A system for bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation

Abstract

A system for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation is disclosed. The system comprises: a container for accommodating said larvae; a primary support which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae in said container; an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae, wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids; and an aqueous liquid. The energy source is being in the form of a feedstuff for said larvae in the sense that said feedstuff comprises a mixture of said energy source and said aqueous liquid. The primary support and the feedstuff are being arranged in said container so as to be in contact with each other. The primary support is in the form of a pad comprising an enclosure of a water- and air-permeable material; wherein an inorganic material and / or an organic material is being enclosed in said enclosure.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR BRINGING INSECT LARVAE INTO A STATE OF SUSPENDED ANIMATION

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of breeding live insects for feeding animals.

[0004] More specifically, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a system for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation.

[0005] In a second aspect the present invention relates to a kit-of-parts useful for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation.

[0006] In a third aspect the present invention relates to an insect larvae storage.

[0007] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a use of a system according to first aspect or of a kit-of-parts according second aspect of the present invention.

[0008] In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a method for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation.

[0009] Background of the invention

[0010] It has been found that certain insect larvae, such as larvae of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), house fly (Musca domestica) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) may act as a valuable nutrient in that such larvae are high in proteins. These larvae can be feed on different industrial by-product and waste stream, thereby being able to upcycle low quality substrates into high quality of feed.

[0011] Besides, in the latest decade the use of insects as food for human consumption has become more relatively widespread. Moreover, insect larvae find application as a precursor for the manufacture of various technical products, such as cosmetics and pharmaceutical products and finally, insect larvae may serve as a source for lipids, proteins, chitin, anti-septic compounds.

[0012] Hence, in the prior art black soldier flies are known to be a non-pest insect species which has a short life cycle and is able to convert various industrial by-products and waste streams into high quality larval protein intended for food, feed and for other technical applications. The larval nutrient profile is highly complex and ideal to be used as feed for pets, aquaculture and farmed animals. Lastly, the black soldier fly larvae are easy to produce in different production settings (semi-open to closed production systems) and at different production scales (from containers to large industrial scales), making it ideal to be implemented across the globe.

[0013] However, in respect of black soldier fly, the life cycle extends only over approximately 38 days. The time span of the larvae stage has a duration of approximately 13 - 18 days after hatching. For obvious reasons, when using black solder flies as feedstock for animals it will be preferred to use the fly species in a stage where they have not yet metamorphosed into an adult having wings, because prior to that winged stage the fly species will be less mobile and easier to handle. At the larvae stage, such insects are easy to harvest, they have a good nutrient profile, and as they have not spent energy in metamorphosis, they have relatively high weight.

[0014] Accordingly, only a rather short time span of approximately 13 - 18 days after hatch is available when using the black solder flies in their larvae stage.

[0015] In order to extend the duration of the larvae stage, thereby enabling better storage and shipment of black soldier fly larvae, technologies have been developed which will reversibly arrest growth or at least slow down the development of the larvae.

[0016] This arresting or at least slowing down the development of the larvae is referred to as bringing the larvae into a state of suspended animation.

[0017] The term “reversibly bringing a larvae into suspended animation” shall be referred to as the situation where a larvae is being brought into suspended animation in such a way that subsequent to the suspended animation state, that larvae will be able to resume its further life stage development.

[0018] One such technology for bringing the larvae into a state of suspended animation is disclosed in the international patent application WO 2021 / 186 428 Al. This document discloses a feed composition in the form of a gel which comprises certain energy sources selected from carbohydrates and proteins. Providing the feed composition as a gel ensures that any water which is present in the feed composition will not be in its liquid state. In addition, the feed composition comprises a preservative for prolonging the shelf life of that feed composition.

[0019] When using this feed composition as feed for bringing newly hatched black soldier fly neonate larvae (neonates) into suspended animation, the neonates are simply arranged on top of the gel in an incubator bottle and left there for a predetermined duration of time.

[0020] The applicant has found that in using the technology disclosed in WO 2021 / 186 428 Al, some of the neonates will get stuck in the gel. Accordingly, some of the neonates will not be able to migrate directly in the feed upon termination of the state of suspended animation, hence remaining in a state of suspended animation for longer time. This will have an effect on the development of the larvae. Some of the larvae will grow bigger and will be ready to be moved in the rearing trays, whereas others will still be small and too sensitive to be moved. This situation will have consequence on the nursing stage, leading to lower 6-days old- larvae (juveniles) yield, high variation or spreading in juvenile size and this will complicate the application of juveniles for rearing.

[0021] Moreover, the applicant has also found that in the technology disclosed in WO 2021 / 186 428 Al, the neonates being brought into suspended animation will gain considerably weight during this suspended animation, indicating that the larvae growth is being slowed down rather than being truly arrested. Besides, it is time consuming to prepare the gel feedstuff and the materials used for preparing the gel is rater costly.

[0022] Moreover, the technology disclosed in WO 2021 / 186 428 Al have proven to work for the neonate stage only as consequence of high growth being observed when used to suspend juveniles and post-harvest larvae.

[0023] The above listed disadvantages all add to cost as to providing the ingredients necessary for the gelled feed composition, the preparation thereof as well as in use thereof for handling black soldier fly larvae.

[0024] Another technology for storing black soldier fly larvae is disclosed in WO 2019 / 199309 Al. This document discloses a composition for prolonging the neonate stages of black soldier fly larvae. The composition comprises stratified layers arranged on top of each other. These layers comprise (from bottom to top): a container having a bottom portion, a layer of a fermented nutrient source, neonates, dry nutrient source, an air permeable cover.

[0025] Also, this technology poses disadvantages in that it is limited to neonates, as bigger larvae will be able to migrate from one layer to another. Besides the arrangement of the various layers are cumbersome and time consuming in setting up and the obtained stratification may be fragile and easily destroyed during transport. Finally, also the preparation of the lower fermented layer is time consuming and rather costly in production.

[0026] Accordingly, a need persists for improved technology which is capable of bringing insect larvae, such as black soldier fly larvae, into reversible suspended animation at any developmental stage (i.e., neonate, juvenile and fully grown larvae).

[0027] It is an objective of the present invention to provide technologies fulfilling this need.

[0028] Brief description of the invention

[0029] This objective is fulfilled according to the present invention in its various aspects.

[0030] Accordingly, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a system for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation, wherein said system comprising:

[0031] -container for accommodating said larvae;

[0032] -a primary support which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae in said container;

[0033] -an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids;

[0034] -an aqueous liquid; wherein said energy source is being in the form of a feedstuff for said larvae in the sense that said feedstuff comprises a mixture of said energy source and said aqueous liquid; wherein said primary support and said feedstuff are being arranged in said container so as to be in contact with each other.

[0035] In a second aspect the present invention relates to a kit-of-parts for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation, wherein said kit-of-parts comprising:

[0036] -a container for accommodating said larvae;

[0037] -a primary support which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae in said container;

[0038] -an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids; wherein said kit of parts is being configured to form a system according to the first aspect of the present invention upon mixing said energy source with an aqueous liquid so as to form said feedstuff and upon arranging said primary support and said feedstuff in said container so as to be in contact with each other.

[0039] In a third aspect the present invention relates to an insect larvae storage comprising the system according to the first aspect of the present invention in combination with one or more insect larvae; wherein said insect larvae is / are being supported onto said primary support of said system.

[0040] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a use of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention, or of a kit-of-parts according to the second aspect of the present invention for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation.

[0041] In a fifth aspect the present invention provides method for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation, said method comprises: i) providing a system according to the first aspect of the present invention or providing a kit- of-parts according to the second aspect of the present invention; ii) ensuring that said energy source is being mixed with said aqueous liquid so as to form said feedstuff for said larvae; iii) ensuring that said primary support and said feedstuff are arranged in said container so as to be in contact with each other. iv) arranging one or more of said insect larvae so as to become supported onto said primary support; v) allowing said insect larvae to reversibly enter into a state of suspended animation; vi) keeping said insect larvae in a state of suspended animation for a predetermined duration of time. The present invention in its various aspects provides for technology for use for bringing insect larvae into suspended animation and which is cost efficient in manufacture and during operation, which allows for easy shipment and storage of the larvae and which may be used irrespective of the specific larvae stage prior to suspended animation.

