagworm silk thread bundle is weak, when the bagworm silk threads are pulled out from the thread opening, they can be pulled out with a tension that will not cause them to break and without causing slack in the winding when retrieved.

[0071] The adhesion control liquid can control the adhesion and detachment of the bagworm silk threads along the linear path or between the bagworm silk threads. It is desirable that the adhesion control liquid has properties that do not cause or are less likely to cause chemical and / or physical damage to the bagworm silk threads.

[0072] The adhesion control liquid is not limited as long as it has the function of cleaning or removing adhesive components as described above. However, liquids with strong cleaning or removing power for adhesive components, such as scouring liquids, are not preferred because they completely remove the adhesive components after being brought into contact with the bagworm silk surface several times. The adhesion control liquid may be water or an aqueous solution, but a surfactant solution is particularly preferred.

[0073] A "surfactant solution" refers to a solution in which a surfactant is dissolved in a suitable solvent. Examples of the solvent include water (including distilled water, sterilized water, and deionized water), physiological saline, and phosphate buffer. Water is preferred. The concentration of the surfactant in the solution is not limited, but may be 0.01% to 10%, 0.05% to 5%, 0.1% to 2%, or 0.5% to 1% by volume.

[0074] The surfactant used in the surfactant solution is not particularly limited. For example, Triton (registered trademark) X-100, Triton (registered trademark) X-114, NP-40, Brij (registered trademark) -35, Brij (registered trademark) -58, Tween (registered trademark) -20, Tween (registered trademark) The surfactant may be any of a nonionic surfactant such as octyl-β-glucoside or OTG, a polymeric nonionic surfactant such as a copolymer of PEG and PPG, an anionic surfactant such as SDS, a zwitterionic surfactant such as CHAPS or CHAPSO, or a combination thereof.

[0075] When two or more adhesion controllers are installed on one linear path, the same or different adhesion control liquids may be stored in the respective adhesion controllers.

[0076] 1-3-4. Peeler "Peeler" teeth The peeling device is a container capable of storing the stripping solution and / or steam. In the silk harvesting device of the present invention, it is an optional component that constitutes the collection section together with the collector described below. In the silk harvesting device of the present invention, the peeling device is configured so that the stripping solution and / or steam contained therein comes into contact with all or part of the bagworm silk accumulated on the collector on the movable circular linear path.

[0077] The basic structure of the peeler is similar to that of the adhesion controller. However, the difference is that the adhesion controller processes bagworm silk threads during spinning as part of the silk collection section, while the peeler processes bagworm silk threads that have completed spinning and accumulated on the accumulator as part of the recovery section. The peeler is an optional component that has an auxiliary function to the adhesion controller, and by removing all or most of the remaining adhesive components from the bagworm silk threads processed by the adhesion controller, it makes it easier to peel the bagworm silk threads from the accumulator, and / or makes it easier to peel the bagworm silk threads that have accumulated on the accumulator and formed into a circular bundle and to pull out the silk threads.

[0078] The material of the stripper is basically the same as that of the adhesion controller. There are no limitations on the material of the accumulator, stripper, and their inner walls, as long as they are not dissolved, corroded, or altered by the stripper solution or steam. The material can be determined appropriately depending on the type of stripper solution or steam to be stored. For example, if high-temperature, high-pressure steam is to be stored, metals such as copper and stainless steel are suitable. Furthermore, if a stripper solution consisting of an aqueous solution containing a surfactant is to be stored, plastic, ceramic (enamel), glass, etc. are suitable.

[0079] The stripper may include a supply port for supplying the stripper liquid or steam into the stripper and / or a discharge port for discharging the stripper liquid or steam from the stripper. The stripper may also include an inlet for supplying the stripper liquid into the stripper and / or a discharge port for discharging the stripper liquid from the stripper. Multiple strippers can be installed on one thread collection device.

[0080] The peeling solution is not limited as long as it has the same effect as the adhesion control solution in cleaning or removing water-soluble adhesive components from bagworm silk. A solution containing a component with a stronger effect in removing the water-soluble adhesive components than the adhesion control solution is preferred. Examples of such solutions include scouring solutions such as sodium carbonate solution, sodium bicarbonate solution, and Marcel soap solution used in scouring silkworm cocoons. The steam may be water vapor.

