Design Strategies for Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries with High Zinc Utilization: From Metal Anodes to Anode-Free Structures

Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage due to the excellent safety, environmental friendliness, natural abundance, high theoretical specific capacity, and low redox potential of zinc(Zn) metal. However,several issues such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation of Zn metal anodes cause irreversible loss of the active materials. To solve these issues, researchers often use large amounts of excess Zn to ensure a continuous supply of active materials for Zn anodes. This leads to the ultralow utilization of Zn anodes and squanders the high energy density of AZMBs. Herein, the design strategies for AZMBs with high Zn utilization are discussed in depth, from utilizing thinner Zn foils to constructing anode-free structures with theoretical Zn utilization of 100%, which provides comprehensive guidelines for further research. Representative methods for calculating the depth of discharge of Zn anodes with different structures are first summarized. The reasonable modification strategies of Zn foil anodes, current collectors with pre-deposited Zn, and anode-free aqueous Zn metal batteries(AF-AZMBs) to improve Zn utilization are then detailed. In particular, the working mechanism of AF-AZMBs is systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for constructing high-utilization Zn anodes are presented.

Carbon enhanced nucleophilicity of Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3):A general approach for dendrite-free zinc metal anodes

Zincophilic property and high electrical conductivity are both very important parameters to design novel Zn anode for aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs).However,single material is difficult to exhibit zincophilic property and high electrical conductivity at the same time.Herein,originating from theoretical calculation,a zincophilic particle regulation strategy is proposed to address these limitations and carbon coated Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)is taken as an example to be a protective layer on zinc metal(NVPC@Zn).Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)(NVP)is a common cathode material for Zn-ion batteries,which is zincophilic.Carbon materials not only offer an electron pathway to help Zn deposition onto NVPC surface,but also enhance the zinc nucleophilicity of Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3).Hence,this hybrid coating layer can tune zinc deposition and resist side reactions such as hydrogen generation and Zn metal corrosion.Experimentally,a symmetrical battery with NVPC@Zn electrode displays highly reversible plating/stripping behavior with a long cycle lifespan over 1800 h at2 mA cm^(-2),much better than carbon and Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)solely modified Zn electrodes.When the Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)is replaced with zincophobic Al2O3or zincophilic V2O3,the stability of the modified zinc anodes is also prolonged.This strategy expands the option of zincophilic materials and provides a general and effective way to stabilize the Zn electrode.

Growth and inhibition of zinc anode dendrites in Zn-air batteries:Model and experiment

Zinc(Zn)-air batteries are widely used in secondary battery research owing to their high theoretical energy density,good electrochemical reversibility,stable discharge performance,and low cost of the anode active material Zn.However,the Zn anode also leads to many challenges,including dendrite growth,deformation,and hydrogen precipitation self-corrosion.In this context,Zn dendrite growth has a greater impact on the cycle lives.In this dissertation,a dendrite growth model for a Zn-air battery was established based on electrochemical phase field theory,and the effects of the charging time,anisotropy strength,and electrolyte temperature on the morphology and growth height of Zn dendrites were studied.A series of experiments was designed with different gradient influencing factors in subsequent experiments to verify the theoretical simulations,including elevated electrolyte temperatures,flowing electrolytes,and pulsed charging.The simulation results show that the growth of Zn dendrites is controlled mainly by diffusion and mass transfer processes,whereas the electrolyte temperature,flow rate,and interfacial energy anisotropy intensity are the main factors.The experimental results show that an optimal electrolyte temperature of 343.15 K,an optimal electrolyte flow rate of 40 ml·min^(-1),and an effective pulse charging mode.

Recent advances and perspectives of zinc metal-free anodes for zinc ion batteries

Zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs) are recognized as potential energy storage devices due to their advantages of low cost, high energy density, and environmental friendliness. However, zinc anodes are subject to unavoidable zinc dendrites, passivation, corrosion, and hydrogen evolution reactions during the charging and discharging of batteries, becoming obstacles to the practical application of ZIBs. Appropriate zinc metal-free anodes provide a higher working potential than metallic zinc anodes, effectively solving the problems of zinc dendrites, hydrogen evolution, and side reactions during the operation of metallic zinc anodes. The improvement in the safety and cycle life of batteries creates conditions for further commercialization of ZIBs. Therefore, this work systematically introduces the research progress of zinc metal-free anodes in “rocking chair” ZIBs. Zinc metal-free anodes are mainly discussed in four categories: transition metal oxides,transition metal sulfides, MXene(two dimensional transition metal carbide) composites, and organic compounds, with discussions on their properties and zinc storage mechanisms. Finally, the outlook for the development of zinc metal-free anodes is proposed. This paper is expected to provide a reference for the further promotion of commercial rechargeable ZIBs.