[0042] The system of the present invention is not only capable of bringing the larvae into suspended animation, but also allowed larvae to experience higher performances when used in production.

[0043] Moreover, according to the present invention in its various aspects, the various parts of the system according to the first aspect of the invention, except for the feedstuff itself, may be recycled from one batch of production to the next.

[0044] Brief description of the figures

[0045] Fig. la is a drawing schematically illustrating one embodiment of the physical set up of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention and also illustrating one embodiment of an insect larvae storage according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. lb is a drawing schematically illustrating another embodiment of the physical set up of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention and also illustrating another embodiment of an insect larvae storage according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 1c is a drawing schematically illustrating yet another embodiment of the physical set up of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention and also illustrating yet another embodiment of an insect larvae storage according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 2 - 16 are graphs illustrating results of experiments conducted.

[0049] Detailed description of the invention

[0050] The first aspect of the present invention

[0051] According to the first aspect the present invention relates to a system 100 for reversibly bringing insect larvae 2 into a state of suspended animation, wherein said system comprising:

[0052] -container 4 for accommodating said larvae;

[0053] -a primary support 6 which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae in said container 4; -an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids;

[0054] -an aqueous liquid; wherein said energy source is being in the form of a feedstuff 8 for said larvae in the sense that said feedstuff comprises a mixture of said energy source and said aqueous liquid; wherein said primary support 6 and said feedstuff 8 are being arranged in said container 4 so as to be in contact with each other.

[0055] Accordingly, the system of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a container 4 which in its interior comprises a primary support 6 and a feedstuff 8 which is a combination of an energy source comprising carbohydrates and / or lipids. The primary support 6 and a feedstuff 8 are in contact with each other. This allows an upper surface of the primary support 6 to be constantly moist with the liquid feedstuff. In use, insect larvae 2 will be arranged on top of the primary support 6 so as to be supported thereby.

[0056] This system allows slowing down the development of insect larvae through its various instar stages and hence is useful in production, transportation and storage of live insect larvae to be industrially used as food or as fodder or as ingredients in various chemical processes.

[0057] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the aqueous liquid is being water, optionally comprising a water-soluble solute.

[0058] Water is an inexpensive ingredient of the feedstuff to be used in the system 100.

[0059] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the feedstuff 8 is being in the form of a solution, a suspension, an emulsion or is in the form of a non-liquid, such as a paste.

[0060] Such states of the feedstuff will aid in consistency making the energy source of the feedstuff available to the insect larvae.

[0061] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the viscosity of said feedstuff 8, as measured with a viscometer employing the rotating spindle principle, is 0.6 - 10,000 cP, such as 1 - 5,000 cP, e.g. 5 - 3,000 cP, such as 10 - 1,500 cP, for example 50 - 1,000 cP, such as 200 - 800 cP.

[0062] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the primary support 6 for the larvae 2 is being separate from said container 4, or is being separatable from said container 4 or is being integrated with said container 4.

[0063] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the primary support 6 for the larvae 2 is being in the form of a single coherent material or is being in the form of a plurality of separate physical entities. The primary support 6 may be provided in many different ways, such as those set forth above.

[0064] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the primary support 6 for said larvae is of a material which is being insoluble in water.

[0065] Hereby the structural integrity of the primary support 6 is maintained during use.

[0066] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the primary support 6 for said larvae 2 is being a porous support having liquid holding capacity, such as by being able to absorb said aqueous liquid.

[0067] Hereby is ensured that the larvae 2 which are being supported by the primary support will consistently have access to the feedstuff being absorbed by the primary support 6.

[0068] In particular, in this embodiment, the larvae are enabled to move into said primary support in order to feed on said feedstuff while still having access to air.

[0069] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the primary support 6 for said larvae 2 is comprising an inorganic material, such as being selected from the group comprising: silica, gypsum, clay, vermiculite; and / or is comprising an organic material, such as being selected from the group comprising: sponges, cellulose, such as cotton or paper, wood, plant fibers, such as coherent plant fibers, such as husk; or fabrics, such as fabrics of natural fibers or artificially manufactured fibers; or an artificially manufactured material, such as a sponge.

[0070] These materials are inexpensive in use and provide the desired properties in relation to being able to supply the larvae 2 with feedstuff, when the larvae are being supported onto such materials 6.

[0071] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the primary support 6 for the larvae 2 is being in the form of a pad comprising an enclosure 10 of a water- and air-permeable material; wherein an inorganic material and / or said organic material is being enclosed in said enclosure.

[0072] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the enclosure 10 of the pad is being made from a sheet of cellulose-based material or is being made from of a sheet of perforated plastic; or is being in the form of a coating, such as a carbohydrate coating or a carbohydrate containing coating, such as a sugar coating or a sugar containing coating, such as a sugar syrup or a sugar syrup solution coating, or a sugar syrup or a sugar syrup solution containing coating; or is being in the form of a wax coating or a wax containing coating.

[0073] Such enclosure may prevent the larvae 2 in migrating into the material of the primary support 6. Thereby transfer of the larvae is easier. The enclosure 10 may be used with any type of primary support. In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the system additionally comprising one or more separate secondary supports 12 for the larvae 2, wherein each secondary support 12 for the larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

[0074] The separate secondary support 12 aids in keeping the larvae within a confined space during suspended animation. Thereby also the separate secondary support 12 may prevent the larvae 2 in migrating into the material of the primary support 6.

[0075] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the one or more separate secondary supports 12 for the larvae 2 is / are selected from the group comprising bags, such as paper bags, plastic bags or bags made of a textile, such as being in the form of a bag comprising one or more sheets, e.g. of paper being fused together along a major portion of a periphery thereof, and defining an opening at a section of the periphery.

[0076] In other embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the one or more separate secondary supports 12 for the larvae 2 is / are selected from the group comprising plastic bags or bags made of a textile.

[0077] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the bag is taking up an area of 4 - 20,000 cm2or more, such as 50 - 15,000 cm2, for example 100 - 10,000 cm2, such as 500 - 8,000 cm2, e.g. 1,000 - 6,000 cm2or 2,000 - 4,000 cm2.

[0078] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the separate secondary support 12 for said larvae 2 comprises a material having a pore size of 4 mm or less, such as 2 mm or less, for example 1 mm or less, such as 500 pm or less, for example 250 pm or less, such as 150 pm or lees, for example 100 pm or less, such as 50 pm or less, e.g. 30 pm or less, such as 25 pm or less, for example 20 pm or less, e.g. 15 pm or less, for example 10 pm or less, or 5 pm or less.

[0079] These embodiments efficiently provide the desired effect of the separate secondary support.

[0080] In other embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention and in particular for use with relatively large insects the separate secondary support 12 for said larvae 2 comprises a material having a pore size of 4- 52 mm or more, such a 6 - 50 mm, for example 8 - 46 mm, e.g. 10 - 44 mm, such as 12 - 42 mm, for example 14 - 40 mm, such as 16 - 38 mm, for example 18 - 36 mm, e.g. 20 - 34 mm, such as 22 - 32 mm, for example 24 - 30 mm or 26 - 38 mm.

[0081] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the carbohydrate(s) of said energy source is / are selected from the group comprising: monosaccharides, such as glucose or fructose, disaccharides, such as sucrose, polysaccharides, such as starch.

[0082] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the lipid(s) of said energy source is / are selected from the group comprising: plant oil, such as sunflower oil, rape seed oil, grape seed oil, animal fat, such as lard or butter; or wax. In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the energy source additionally comprises one or more of the following components: proteins, such as yeast, diary by-products, such as casein; oil seed cakes, by-products from meat processing, by-products from egg processing, creatine.