[0081] 1-3-5.Collector The "collection device" is a device capable of collecting bagworm silk threads peeled from the movable circular linear path. In the silk harvesting device of the present invention, the collection device is an optional component that, together with the peeler, constitutes the collection section, but it is desirable to have this collection device in order to produce long bagworm silk threads. In the silk harvesting device of the present invention, the collection device is completely separate from the silk harvesting section.

[0082] The structure of the collector is not limited as long as it can collect and hold the peeled bagworm silk thread. Preferably, it is configured so that the collected thread can be wound around its periphery. The shape of the collector is not particularly limited as long as it can wind the thread around its periphery. For example, it may be disk-shaped, cylindrical, prismatic (including those in which multiple rod-shaped members form each long axis side of a prismatic), plate-shaped, or a combination thereof. A bobbin or a similar shape is preferred.

[0083] The recovery device can be configured to be automatically rotatable to wind the thread around its periphery. The driving force for rotation can be obtained, for example, by electricity via a motor or the like.

[0084] The material of the collector can be, for example, metal, resin (including synthetic resin and natural resin), wood material (including branches, vines, bamboo, etc.), ceramic, stone, or a combination thereof. It is preferable to use a material that can be curved and / or smoothed at the part that comes into contact with the thread so as not to damage the wound bagworm silk thread.

[0085] The collector can have one or more uneven portions on the outer peripheral collection surface. The "uneven portions" are configured along the longitudinal direction of the outer periphery of the collector, and are configured to store the collected bagworm silk thread in a recessed portion and prevent the bagworm silk thread from detaching from the collector. For example, as shown in Figure 5, when the shape of the spooling part is disk-shaped (Figure 5(a)) or cylindrical (Figure 5(b)), it can be like a bobbin with a protrusion (0501) on the end.

[0086] 2. Production method of long bagworm silk 2-1. Overview A second aspect of the present invention is a method for producing long bagworm silk thread. This production method allows for efficient mass production of long bagworm scaffold silk thread from bagworms without requiring special skills. Furthermore, by separating the spinning process group from the collection process group, there is no need to manage or adjust the slack in the bagworm silk thread, improving the production efficiency of long bagworm silk thread.

[0087] 2-2. Method An example of the process flow of the production method of the present invention is shown in Figure 6. The production method of the present invention includes the essential production processes of spinning (S0601), contacting (S0602), collecting (S0603), and recovering (S0605). It also includes optional processes of a second contacting (S0604), scouring (S0606), and / or twisting (S0607). Of these, the spinning, contacting, and collecting processes are included in the spinning process group involved in harvesting bagworm silk, while the second contacting, scouring, refining, and twisting processes are included in the recovery process group involved in recovering and reeling bagworm silk. Each process will be explained in detail below.

[0088] (1) Spinning process (S0601) The "spinning process" is a process in which the legs of the bagworm are attached to a movable circular linear path under conditions in which the bagworm is active, and the bagworm spins silk continuously along the linear path. This process is included in the group of spinning processes and is an essential process in the production method of the present invention.

[0089] As used herein, "activity conditions" refers to conditions under which activities involving daily movements such as locomotion and feeding can occur. Examples of conditions include temperature, air pressure, humidity, light / darkness, and oxygen content, but the most important condition in the present invention is temperature. Because insects are cold-blooded animals, they cease activity and enter a dormant state as the temperature drops. Therefore, the preferred lower limit of temperature among the activity conditions in the present invention is a temperature at which bagworms do not enter dormancy. While the specific temperature varies depending on the species, it should generally be 10°C or higher, preferably 12°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, even more preferably 14°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher. Meanwhile, the upper limit of temperature is the upper limit of the temperature at which bagworms can survive. Generally, it should be 40°C or lower, preferably 35°C or lower, more preferably 30°C or lower, even more preferably 27°C or lower, and even more preferably 25°C or lower. For example, the air pressure, humidity, light / darkness, oxygen concentration, and other conditions should be similar to those found on flat land in temperate regions. For example, the atmospheric pressure is around 1 atmosphere, the humidity is 30 to 70%, the light condition is 6 to 18 hours out of 24 hours, and the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere is in the range of 15 to 25%.