[0083] These energy sources are inexpensive and easy to handle during manufacture of the feedstuff.

[0084] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the energy source additionally comprises one or more micronutrients, such as minerals such as: calcium, iron, copper, iodine, manganese, magnesium, chrome, selenium, zinc and / or vitamins such as: vitamin A, vitamin Bl, vitamin B3, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E), ethyl acetate, vinegar.

[0085] Such micronutrients may be preferred when bringing insect larvae into suspended animation for a prolonged period of time, such as for durations of weeks or even months of suspended animation.

[0086] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the amount of macro nutrients (combination of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids / fat) in said feedstuff 8 is selected from the ranges of 0.1 - 90 wt-%, such as 0.5 - 85 wt-%, e.g. 2 - 80 wt-%, such as 3 - 75 wt-%, such as 5 - 70 wt-%, e.g. 10 - 65 wt-%, for example 15 - 60 wt- %; 20 - 55 wt-%, such as 25 - 50 wt-%, for example 30 - 45 wt-% or 35 - 40 wt-%.

[0087] These ranges have proven beneficial for the intended purpose.

[0088] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the feedstuff 8 additionally comprises an antibacterial agent and / or an antifungal agent.

[0089] Hereby prolonged shell life of the feedstuff may be attained.

[0090] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the energy source or the feedstuff additionally comprises one or more auxiliary ingredients or excipients, such as one or one or more emulsifier, one or more preservatives; or one or more food supplements.

[0091] Such auxiliary ingredients or excipients may contribute to various and specific properties the feedstuff 8.

[0092] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the percentage of the carbohydrate(s) relative to said energy source is selected from the range of 0.5 - 100 wt-%, such as 1 - 95 wt-%, for example 5 - 90 wt-%, e.g. 10 - 85 wt-%, such as 15 - 80 wt-%, for example 20 - 75 wt-%, such as 25 - 70 wt-%, for example 30 - 65 wt-%, such as 35 - 60 wt-%, for example 40 - 55 wt-%, such as 45 - 50 wt-%.

[0093] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the percentage of said lipid(s) relative to the energy source is selected from the range of 0.5 - 100 wt-%, such as 1 - 95 wt-%, for example 5 - 90 wt-%, e.g. 10 - 85 wt-%, such as 15 - 80 wt- %, for example 20 - 75 wt-%, such as 25 - 70 wt-%, for example 30 - 65 wt-%, such as 35 - 60 wt-%, for example 40 - 55 wt-%, such as 45 - 50 wt-%.

[0094] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the percentage of said protein(s) relative to the energy source is selected from the range of 0.5 - 100 wt-%, such as 1 - 95 wt-%, for example 5 - 90 wt-%, e.g. 10 - 85 wt-%, such as 15 - 80 wt-%, for example 20 - 75 wt-%, such as 25 - 70 wt-%, for example 30 - 65 wt-%, such as 35 - 60 wt-%, for example 40 - 55 wt-%, such as 45 - 50 wt-%.

[0095] It is particularly preferred that in the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the percentage of said protein(s) relative to the energy source is selected from the range of 0.5 - 20 wt-%, such as 1 - 18 wt-%, for example 2 - 17 wt-%, such as 3 - 16 wt-%, e.g. 4 - 15 wt-%, such as 5 - 14 wt-%, for example 6 - 13 wt-%, e.g. 7 - 12 wt-%, such as 8 - 11 wt-% or 9 - 10 wt-%.

[0096] In other embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the percentage of said protein(s) relative to the energy source is zero (0 wt-%)

[0097] These ranges have proven beneficial for the intended purpose.

[0098] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the system is configured in such a way that the primary support 6 is having a vertical extension that ensures that at least part of said primary support is being present above an upper surface of said feedstuff 8.

[0099] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the volume of the primary support 6 which is being present above the upper surface of the feedstuff is selected from the ranges of 5 % or more, such as 10 % or more, for example 20 % or more, e.g. 30 % or more, such as 40 % or more, such as 50% or more, e.g. 60 % or more, e.g. 70 % or more, such as 80 % or more, or 90 % more. Hereby is ensured that the larvae 2 will not be constantly submerged into the feedstuff 6.

[0100] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the system is being configured for bringing an insect larvae of the species black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), common house fly (Musca domestica), blow fly (Lucilia sericata), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), fruit fly (Drosophilia melanogaster), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), mosquito (Anopheles stephensi) or yellow fewer mosquito (Aedes aegypti) into reversible suspended animation.

[0101] Such insect larvae species are particularly useful for industrial scale breeding for fodder or for technical applications.

[0102] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the system 100 further comprising a lid 14 for the container 4, such as a lid which is being configured to cover said container without preventing circulation of air in and out of said container. Hereby undesired evaporation of liquid of the feedstuff may be prevented or at least suppressed.

[0103] In another embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the system 100 further comprising a lid 14 providing hermetic closure of the container.

[0104] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention it is a proviso that that the primary support 6 and / or the feedstuff 8 independently is / are not being in the form of a gel or a fermented material.

[0105] Further or alternatively, in one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention it is a proviso that the container 3, the primary support 6, the secondary support 12, the enclosure 10 of the pad independently does not in itself comprise a material selected from the group comprising a nutrient for said larvae, such as comprising carbohydrates, lipids or proteins.

[0106] Hereby is assured that these elements of the system are not being consumed during suspended animation of the larvae 2.

[0107] In one embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention the container is having an internal volume of 5 cm3to 100 m3, such as 500 cm3to 50 m3for example 1 liter to 25 m3, such as 5 liter to 10 m3, such as 10 liter to 5 m3, for example 20 liter to 2 m3, such as 50 liter to 1,0001, for example 100 liter to 800 liter, such as 200 liter to 700 liter, for example 300 liter to 600 liter or 400 liter to 500 liter.

[0108] These volumes allow for handing the larvae in scales from laboratory scales up to an industrial scale.

[0109] The second aspect of the present invention

[0110] The present invention relates in a second aspect to a kit-of-parts for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation, wherein said kit-of-parts comprising:

[0111] -a container 4 for accommodating said larvae 2;

[0112] -a primary support 6 which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae 2 in said container 4;

[0113] -an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids.

[0114] The kit of parts is being configured to form a system 100 according to aspect of the present invention upon mixing the energy source with an aqueous liquid so as to form the feedstuff 8 and upon arranging the primary support 6 and the feedstuff 8 in the container 4 so as to be in contact with each other. In essence, the kit of parts comprises the system of the first aspect, just without the aqueous liquid to be mixed with the energy source.

[0115] In one embodiment of the kit-of-parts according to the second aspect of the present invention the primary support 6 is as defined in respect of the first aspect of the present invention and / or the energy source is as defined in respect of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0116] In one embodiment of the kit-of-parts according to the second aspect of the present invention the kit-of-parts additionally comprises a one or more separate secondary supports 12 for the larvae 2, wherein each secondary support for the larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

[0117] In one embodiment of the kit-of-parts according to the second aspect of the present invention the one or more separate secondary supports 12 for the larvae 2 is / are selected from the group comprising bags, such as paper bags, such as being in the form of a bag comprising one or more sheets of paper being fused together along a major portion of a periphery thereof, and defining an opening at a section of the periphery.

[0118] The separate secondary support 12 aids in keeping the larvae within a confined space during suspended animation. Thereby also the separate secondary support 12 may prevent the larvae 2 in migrating into the material of the primary support 6.

[0119] The third aspect of the present invention

[0120] The present invention relates in a third aspect to an insect larvae storage 200 comprising the system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention in combination with one or more insect larvae 2; wherein the insect larvae is / are being supported onto the primary support 6 of the system 100.

[0121] In one embodiment of the insect larvae storage according to the third aspect of the present invention the insect larvae are being of the species black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), common house fly (Musca domestica), blow fly (Lucilia sericata).