[0090] The bagworms used in this process may be individuals collected in the wild or individuals reared artificially, but in either case, individuals that are not starved are preferred, and individuals that have been adequately fed before use are even more preferred. If the individuals to be spun are not starved, bagworms that have been adequately fed will continue to spun silk while moving along the linear path under the above conditions for a period of 1 hour to 4 days, 3 hours to 3 days, or 6 hours to 2 days.

[0091] The bagworms used in this process may either retain their nests or be removed from them. Because bagworms typically move with their nests, it is preferable to use the entire nest in this process. However, if the bagworms are used in this process using a tubular holder that can hold the naked bagworm removed from its nest, the nests do not need to be retained. If the bagworms retain their nests, the nests do not need to be in their complete form as long as they can cover almost the entire body of the bagworm. The materials that make up the nests do not need to be pieces of leaves or branches found in nature, and they may be constructed using artificial materials (e.g., pieces of paper, wood, fiber, metal, plastic, etc.).

[0092] This process is characterized by the bagworm being fixed in a position where its legs can be locked onto the linear path. This fixation restricts the bagworm's free movement and fixes the direction of its silk spinning along the linear path. In principle, one bagworm is placed and fixed along one linear path, but multiple bagworms can also be fixed along the linear path. In this case, the bagworms are placed and fixed along the linear path so that their movement direction is the same.

[0093] The configuration and structure of the linear path used in the production method of the present invention may be similar to the configuration and structure of the linear path described in the bagworm silk harvesting device described in the first embodiment. A preferred structure is a circular linear path, particularly a circular circular linear path. Multiple linear paths may be used. In this case, each linear path is arranged in parallel and fixed so that the legs of the bagworm can be engaged with each linear path. The bagworm is fixed using a fixator or the like. The fixator may have the configuration described in the first embodiment. By engaging the bagworm on the linear path under active conditions, the bagworm will spontaneously move along the linear path and continuously spin silk.

[0094] In this specification, "continuously spinning silk" means that the bagworm spins silk without interruption. With its legs anchored on a linear path, the bagworm instinctively continues to spin scaffolding silk threads while moving. Continuity is lost when the silk threads ejected from the left and right spinnerets on the larva's proboscis are interrupted.

[0095] In this process, the direction in which the bagworm, with its legs locked on the linear path, moves is, in principle, the direction in which the bagworm is moving forward. As mentioned above, the bagworm used in this process is fixed in a position where its legs are locked on the linear path. In this state, the bagworm cannot move in any direction other than the direction in which it is moving forward. Even in the rare case in which the bagworm steps back on the linear path, the linear path is equipped with a ratchet, which restricts the path from moving backward, so the bagworm's movement is inevitably limited to the direction in which it is moving forward.

[0096] Another feature of this process is that the linear path moves longitudinally automatically and / or by the movement of the bagworm, which allows the bagworm to spin silk continuously along the linear path even when the bagworm is fixed in a certain position.

[0097] The linear path moves due to the propulsive force of the bagworm, whose legs are engaged, moving in the direction of travel. Therefore, the direction of travel is opposite to the direction of travel of the bagworm. If the linear path is a circular, annular path formed on the edge of a disk, the disk rotates as the bagworm moves, enabling movement along the linear path. The linear path may also move automatically. In this case, the direction of travel of the linear path is also opposite to the direction of travel of the bagworm.

[0098] When the moving speed of the linear path is based on the moving driving force of the silkworm caterpillar, it is approximately equal to the moving speed of the silkworm caterpillar. Also, even when automatically moving the linear path, it is set to be at or below the same level as the moving speed of the silkworm caterpillar. When automatically moving the linear path, it can be moved by known driving technologies, for example, a combination of a motor and gears. As described above, the normal moving speed of the silkworm caterpillar is in the range of 3 m / hr to 15 m / hr, and in the fastest case, it is 17 m / hr to 22 m / hr. Therefore, the speed (v) when automatically moving the linear path may be set to be below these speeds. For example, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 22 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 20 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 17 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 15 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 12 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 10 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 8 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 5 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 4 m / hr, or 0 m / hr < v ≤ 3 m / hr.