[0122] Such insect larvae species are particularly useful for industrial scale breeding for fodder or for technical applications.

[0123] In one embodiment of the insect larvae storage according to the third aspect of the present invention the insect larvae storage comprises a system 100 which includes a secondary support 12, wherein the larvae 2 are being confined in said secondary support 12 and are being supported onto said primary support 6 in said container 4.

[0124] In one embodiment of the insect larvae storage according to the third aspect of the present invention the density of insect larvae 2 per amount of energy source is 1 - 1,000,000 larvae or more per gram of energy source, such as 100 - 500,000 larvae per gram of energy source, e.g. 1,000 - 300,000 larvae per gram of energy source, e.g. 5,000 - 100,000 larvae per gram of energy source, such as 10,000 - 80,000 larvae per gram of energy source or 30,000 - 60,000 larvae per gram of energy source.

[0125] The fourth aspect of the present invention

[0126] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a use of a system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention, or of a kit-of-parts according to the second aspect of the present invention for reversibly bringing insect larvae 2 into a state of suspended animation.

[0127] The fifth aspect of the present invention

[0128] In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a method for reversibly bringing insect larvae 2 into a state of suspended animation, said method comprises: i) providing a system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention or providing a kit-of-parts according to the second aspect of the present invention; ii) ensuring that said energy source is being mixed with said aqueous liquid so as to form said feedstuff 8 for said larvae; iii) ensuring that said primary support 6 and said feedstuff 8 are arranged in said container so as to be in contact with each other; iv) arranging one or more of said insect larvae 2 so as to become supported onto said primary support 6; v) allowing said insect larvae 2 to reversibly enter into a state of suspended animation; vi) keeping said insect larvae in a state of suspended animation for a predetermined duration of time.

[0129] In one embodiment of the method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, step iv) involves providing one or more separate secondary supports 12 for the larvae, and arranging said larvae 2 in one or more of said secondary supports 12, wherein each said secondary support for said larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

[0130] The separate secondary support 12 aids in keeping the larvae within a confined space during suspended animation. Thereby also the separate secondary support 12 may prevent the larvae 2 in migrating into the material of the primary support 6.

[0131] In one embodiment of the method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention the method further comprising the step of: vii) bringing the state of suspended animation of said insect larvae 2 to termination by giving the larvae access to an energy source having increased complexity as to the composition of micro- and / or micronutrients thereof, relative to said feedstuff, 8 such as to an energy source fully fulfilling the nutritious requirement of said insect larvae 2. In one embodiment of the method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention the method further comprising the step of collecting said insect larvae 2.

[0132] In one embodiment of the method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein in step vi) said predetermined duration of time is selected from the ranges of 6 hours to 180 days or more, such as 12 hours to 170 days, for example 1 day to 150 days, such as 5 days to 120 days, e.g. 7 days to 100 days, for example 10 days to 90 days, e.g. 15 days to 80 days, such as 20 - 70 days, for example 30 - 60 days.

[0133] Referring now to the figures to better illustrate the present invention, Fig. la is a drawing schematically illustrating one embodiment of the physical set up of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention and also illustrating one embodiment of an insect larvae storage according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0134] Fig. la shows a system 100 for reversibly bringing insect larvae 2 into a state of suspended animation. The system comprises a container 4 for accommodating the larvae, a primary support 6 which is physically supporting the larvae in the container 4, and a liquid feedstuff 8 for the larvae. The liquid feedstuff 8 comprises an energy source comprising a carbohydrate or a lipid or a mixture thereof in combination with an aqueous liquid, such as water.

[0135] It is seen that the primary support 6 and the liquid feedstuff 8 are arranged in the container 4 so as to be in contact with each other. The primary support 6 is in the form of a material having liquid holding capacity, such as cotton, thereby absorbing part of the liquid feedstuff 8. A lid 14 is provided for covering the container 4.

[0136] The above elements constitute the system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0137] Also seen in Fig. la is that larvae 2 are being arranged so as to be supported onto the primary support 6.

[0138] The combination of the larvae 2 and the system 100 constitutes a larvae storage 200 according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0139] Fig. lb is a drawing schematically illustrating another embodiment of the physical set up of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention and also illustrating another embodiment of an insect larvae storage according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0140] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. lb the primary support 6 of the system 100 also comprises an enclosure 10 which encloses the cotton 6. The larvae 2 are being supported onto this enclosure 10.

[0141] Fig. 1c is a drawing schematically illustrating yet another embodiment of the physical set up of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention and also illustrating yet another embodiment of an insect larvae storage according to the third aspect of the present invention. Fig. 1c shows the embodiment of Fig. lb where the larvae 2 are being supported in separate secondary supports 12 which in turn are supported onto the enclosure 10 and the primary support 6.

[0142] Examples

[0143] The following examples illustrate the present invention.

[0144] Experimental set-up

[0145] In all examples and experiments below black soldier fly larvae were used.

[0146] Media preparation

[0147] The carbohydrate feedstuff

[0148] The carbohydrate feed employed in the experiments was prepared by dissolving 100 g sucrose in 1000 ml preboiled water.

[0149] The lipid feedstuff

[0150] The lipid feedstuff employed in the experiments was prepared by mixing 100 g sunflower oil and 1000 ml preboiled water.

[0151] The mixed feedstuff

[0152] The mixed carbohydrate / lipid feed employed in the experiments was prepared by mixing 50 g sucrose, 10 g sunflower oil and 1000 ml preboiled water.

[0153] Feedstuff for control group

[0154] The larvae feed employed in the experiments relating to a control group was standard chicken feed (Pacostar, DLG, Fredericia, Denmark) mixed with water and sunflower oil. 1 kg chicken feed, 2 liters of water and 20 ml sunflower oil were mixed. This feedstuff will in the following be referred to as CF.

[0155] In the experiments using CF, the experiments were conducted at a temperature of 29 °C. In all other experiments the experiments were conducted at a room temperature of 20°C. Amounts of feedstuff employed

[0156] In the experiments the amounts of feedstuff according to the present invention used were as follows:

[0157] Neonate larvae: 35 ml feedstuff was used per 20,000 neonate larvae.

[0158] Juvenile larvae: 200 ml feedstuff was used per 20,000 juvenile larvae.

[0159] Larvae in sixth instar: 1,000 ml feedstuff was used per 16,000 fully grown larvae.

[0160] In the experiments where larvae were feeding on CF, the larvae were having ad libitum access to the CF.

[0161] Example 1 - Bringing neonate black soldier fly larvae into suspended animation

[0162] Experiment 1 - Weight gain during suspended animation in carbohydrate feedstuff

[0163] Weight gain was investigated in respect of neonate larvae brought into suspended animation in a system according to the present invention and comprising the above-described carbohydrate feedstuff.

[0164] The setup was as follows:

[0165] Approximative 4 g of cotton was placed in a cellulose teabag (primary support) which was subsequently sealed. The tea bag was submerged in the liquid carbohydrate feedstuff before being transferred into a standard drosophila bottle (container). Subsequently, 20,000 neonate larvae having an average weight of 0.021 mg were added to the primary support, and the bottle was sealed with a cellulose plug to allow air circulation.

[0166] The larvae were allowed to enter into suspended animation for 18 days. After 18 days the average weight of the larvae being fed with the carbohydrate feedstuff was 0.023 mg (see Fig. 2). The weight gain of only approximately 9.5 % after 18 days is evidence that the system indeed serves as bringing the neonate larvae into suspended animation.

[0167] Experiment 2 - Survival rate of neonate larvae after suspended animation in carbohydrate and lipid feedstuff, respectively

[0168] The survival rate after suspended animation of neonate larvae was investigated in respect of neonate larvae which were arranged and left for 18 days in a system according to the present invention and which were fed the liquid carbohydrate feedstuff and the lipid feedstuff, respectively. A control group of larvae which were allows to feed on the CF was included. Finally, a comparison group which was fed water only was also included. In all four groups, the larvae were rearing on CF for six days after suspended animation in order to allow larvae to grow to a size that enabled counting and estimate the survival rate.