[0099] By the method of the present invention, since the silkworm caterpillar continuously spins silk threads on the movable circular linear path, it is possible to collect the scaffold silk threads of the long silkworm caterpillar.

[0100] (2) Contact step (S0602) The "contact step" is a step of bringing the silkworm caterpillar silk thread on the movable circular linear path into contact with the adhesion control liquid. This step is included in the spinning process group and is an essential step in the production method of the present invention. By this step, a part of the adhesion component adhering to the silkworm caterpillar silk thread on the linear path is washed or removed, and the adhesive force of the adhesion component is suppressed. As a result, the fixation of the silkworm caterpillar silk thread on the linear path and the fixation of the silkworm caterpillar silk thread due to the accumulation of the silkworm caterpillar silk thread are weakened, and it becomes a state where adhesion is possible but peeling is also easy.

[0101] This step is preferably performed at an early stage before the adhesion component on the surface of the silkworm caterpillar silk thread dries and solidifies after the spinning step. Preferably, it is immediately after spinning. Therefore, as long as the silkworm caterpillar continuously spins silk threads on the movable circular linear path, this step is executed almost simultaneously in synchronization with the spinning step.

[0102] The adhesion control liquid used in this process is the same as the adhesion control liquid described in the first embodiment. There are no limitations on the method for bringing the adhesion control liquid into contact with the bagworm silk thread spun onto the linear path. For example, a portion of the linear path after the spinning process may be immersed in the adhesion control liquid placed in a tank, or the adhesion control liquid may be dripped, sprayed, scattered, or applied to the bagworm silk thread spun onto the linear path after the spinning process. Alternatively, the adhesion control liquid may be allowed to seep out from grooves or holes provided on the linear path. Alternatively, a combination of these may be used.

[0103] In the method for producing long bagworm silk threads of the present invention, a movable circular linear path is used, so the bagworm silk threads spun onto the linear path in the spinning process are then immediately subjected to this process, but as the movable circular linear path rotates, bagworm silk threads that have already gone through this process can go through this process again.

[0104] (3) Accumulation process (S0603) The "collecting step" is a step of collecting the bagworm silk after the contacting step. This step, together with the spinning step and the contacting step, is included in the group of spinning steps and is an essential step in the production method of the present invention.

[0105] There is no restriction on the location where the bagworm silk thread is accumulated, but when the bagworm is fixed in a fixing device and the spinning process is carried out so that the thread is spun on a movable circular linear path, the bagworm silk thread is accumulated in an accumulation device on the movable circular linear path.

[0106] The accumulation process is carried out after the movable circular linear path has completed its revolution from the start point of the spinning process. In the method for producing long bagworm silk thread of the present invention, the spun bagworm silk thread is not recovered immediately, but is recovered after the spinning process is completed. Therefore, the bagworm silk thread spun onto the movable circular linear path during the spinning process continues to be accumulated by the revolution of the linear path until the spinning process is completed. Therefore, this process continues as long as the spinning process continues.

[0107] Following the completion of the spinning step, the contact step and the main step are also completed, and the spinning step group is completed. Since the spinning step group and the recovery step group are performed independently, the recovery step group can be performed immediately after the spinning step group is completed, or the recovery step group can be performed after an interval.

[0108] (4) Second contact process (S0604) The "second contact step" is a step in which the accumulated bagworm silk threads are brought into contact with a stripping solution and / or steam after the accumulation step. This step is included in the recovery step group and is an optional step in the method for producing long bagworm silk threads of the present invention. By carrying out this step after the accumulation step and before the recovery step, it is possible to prevent the accumulated bagworm silk threads from re-adhering due to adhesive components that were not completely removed in the contact step, and if they do re-adhere, it is possible to easily recover the bagworm silk threads from the linear path again.

[0109] This step is usually carried out after the accumulation step and before the subsequent recovery step, but it can also be carried out simultaneously with the recovery step.

[0110] The stripping solution and steam used in this process are similar to those described in the first embodiment. There are no limitations on the method for contacting the stripping solution or steam with the bagworm silk threads accumulated on the linear path. Examples include immersing all or part of the linear path after the accumulation process in the stripping solution placed in a tank, exposing all or part of the linear path after the accumulation process to steam that fills a chamber, dripping, spraying, scattering, or applying the stripping solution to the bagworm silk threads accumulated on the linear path after the accumulation process, spraying steam on the bagworm silk threads accumulated on the linear path after the accumulation process, or a combination thereof.

[0111] Furthermore, by using the peeling liquid as a scouring liquid, the second contact step can also become the scouring step (S0606) described below. In this case, the difilaments can be recovered as separated single fibers in the subsequent recovery step, rather than as spun fibers. The scouring step will be described later.

[0112] (5) Recovery process (S0605) The "recovery process" is a process of peeling off and recovering the bagworm silk thread accumulated after the accumulation process. This process is included in the recovery process group and is an essential process in the method for producing long bagworm silk thread of the present invention. After the contact process or the second contact process, the bagworm silk thread is in a state where it is easily peeled off from the linear path and the same bagworm silk thread due to the removal or reduction of adhesive components. Therefore, after peeling off the thread end of the bagworm silk thread on the linear path, the bagworm silk thread accumulated on the linear path can be easily peeled off by applying tension in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the bagworm silk thread on the circular linear path.

[0113] The method for recovering the bagworm silk accumulated in the linear path is not particularly limited as long as it does not break the bagworm silk, but in the production method of the present invention, a method of recovering the silk while winding it onto a spool is preferred. The spool may be any of those commonly used in the field. For example, the silk may be wound onto the outer edge of a disk-shaped member, a tubular member, a plate-shaped member, etc.

[0114] As a specific example of recovery, the end of the bagworm silk thread on the movable circular linear path can be fixed to a spool, and the bagworm silk thread on the accumulator can be recovered onto the spool by rotating the spool while applying tension in the opposite direction to the winding direction of the bagworm silk thread accumulated on the accumulator. The movable circular linear path can then be rotated in sync with the rotation of the spool. This ensures that a certain amount of tension is always applied to the bagworm silk thread between the linear path and the spool, preventing it from becoming loose.

[0115] The rotation speed of the bobbin is not limited. However, if the rotation speed becomes too fast, the tension applied to the silkworm silk between the linear path and the bobbin will become too strong, and as a result, the silkworm silk may break. Therefore, the rotation speed of the bobbin may be in the range of 15 m / hr or less, or 22 m / hr or less. For example, ranges such as 0 m / hr < v ≤ 22 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 20 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 17 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 15 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 12 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 10 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 8 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 5 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 4 m / hr, or 0 m / hr < v ≤ 3 m / hr are appropriate rotation speed ranges. When automatically moving the bobbin, it can be moved by known driving technologies, for example, a combination of a motor and gears.

[0116] (6) Scouring process (S0606) The "scouring process" is a process of scouring the long silkworm silk. "Scouring" means removing the sericin-like adhesive component from the spun fiber to obtain single fibers. Usually, it is carried out after the recovery process, but as described above, it can also be carried out simultaneously with the second contact process. Also, as will be described later, if the twisting process is carried out after the recovery process prior to this process, it can also be carried out after the twisting process. This process is a selective process and can be carried out as needed.

[0117] The scouring method is not particularly limited as long as it can remove the adhesive component without reducing the strength of the fiber component of the silkworm silk. For example, the scouring method of silkworm silk can be applied. Specifically, the silkworm silk recovered in the recovery process is immersed in a scouring solution such as a sodium hydrogen carbonate solution of 0.01 mol / L to 0.1 mol / L, 0.03 mol / L to 0.08 mol / L, or 0.04 mol / L to 0.06 mol / L. Boiling treatment for 5 minutes to 1 hour, 10 minutes to 40 minutes, or 15 minutes to 30 minutes is more preferable. By this process, single fibers of the long scaffold silk can be obtained.

[0118] (7) Twisting process (S0607) The "twisting process" is a process of twisting the bagworm silk obtained after the recovery process or the refining process. "Twisting" refers to the process of twisting a thread. In this process, strong bagworm silk is produced by twisting the spun fibers and / or single fibers of multiple bagworm silk threads.