[0169] The experimental setup was as follows:

[0170] Approximative 4 g of cotton (primary support) was submerged in the liquid carbohydrate feedstuff, the liquid lipid feedstuff, and water respectively, before being transferred to its own individual standard drosophila bottles (containers). Subsequently, in respect of each bottle, 20,000 neonates having an average weight of 0.021 mg were added to the primary support, and the bottle was sealed with a cellulose plug to allow air circulation.

[0171] In the control group, approximative 20,000 newly hatched neonates were placed on 500 g of CF and stored at 29 °C for six days. Subsequently, the survival rate was estimated, and larvae were transferred for rearing.

[0172] Fig. 3 illustrates the results.

[0173] Fig 3 shows that larvae which were fed water only had a fairy low survival rate of 8%, whereas the larvae which were fed traditional CF (control) had a survival rate of 94%.

[0174] Fig. 3 also shows that larvae which were fed carbohydrate had a high survival rate of 80%.

[0175] It is believed that the relative low survival rate (approximately 31 %) of the larvae which fed lipid was due to a high viscosity which prevented the larvae to move around freely and also get stuck in the primary support. Furthermore, it is believed that at the neonate stage the larvae might not be able to fully utilize lipid as sole energy source.

[0176] Experiment 3 - Larvae having been reared until reaching the 6th instar

[0177] After experiment 2 was completed, 30 randomly selected 6 days-old-larvae belonging to the different treatments (suspended animation in the carbohydrate solution or the lipid solution and control) were transferred into a 250 ml bottle and feed CF ad libitum until reaching the last actively feeding stage (6thlarval instar). At this time, the fully grown larvae were harvested and their weight, survival rate and growth rate were estimated. The time necessary for reaching harvest was 10 days in respect of the insect group which had been brought to suspended animation in the carbohydrate solution or the lipid solution, and 21 days for the control group.

[0178] Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate the results of Experiment 3 as to weight and survival rates of the harvested larvae, respectively.

[0179] Fig. 4A illustrates that that the control group larvae at harvest had a weight of 210 mg. The weight of the larvae which had been brought to suspended animation in the carbohydrate solution was approximately 200 mg, and weight of the larvae which had been brought to suspended animation in the lipid solution was approximately 170 mg. The high harvest weight experienced by the larvae brought into suspended animation according to the invention demonstrates that weight gain is not affected by the present invention, in which the larvae development can be arrested or delayed.

[0180] Fig. 4B illustrates very high survival rates at harvest in respect of larvae which in their neonate state were feed liquid carbohydrate feedstuff (99%). The same applies in respect of the larvae which in their neonate state were feed liquid lipid feedstuff (approximately 97%). Also, high survival rates were seen in respect of larvae which in their whole life span had reared on CF (control group).

[0181] Fig. 5 illustrates the growth rate of larvae which after suspended animation for 18 days (according to Experiment 2) had reared on CF for 10 days.

[0182] Fig. 5 shows that the larvae which had been brought to suspended animation in their neonate state according to the present invention using carbohydrate solution exhibited the highest growth rate at harvest (approximately 20 mg / day), followed by the larvae which had been brought to suspended animation according to the present invention using lipid solution (approximately 17 mg / day). The control group being fed only CF exhibited a growth rate at harvest of approximately 10 mg / day. This result demonstrates that a gain in performance can be obtained when neonates had been brought to suspended animation according to the present invention.

[0183] Example 2 - Bringing juvenile black soldier fly larvae into suspended animation

[0184] The experiments illustrated in Experiment 1 and 2 above were repeated, however this time in respect of juvenile black soldier larvae.

[0185] Newly hatched neonate larvae were transfer to a nursing crate and feed 500 g CF for 6 days at 29 °C. Subsequently, 20,000 of 6 days-old-larvae (juveniles) were brought into suspended animation for 15 days. A control group of larvae which were allows to feed on the CF after nursing was included.

[0186] Experiment 4 - Weigh gain during suspended animation in carbohydrate feedstuff of juvenile larvae

[0187] Weight gain was investigated in respect of juvenile larvae brought into suspended animation in system according to the invention and comprising the above-described carbohydrate feedstuff.

[0188] The setup was as follows:

[0189] Approximative 9 g of cotton was placed in a non-woven bag (primary support) which was subsequently sealed. This bag was submerged in the liquid carbohydrate feedstuff before being transferred into a tray (container) measuring (L x W x H) 22 x 15 x 7 cm. Subsequently, 20,000 juvenile larvae were added to the primary support, and the tray was covered with a standard mosquito net. The average weight of the juvenile larvae prior to suspended animation was 4.4 mg.

[0190] The larvae were allowed to enter into suspended animation for 15 days. After 15 days the average weight of the larvae being fed with the carbohydrate feedstuff was 5.7 mg (see Fig. 6).

[0191] The weight gain of approximately 29.5% after 15 days is evidence that the system indeed serves as bringing the juvenile larvae into suspended animation.

[0192] Experiment 5 - Survival rate of juvenile larvae after suspended animation in carbohydrate and lipid feedstuff, respectively

[0193] The survival rate after suspended animation was investigated in respect of juvenile larvae which were arranged and left for 15 days in a system according to the present invention and which were fed the liquid carbohydrate feedstuff and the lipid feedstuff, respectively. A control group of larvae which were allows to feed on CF was included.

[0194] The experimental setup was as follows:

[0195] Approximative 9 g of cotton was placed in a non-woven bag (primary support) and sealed. This bag was submerged in the liquid feedstuff before being transferred into a box (container) measuring (L x W x H) 22 x 15 x 7 cm. Subsequently, 20,000 juvenile larvae were added to the primary support, and the tray was covered with a standard mosquito net.

[0196] Fig. 7 illustrates the results of Experiment 5 as to survival rates of the juveniles after having been brought into suspended animation.

[0197] Fig. 7 shows that the survival rate is close to 100 % in respect of juvenile larvae which were brought into suspended animation using liquid carbohydrate feedstuff and using the liquid lipid feedstuff. These survival rates were comparable with the control group comprising juvenile larvae which were being fed directly on the CF.

[0198] Experiment 6 - Earvae having been reared until reaching the 6th instar

[0199] After suspended animation or after nursing in case of the control group, 30 juvenile larvae were randomly selected and fed CF ad libitum during rearing until they reach the 6thinstar and were harvested. The time necessary for reaching the 6thinstar was 8 days in respect of the insect group which had been brought to suspended animation in the carbohydrate solution or the lipid solution, and 11 days for the control group.

[0200] Fig. 8 illustrates the results of Experiment 6 as to weight of the larvae at harvest. Fig. 8 illustrates that that the control group larvae at the 6thinstar state had an average weight of 220 mg. The average weight of the larvae which had been brought to suspended animation in the liquid carbohydrate feed was approximately 260 mg, and the average weight of the larvae which had been brought into suspended animation in the liquid lipid feed was approximately 253 mg.

[0201] Compared to Experiment 3 using neonate larvae, when bringing juvenile larvae into suspended animation, there is a tendency to better reach the weight gain encountered in respect of the control group being fed CF (cf. Fig. 4A).

[0202] Fig. 9 illustrates very high survival rates (97 %) in respect of larvae which in their juvenile state were brought into suspended animation using liquid carbohydrate feedstuff. Same magnitude of survival rate (95%) was encountered in respect of the larvae which in their juvenile state were brought into suspended animation using liquid lipid feedstuff. Also, high survival rates (100%) were seen in respect of larvae which in their whole life span had reared on CF (control group).

[0203] Fig. 10 illustrates the growth rate of juvenile larvae which after suspended animation for 15 days (according to Experiment 5) had reared on CF for 8 days, compared to larvae (control) which had reared on CF for 11 days post nursing.