[0119] In the twisting process, single fibers of bagworm silk obtained after the refining process are bundled and twisted, or the spun fibers of bagworm silk obtained after the recovery process can be bundled and twisted. In the former case, twisted bagworm silk from which the adhesive components have been removed is obtained. On the other hand, in the latter case, twisted bagworm silk composed of spun fibers from which the adhesive components remain is obtained. Therefore, the silk may be used as it is, containing the adhesive components, without undergoing the refining process, or, if necessary, a refining process may be performed to produce twisted bagworm silk from which the adhesive components have been removed.

[0120] In this process, the bagworm silk can be mixed with fibers other than the silkworm silk, such as animal fibers such as silkworm silk, plant fibers such as cotton, chemical fibers such as polyester, or regenerated fibers such as rayon, and then twisted into a bundle. When producing a single twisted bagworm silk, the number of spun fibers and / or single fibers that make it up is not particularly limited. Examples include ranges of 2 to 200, 4 to 150, 6 to 100, 8 to 50, or 10 to 30.

[0121] There are no particular limitations on the twisting method. Any twisting method known in the art may be used. Examples include right-handed twisting (S twist) and left-handed twisting (Z twist). The number of twists may be determined as needed. When producing thick bagworm silk, multiple twists can be used, in which multiple twisted bagworm silk strands are twisted together. The twisting process can be done by hand or using a twisting machine.

[0122] The bagworm silk obtained by the production method of the present invention is long, but it can also be spun into longer bagworm silk.

[0123] Through the above process, it is possible to produce long bagworm silk threads, which have previously been considered impossible to produce, as single fibers or aggregate fibers. Therefore, it is now possible to use the long bagworm silk threads of the present invention as a material, either alone or mixed with other fibers, to produce woven fabrics containing bagworm scaffold silk threads, which was previously impossible. Because bagworm silk fabrics are beautiful, smooth, and have excellent tensile strength, they are promising not only for clothing but also as specialized materials for medical and protective clothing, like spider silk. They can also be used for high-end fabric products, such as high-end upholstered chairs and sofas, curtains, and wallpaper, which are subject to strong friction. [Example]

[0124] <Manufacturing a bagworm silk harvesting device and verifying the harvested silk length> (the purpose) We will manufacture a bagworm silk harvesting device of the present invention and verify that the bagworm silk does not become loose when the device is in operation, and that the amount of bagworm silk that can be harvested per day is greater than that produced by the bagworm silk harvesting device disclosed in the examples of Patent Application No. 2018-227669.

[0125] (method) 1. Apparatus Fabrication In this example, a bagworm silk harvesting device according to the first aspect of the present invention was manufactured. The movable circular track was a circular track constructed on the outer edge of a disk with a diameter of 12 cm and a thickness of 2.1 mm, and could rotate around the center of the disk.

[0126] The holder was a polypropylene centrifuge tube with a diameter of 18 mm (inner diameter of 16 mm), which was tilted at approximately 30 degrees from the horizontal plane so that the bagworm fixed to the holder could lock its legs onto the top of the movable circular linear track.

[0127] The adhesion controller used a reservoir tank containing 1 L of 0.1% polyethylene glycol monostearate (n = appox. 40, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Cas No. 9004-99-3) as an adhesion control solution. The movable circular linear track was placed vertically (with the disk surface perpendicular to the horizontal plane) within the device, so that the bottom of the disk could be immersed in the adhesion control solution in the reservoir. The collector was a bobbin with an inner diameter of 0.9 cm.

[0128] 2. Production of long bagworm silk (1) Material The bagworms used were final-stage larvae of the giant silkworm moth.

[0129] (2) Production method The bagworm nest was half-inserted into a centrifuge tube, which served as a holder, and fixed in place. The bagworm's legs were then attached to a vertically positioned movable circular linear track, and the linear track was adjusted so that as the bagworm moved forward, it rotated in the opposite direction to the bagworm's movement. The bagworm silk thread spun onto the linear track was immediately immersed in an adhesion control solution in an adhesion controller placed below the linear track, and was then treated with the adhesion control solution multiple times each time the linear track rotated. The bagworm was allowed to spun silk onto the linear track for approximately five consecutive hours.

[0130] After the silk was harvested, the bagworm was removed from the holder, and the thread end was removed from the bagworm silk thread accumulated in the collector on the movable circular linear track and connected to a collector. The collector was then rotated so that tension was applied to the bagworm silk thread in the opposite direction to the direction in which it was wound around the collector, and the bagworm silk thread was collected by winding it from the collector onto the collector. The length of the wound bagworm silk thread was then measured.

[0131] For comparison, the silk harvesting device disclosed in the examples of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-227669 (hereinafter referred to as the "prior application device") was used. Using the production method disclosed in the examples of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-227669 (hereinafter referred to as the "prior application method"), bagworms were allowed to continuously spin silk along a linear path for approximately 5 hours. The process after silk harvesting was carried out in accordance with the above method.

[0132] (result) While the length of bagworm silk obtained with the prior application's device was 269.7 m, the length of bagworm silk obtained with the silk harvesting device of the present invention was more than twice as long, at 636.2 m. Furthermore, while 10 prior application's devices could be installed in the same silk harvesting space, more than 20 silk harvesting devices of the present invention could be installed. Furthermore, with the prior application's device, loosening of the winding often occurred between the linear path and the collector during silk harvesting, but this did not occur with the silk harvesting device of the present invention.

[0133] From the above results, it became clear that the silk harvesting device of the present invention can increase the amount of silk harvested per given time by more than twice that of the device of the prior application, and can reduce the silk harvesting space by about 50%, thereby significantly improving production efficiency. Furthermore, it was also shown that the need for management personnel to monitor and eliminate slack in the bagworm silk during silk harvesting is eliminated, which leads to a reduction in required labor costs. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A bagworm silk harvesting device, A movable circular linear path having an accumulator, a fixator for fixing bagworms on the movable circular linear path, an adhesion controller, and a recovery device independent of the movable circular linear path, The movable circular linear path has a width less than the maximum left and right leg spread width of the bagworm fixed to the fixator, and is a circular bagworm walkway that can engage the legs of the bagworm, and is configured to move in its longitudinal direction; The accumulator is arranged integrally on the movable circular linear path, and is configured so that the bagworms fixed to the fixing device can accumulate the bagworm silk spun on the movable circular linear path, The fixator is disposed at a position where the fixed bagworm can be locked onto the movable circular linear path, The adhesion controller is configured to store an adhesion control liquid, and the bagworm silk thread spun onto the movable circular linear path comes into contact with the adhesion control liquid; and The collector is configured to apply tension to the bagworm silk threads accumulated in the collector so that they can be collected. The thread collection device.

2. further comprising one or more peelers; The peeler is configured to be capable of storing a peeling liquid and / or steam for peeling the bagworm silk threads from the accumulator, and is arranged in a position where all or part of the accumulator can come into contact with the peeling liquid and / or steam in the peeler. The thread collection device according to claim 1.

3. The thread collection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable circular linear path has a circular shape.

4. The thread harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movable circular linear path is an automatic linear path that is driven to rotate using electric power as a power source.

5. A thread harvesting device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the collector is provided with a thread winding section configured to be able to wind up bagworm silk thread around its outer periphery.

6. A method for producing long bagworm silk thread, comprising: A spinning process in which the legs of the bagworm are engaged in a movable circular linear path that has a width less than the maximum left-right leg spread width of the bagworm used for spinning, can engage the legs of the bagworm, and is driven to rotate, and the bagworm is continuously spinned along the movable circular linear path; a contacting step of contacting the bagworm silk thread on the movable circular linear path with an adhesion control liquid after the spinning step; A collecting step of collecting the bagworm silk after the contact step; and A recovery step of applying tension to the accumulated bagworm silk threads after the accumulation step and recovering them. Including, In the spinning process, the bagworm or its nest is placed in a position where the legs of the bagworm can be engaged on the movable circular linear path, and the movable circular linear path moves automatically in the longitudinal direction of the circular linear path using electricity as a power source and / or by the bagworm's propulsion force.

7. The production method described in claim 6, further comprising a second contacting step in which the bagworm silk accumulated in the linear path after the accumulation step is contacted with a peeling solution and / or steam.

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