[0204] Fig. 10 shows that the harvested larvae that have been brought into suspended animation during juvenile stage according to the present invention using liquid carbohydrate feedstuff exhibited the highest growth rate at harvest (approximately 33 mg / day), followed by the larvae which had been brought to suspended animation according to the present invention using lipid solution (approximately 32 mg / day). The control group being fed only CF exhibited a growth rate at harvest of approximately 20 mg / day. This result demonstrates that a gain in performance can be obtained when juveniles had been brought to suspended animation according to the present invention.

[0205] Example 3 - Bringing fully grown black soldier fly larvae into suspended animation

[0206] Experiment 7 - Weight gain and survival rate of fully grown larvae

[0207] In this experiment the average weight gain and survival rates was investigated in respect of fully grown larvae (larvae having reached 6thinstar) being brought into suspended animation in system according to the invention and comprising the above-described mixed carbohydrate / lipid feedstuff.

[0208] The setup was as follows: Approximative 90 g of cotton was placed in a non-woven bag (primary support) which was subsequently sealed. This bag was submerged in the liquid carbohydrate / lipid feedstuff before being transferred into a tray (container) measuring (L x W x H) 34 x 25 x 18 cm.

[0209] Subsequently, 16,000 fully grown larvae were added to the primary support, and the tray was covered with a standard mosquito net.

[0210] A control group comprising of 16,000 fully grown larvae were placed in the same type of container. However, the container was empty and accordingly, in the control group, the larvae were starved.

[0211] The experiment was conducted for 7 days.

[0212] Fig. 11 and 12 illustrate the results.

[0213] Fig. 11 shows that the in respect of the fully grown larvae being brought into suspended animation using the system comprising the liquid carbohydrate / lipid feedstuff mixture in essence maintained their average weights, whereas in respect of the control group being starved, the larvae on average reduced their weight from approximately 260 mg to approximately 190 mg, corresponding to a weight loss of approximately 27 %.

[0214] Fig. 12 shows that although larvae of the control group considerably lost average weight, the survival rate was nevertheless close to 100 %. Also, a 100 % survival rate was achieved in respect of the fully grown larvae being brought into suspended animation using the system comprising the liquid carbohydrate / lipid feedstuff mixture.

[0215] Example 4 - Comparison with prior art

[0216] In this example the present invention was compared to technology according to the prior art, viz. the technology disclosed in WO 2021 / 186428 Al, in the name of FreezeM Cryogenics Ltd. This prior art technology will in the following be referred to as “FreezeM”.

[0217] Properties of bringing black soldier fly larvae into suspended animation in respect of neonate larvae, juvenile larvae and larvae having reached 6th instar state and using the system of the present invention and comprising the mixed carbohydrate / lipid feedstuff described in Experiment 7 and the FreezeM technology, respectively were compared.

[0218] In the experiments the duration of suspended animation was 15 days in respect of the neonate and the juvenile larvae and 7 days in respect of larvae having reached the 6th instar. to FreezeM

[0219] Example 1 of WO 2021 / 186428 Al was followed, except that the preservatives (methylparaben and propionic acid) were omitted. Approximative 50 g of FreezeM’s gel were used for bringing 20,000 neonates into suspended animation, 200 g of gel for bringing 20,000 juveniles into suspended animation and 1.1 kg gel for bringing 16,000 fully grown larvae into suspended animation.

[0220] The gel was placed in similar containers as described in Examples 1 - 3 and neonates, juveniles and harvested larvae (beginning of 6thinstar), resepctively were arranged on the top of the gel.

[0221] Subsequently, the containers were sealed as described in Examples 1 - 3 and stored at room temperature (20 °C) for 15 days in case of neonates and juveniles and 7 days in case of 6thinstar larvae, respectively.

[0222] Subsequently, the larval weight before and after the suspended animation period and survival rate after the suspended animation period were documented for different stages. In the case of the neonate stage, the larval weight at harvest, survival rate at harvest and growth rate were also documented.

[0223] Experiment 8 - Comparing prior art with the present invention in respect of neonate larvae.

[0224] The setups of the experiment using the present invention was as described in respect of Example 1 above, except for using a mixed carbohydrate / lipid feedstuff and for bringing the neonates in suspended animation for 15 days.

[0225] Fig. 13 illustrates the average weight gain of neonate larvae after 15 days of being in suspended animation according to the present invention. The average weight changed from 0.021 mg to 0.029 mg.

[0226] Fig. 14 illustrates the average weight gain of neonate larvae after 15 days of being in suspended animation according to the FreezeM technology.

[0227] Fig. 14 shows that the average weight consistently more (from 0.021 mg to 3.2 mg) when using the FreezeM technology, compared to the situation of using the present invention (cf. Fig. 13).

[0228] Experiment 9 - Comparing prior art with the present invention in respect of juvenile larvae

[0229] The setups of the experiment using the present invention were as described in respect of Example 2 above, except for using a mixed carbohydrate / lipid feedstuff (and with the exception that juvenile larvae were used). Also, as already mentioned the duration of time in suspended animation was 15 days.

[0230] Fig. 15 illustrates the average weight of juvenile larvae before and after 15 days of being in suspended animation according to the present invention. The average weight was similar before and after suspended animation. Fig. 15 also illustrates the average weight of juvenile larvae after 15 days of being in suspended animation according to the FreezeM technology.

[0231] Fig. 15 shows that the average weight of the juvenile larvae changed considerably when using the FreezeM technology. Before being brought into suspended animation, the average weight of the juvenile larvae was below 10 mg, whereas the average weight after 15 days of being subjected to the FreezeM technology, was around 140 mg.

[0232] This considerably weight gain is evidence that the FreezeM technology does not in an efficient way truly arrest the development of the larvae and cannot be used for the juvenile stage.

[0233] Experiment 10 - Comparing prior art with the present invention in respect of fully grown larvae

[0234] The setup of the experiment using the present invention were as described in respect of Example 3 above, except for using a mixed carbohydrate / lipid feedstuff. Besides, as already mentioned the duration of time in sis this suspended animation was 7 days.

[0235] Fig. 16 illustrates the larval weight at harvest (beginning of 6th instar) and after 7 days of being in suspended animation according to the present invention. The weight was similar before and after 7 days of being in suspended animation using the present invention.

[0236] Fig. 16 also illustrates the larval weight at harvest and after 7 days of being in suspended animation according to the FreezeM technology.

[0237] Fig. 16 shows that the weight of the larvae clearly increased when using the FreezeM technology. Before being brought into suspended animation, the weight of the harvested larvae was 168 mg, whereas the average weight after 7 days of being subjected to the FreezeM technology, was around 235 mg, corresponding to approximately 40 % weigh gain. This considerably weight gain is evidence that the FreezeM technology does not in an efficient way truly arrest the development of the larvae and cannot be used for the harvest larvae. Furthermore, this technology is much more expenses than regular larval feed (industrial by-products and waste streams), making it unattractive to be used as a feed substitute.

[0238] The present invention may in its various aspects be defined according to the following Clauses:

[0239] Clause 1: A system (100) for reversibly bringing insect larvae (2) into a state of suspended animation, wherein said system is comprising:

[0240] -container (4) for accommodating said larvae; -a primary support (6) which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae in said container (4);

[0241] -an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids;

[0242] -an aqueous liquid; wherein said energy source is being in the form of a feedstuff (8) for said larvae in the sense that said feedstuff comprises a mixture of said energy source and said aqueous liquid; wherein said primary support (6) and said feedstuff (8) are being arranged in said container (4) so as to be in contact with each other.

[0243] Clause 2: A system (100) according to Clause 1, wherein said aqueous liquid is being water, optionally comprising a water-soluble solute.

[0244] Clause 3: A system (100) according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein said feedstuff (8) is being in the form of a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, or is in the form of a non-liquid, such as a paste.

[0245] Clause 4: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is being separate from said container (4), or is being separatable from said container (4) or is being integrated with said container (4).

[0246] Clause 5: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said primary support for said larvae is of a material which is being insoluble in water.

[0247] Clause 6: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is being in the form of a single coherent material or is being in the form of a plurality of separate physical entities.

[0248] Clause 7: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is being a porous support having liquid holding capacity, such as by being able to absorb said aqueous liquid.

[0249] Clause 8: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is comprising an inorganic material, such as being selected from the group comprising: silica, gypsum, clay, vermiculite; and / or is comprising an organic material, such as being selected from the group comprising: cellulose, such as cotton or paper, wood, plant fibers, such as coherent plant fibers, such as husk; or fabrics, such as fabrics of natural fibers or artificially manufactured fibers; or an artificially manufactured material, such as a sponge.

[0250] Clause 9: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is being in the form of a pad comprising an enclosure (10) of a water- and air-permeable material; wherein said inorganic material and / or said organic material is being enclosed in said enclosure.

[0251] Clause 10: A system (100) according to Clause 9, wherein said enclosure (10) of said pad is being made from a sheet of cellulose-based material or is being made from of a sheet of perforated plastic.

[0252] Clause 11: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses additionally comprising one or more separate secondary supports (12) for said larvae (2), wherein each said secondary support (12) for said larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

[0253] Clause 12: A system (100) according to Clause 11, wherein said one or more separate secondary support (12) for said larvae (2) is / are selected from the group comprising bags, such as paper bags, such as being in the form of a bag comprising one or more sheets of paper being fused together along a major portion of a periphery thereof, and defining an opening at a section of the periphery.

[0254] Clause 13: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said carbohydrate(s) of said energy source is / are selected from the group comprising: monosaccharides, such as glucose or fructose, disaccharides, such as sucrose, polysaccharides, such as starch.

[0255] Clause 14: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said lipid(s) of said energy source is / are selected from the group comprising: plant oil, such as sunflower oil, rape seed oil, grape seed oil, animal fat, such as lard or butter; or wax.

[0256] Clause 15: A system 100 according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said energy source additionally comprises one or more of the following components: proteins, such as yeast, diary by-products, such as casein; oil seed cakes, by-products from meat processing, by-products from egg processing, creatine.

[0257] Clause 16: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said energy source additionally comprises one or more micronutrients, such as minerals such as: calcium, iron, copper, iodine, manganese, magnesium, chrome, selenium, zinc and / or vitamins such as: vitamin A, vitamin B l, vitamin B3, vitamin B 12, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E), ethyl acetate, vinegar.

[0258] Clause 17: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said feedstuff (8) additionally comprises an antibacterial agent and / or an antifungal agent.

[0259] Clause 18: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said energy source additionally comprises one or more auxiliary ingredients or excipients, such as one or one or more emulsifier, one or more preservatives; or one or more food supplements.

[0260] Clause 19: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said system is configured in such a way that said primary support 6 is having a vertical extension that ensures that at least part of said primary support is being present above an upper surface of said feedstuff (8).

[0261] Clause 20: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said system is being configured for bringing an insect larvae of the species black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), common house fly (Musca domestica), blow fly (Lucilia sericata) into reversible suspended animation.

[0262] Clause 21: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses further comprising a lid (14) for said container (4), such as a lid which is being configured to cover said container without preventing circulation of air in and out of said container.

[0263] Clause 22: A system (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses with the proviso that said primary support and / or said feedstuff (8) independently is / are not being in the form of a gel or a fermented material and / or with the proviso that said system does not comprise a gel and / or with the proviso that said container (4), said primary support (6), said secondary support (12), said enclosure (10) of said pad independently does not in itself comprise a material selected from the group comprising a nutrient for said larvae, such as comprising carbohydrates, lipids or proteins.

[0264] Clause 23: A kit-of-parts for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation, wherein said kit-of-parts comprising:

[0265] -a container (4) for accommodating said larvae (2);

[0266] -a primary support (6) which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae (2) in said container (4);

[0267] -an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids; wherein said kit of parts is being configured to form a system (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 22 upon mixing said energy source with an aqueous liquid so as to form said feedstuff (8) and upon arranging said primary support (6) and said feedstuff (8) in said container so as to be in contact with each other.

[0268] Clause 24: A kit-of-parts according to Clause 23, wherein said primary support (6) is as defined in any of the Clauses 1 - 22 and / or wherein said energy source is as defined in any of the Clauses 1 - 22.

[0269] Clause 25: A kit-of-parts according to Clause 23 or 24, wherein said kit-of-parts additionally comprises a one or more separate secondary supports (12) for said larvae (2), wherein each said secondary support for said larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

[0270] Clause 26: A kit-of-parts according to any of the Clauses 23 - 25, wherein said one or more separate secondary supports (12) for said larvae (2) is / are selected from the group comprising bags, such as paper bags, such as being in the form of a bag comprising one or more sheets of paper being fused together along a major portion of a periphery thereof, and defining an opening at a section of the periphery.

[0271] Clause 27: An insect larvae storage (200) comprising the system (100) of any of the Clauses 1 - 22 in combination with one or more insect larvae (2); wherein said insect larvae is / are being supported onto said primary support (6) of said system (100).

[0272] Clause 28: An insect larvae storage (200) according to Clause 27, wherein said insect larvae is being of the species black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), common house fly (Musca domestica), blow fly (Lucilia sericata).

[0273] Clause 29: An insect larvae storage (200) according to Clause 27 or 28, wherein said insect larvae storage comprises a system (100) according to Clause 11 or 12, wherein said larvae (2) are being confined in said secondary support (12) and are being supported onto said primary support (6) in said container (4).

[0274] Clause 30: Use of a system (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 22, or of a kit-of-parts according to any of the Clauses 23 - 26 for reversibly bringing insect larvae (2) into a state of suspended animation.

[0275] Clause 31: A method for reversibly bringing insect larvae (2) into a state of suspended animation, said method comprises: i) providing a system (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 22 or providing a kit-of-parts according to any of the Clauses 23 - 26; ii) ensuring that said energy source is being mixed with said aqueous liquid so as to form said feedstuff (8) for said larvae; iii) ensuring that said primary support (6) and said feedstuff (8) are arranged in said container so as to be in contact with each other; iv) arranging one or more of said insect larvae (2) so as to become supported onto said primary support (6); v) allowing said insect larvae (2) to reversibly enter into a state of suspended animation; vi) keeping said insect larvae in a state of suspended animation for a predetermined duration of time.

[0276] Clause 32: A method according to Clause 31, wherein step iv) involves providing one or more separate secondary supports (12) for said larvae, and arranging said larvae (2) in one or more of said secondary supports (12), wherein each said secondary support for said larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

[0277] Clause 33: A method according to Clause 31 or 32 further comprising the step of: vii) bringing the state of suspended animation of said insect larvae (2) to termination by giving the larvae access to an energy source having increased complexity as to the composition of micro- and / or micronutrients thereof, relative to said feedstuff (8), such as to an energy source fully fulfilling the nutritious requirement of said insect larvae (2).

[0278] Clause 34: A method according to any of the Clauses 31 - 33 further comprising the step of collecting said insect larvae (2).

[0279] It should be understood that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof apply equally well to the other aspects of the present invention and embodiments thereof.

[0280] List of reference numerals

[0281] 2 Insect larvae

[0282] 4 Container

[0283] 6 Primary support 8 Feedstuff

[0284] 10 Enclosure of pad

[0285] 12 Separate secondary support

[0286] 14 Lid for container

[0287] 100 System for bringing insect larvae into suspended animation 200 Insect larvae storage

Claims

Claims1. A system (100) for reversibly bringing insect larvae (2) into a state of suspended animation, wherein said system is comprising:-container (4) for accommodating said larvae;-a primary support (6) which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae in said container (4);-an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids;-an aqueous liquid; wherein said energy source is being in the form of a feedstuff (8) for said larvae in the sense that said feedstuff comprises a mixture of said energy source and said aqueous liquid; wherein said primary support (6) and said feedstuff (8) are being arranged in said container(4) so as to be in contact with each other; wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is being in the form of a pad comprising an enclosure (10) of a water- and air-permeable material; wherein an inorganic material and / or an organic material is being enclosed in said enclosure.

2. A system (100) according to claim 1, wherein said aqueous liquid is being water, optionally comprising a water-soluble solute.

3. A system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said feedstuff (8) is being in the form of a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, or is in the form of a non-liquid, such as a paste.

4. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is being separate from said container (4), or is being separatable from said container (4) or is being integrated with said container (4).

5. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said primary support for said larvae is of a material which is being insoluble in water.

6. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is being in the form of a single coherent material or is being in the form of a plurality of separate physical entities.

7. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is being a porous support having liquid holding capacity, such as by being able to absorb said aqueous liquid.

8. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said primary support (6) for said larvae (2) is comprising an inorganic material, such as being selected from the groupcomprising: silica, gypsum, clay, vermiculite; and / or is comprising an organic material, such as being selected from the group comprising: cellulose, such as cotton or paper, wood, plant fibers, such as coherent plant fibers, such as husk; or fabrics, such as fabrics of natural fibers or artificially manufactured fibers; or an artificially manufactured material, such as a sponge.

9. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said enclosure (10) of said pad is being made from a sheet of cellulose-based material or is being made from of a sheet of perforated plastic; or is being in the form of a coating, such as a carbohydrate coating or a carbohydrate containing coating, such as a sugar coating or a sugar containing coating, such as a sugar syrup or a sugar syrup solution coating, or a sugar syrup or a sugar syrup solution containing coating; or is being in the form of a wax coating or a wax containing coating.

10. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims additionally comprising one or more separate secondary supports (12) for said larvae (2), wherein each said secondary support (12) for said larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

11. A system (100) according to claim 10, wherein said one or more separate secondary support (12) for said larvae (2) is / are selected from the group comprising bags, such as paper bags, plastic bags or bags made of a textile, such as being in the form of a bag, e.g. of paper comprising one or more sheets of paper being fused together along a major portion of a periphery thereof, and defining an opening at a section of the periphery.

12. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said carbohydrate(s) of said energy source is / are selected from the group comprising: monosaccharides, such as glucose or fructose, disaccharides, such as sucrose, polysaccharides, such as starch.

13. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lipid(s) of said energy source is / are selected from the group comprising: plant oil, such as sunflower oil, rape seed oil, grape seed oil, animal fat, such as lard or butter; or wax.

14. A system 100 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said energy source additionally comprises one or more of the following components: proteins, such as being in the form of yeast, diary by-products, such as casein; oil seed cakes, by-products from meat processing, by-products from egg processing, creatine.

15. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said energy source additionally comprises one or more micronutrients, such as minerals such as: calcium, iron, copper, iodine, manganese, magnesium, chrome, selenium, zinc and / or vitamins such as: vitamin A, vitamin B l, vitamin B3, vitamin B 12, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E), ethyl acetate, vinegar.

16. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said feedstuff (8) additionally comprises an antibacterial agent and / or an antifungal agent.

17. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said energy source additionally comprises one or more auxiliary ingredients or excipients, such as one or one or more emulsifier, one or more preservatives; or one or more food supplements.

18. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said system is configured in such a way that said primary support 6 is having a vertical extension that ensures that at least part of said primary support is being present above an upper surface of said feedstuff (8).

19. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said system is being configured for bringing an insect larvae of the species black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), common house fly (Musca domestica), blow fly (Lucilia sericata), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), fruit fly (Drosophilia melanogaster), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), mosquito (Anopheles stephensi) or yellow fewer mosquito (Aedes aegypti) into reversible suspended animation.

20. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a lid (14) for said container (4), such as a lid which is being configured to cover said container without preventing circulation of air in and out of said container or such as a lid providing hermetic closure.

21. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims with the proviso that said primary support and / or said feedstuff (8) independently is / are not being in the form of a gel or a fermented material and / or with the proviso that said system does not comprise a gel and / or with the proviso that said container (4), said primary support (6), said secondary support (12), said enclosure (10) of said pad independently does not in itself comprise a material selected from the group comprising a nutrient for said larvae, such as comprising carbohydrates, lipids or proteins.

22. A kit-of-parts for reversibly bringing insect larvae into a state of suspended animation, wherein said kit-of-parts comprising:-a container (4) for accommodating said larvae (2);-a primary support (6) which is being configured for physically supporting said larvae (2) in said container (4);-an energy source to be used as a feed for said larvae wherein said energy source comprises one or more carbohydrates or one or more lipids, or a mixture of said one or more carbohydrates and said one or more lipids; wherein said kit of parts is being configured to form a system (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 21 upon mixing said energy source with an aqueous liquid so as to form said feedstuff (8) and upon arranging said primary support (6) and said feedstuff (8) in said container so as to be in contact with each other.

23. A kit-of-parts according to claim 22, wherein said primary support (6) is as defined in any of the claims 1 - 21 and / or wherein said energy source is as defined in any of the claims 1 - 21.

24. A kit-of-parts according to claim 22 or 23, wherein said kit-of-parts additionally comprises a one or more separate secondary supports (12) for said larvae (2), wherein each said secondary support for said larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

25. A kit-of-parts according to any of the claims 22 - 24, wherein said one or more separate secondary supports (12) for said larvae (2) is / are selected from the group comprising bags, such as paper bags, such as being in the form of a bag comprising one or more sheets of paper being fused together along a major portion of a periphery thereof, and defining an opening at a section of the periphery.

26. An insect larvae storage (200) comprising the system (100) of any of the claims 1 - 21 in combination with one or more insect larvae (2); wherein said insect larvae is / are being supported onto said primary support (6) of said system (100).

27. An insect larvae storage (200) according to claim 26, wherein said insect larvae is being of the species black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), common house fly (Musca domestica), blow fly (Lucilia sericata), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), fruit fly (Drosophilia melanogaster), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) or mosquito (Anopheles stephensi) or yellow fewer mosquito (Aedes aegypti).

28. An insect larvae storage (200) according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said insect larvae storage comprises a system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said larvae (2) are being confined in said secondary support (12) and are being supported onto said primary support (6) in said container (4).

29. Use of a system (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 21, or of a kit-of-parts according to any of the claims 21 - 25 for reversibly bringing insect larvae (2) into a state of suspended animation.

30. A method for reversibly bringing insect larvae (2) into a state of suspended animation, said method comprises: i) providing a system (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 21 or providing a kit-of-parts according to any of the claims 22 - 25; ii) ensuring that said energy source is being mixed with said aqueous liquid so as to form said feedstuff (8) for said larvae; iii) ensuring that said primary support (6) and said feedstuff (8) are arranged in said container so as to be in contact with each other; iv) arranging one or more of said insect larvae (2) so as to become supported onto said primary support (6); v) allowing said insect larvae (2) to reversibly enter into a state of suspended animation;vi) keeping said insect larvae in a state of suspended animation for a predetermined duration of time.

31. A method according to claim 30, wherein step iv) involves providing one or more separate secondary supports (12) for said larvae, and arranging said larvae (2) in one or more of said secondary supports (12), wherein each said secondary support for said larvae comprises a water- and air-permeable material defining a confined space for accommodating said larvae.

32. A method according to claim 30 or 31 further comprising the step of: vii) bringing the state of suspended animation of said insect larvae (2) to termination by giving the larvae access to an energy source having increased complexity as to the composition of macro- and / or micronutrients thereof, relative to said feedstuff (8), said energy source being an energy source fully fulfilling the nutritious requirement of said insect larvae (2).

33. A method according to any of the claims 301 - 32 further comprising the step of collecting said insect larvae (2).

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