An Electrochemical Perspective of Aqueous Zinc Metal Anode

Based on the attributes of nonflammability,environmental benignity,and cost-effectiveness of aqueous electrolytes,as well as the favorable compatibility of zinc metal with them,aqueous zinc ions batteries(AZIBs)become the leading energy storage candidate to meet the requirements of safety and low cost.Yet,aqueous electrolytes,acting as a double-edged sword,also play a negative role by directly or indirectly causing various parasitic reactions at the zinc anode side.These reactions include hydrogen evolution reaction,passivation,and dendrites,resulting in poor Coulombic efficiency and short lifespan of AZIBs.A comprehensive review of aqueous electrolytes chemistry,zinc chemistry,mechanism and chemistry of parasitic reactions,and their relationship is lacking.Moreover,the understanding of strategies for suppressing parasitic reactions from an electrochemical perspective is not profound enough.In this review,firstly,the chemistry of electrolytes,zinc anodes,and parasitic reactions and their relationship in AZIBs are deeply disclosed.Subsequently,the strategies for suppressing parasitic reactions from the perspective of enhancing the inherent thermodynamic stability of electrolytes and anodes,and lowering the dynamics of parasitic reactions at Zn/electrolyte interfaces are reviewed.Lastly,the perspectives on the future development direction of aqueous electrolytes,zinc anodes,and Zn/electrolyte interfaces are presented.

Towards advanced zinc anodes by interfacial modification strategies for efficient aqueous zinc metal batteries

Developing sustainable and clean energy sources(e.g.,solar,wind,and tide energy)is essential to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.Due to the discontinuous and inco nsistent nature of common clean energy sources,high-performance energy storage technologies are a critical part of achieving this target.Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)with inherent safety,low cost,and competitive performance are regarded as one of the promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage.However,zinc metal anodes(ZMAs)with irreversible problems of dendrite growth,hydrogen evolution reaction,self-corrosio n,and other side reactions have seriously hindered the development and commercialization of AZMBs.An increasing number of researchers are focusing on the stability of ZMAs,so assessing the effectiveness of existing research strategies is critical to the development of AZMBs.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and challenges of AZMBs.Resea rch strategies for interfacial modification of ZMAs are systematically presented.The features of artificial interfacial coating and in-situ interfacial coating of ZMAs are compared and discussed in detail,as well as the effect of modified interfacial ZMA on the full-battery performance.Finally,perspectives are provided on the problems and challenges of ZMAs.This review is expected to offer a constructive reference for the further development and commercialization of AZMBs.

Double-Doped Carbon-Based Electrodes with Nitrogen and Oxygen to Boost the Areal Capacity of Zinc-Bromine Flow Batteries

Ensuring a stable power output from renewable energy sources,such as wind and solar energy,depends on the development of large-scale and long-duration energy storage devices.Zinc–bromine fl ow batteries(ZBFBs)have emerged as cost-eff ective and high-energy-density solutions,replacing expensive all-vanadium fl ow batteries.However,uneven Zn deposition during charging results in the formation of problematic Zn dendrites,leading to mass transport polarization and self-discharge.Stable Zn plating and stripping are essential for the successful operation of high-areal-capacity ZBFBs.In this study,we successfully synthesized nitrogen and oxygen co-doped functional carbon felt(NOCF4)electrode through the oxidative polymerization of dopamine,followed by calcination under ambient conditions.The NOCF4 electrode eff ectively facilitates effi cient“shuttle deposition”of Zn during charging,signifi cantly enhancing the areal capacity of the electrode.Remarkably,ZBFBs utilizing NOCF4 as the anode material exhibited stable cycling performance for 40 cycles(approximately 240 h)at an areal capacity of 60 mA h/cm^(2).Even at a high areal capacity of 130 mA h/cm^(2),an impressive energy effi ciency of 76.98%was achieved.These fi ndings provide a promising pathway for the development of high-areal-capacity ZBFBs for advanced energy storage systems.

Stable anode-free zinc-ion batteries enabled by alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface

Newly-proposed anode-free zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)are promising to remarkably enhance the energy density of ZIBs,but are restricted by the unfavorable zinc deposition interface that causes poor cycling stability.Herein,we report a Cu-Zn alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface to achieve stable anode-free ZIBs.The alloy network can not only stabilize the zinc deposition interface by suppressing 2D diffusion and corrosion reactions but also enhance zinc plating/stripping kinetics by accelerating zinc desolvation and nucleation processes.Consequently,the alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface realizes high coulombic efficiency of 99.2%and high stability.As proof,Zn//Zn symmetric cells with the alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface present long operation lifetimes of 1900 h at 1 m A/cm^(2)and 1200 h at 5 m A/cm^(2),significantly superior to Zn//Zn symmetric cells with unmodified zinc deposition interface(whose operation lifetime is shorter than 50 h),and meanwhile,Zn3V3O8cathodebased ZIBs with the alloy network-modified zinc anodes show notably enhanced rate capability and cycling performance than ZIBs with bare zinc anodes.As expected,the alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface enables anode-free ZIBs with Zn3V3O8cathodes to deliver superior cycling stability,better than most currently-reported anode-free ZIBs.This work provides new thinking in constructing high-performance anode-free ZIBs and promotes the development of ZIBs.

Dietary supplementation of zinc oxide modulates intestinal functionality during the post-weaning period in clinically healthy piglets

Background To improve our understanding of host and intestinal microbiome interaction,this research investigated the effects of a high-level zinc oxide in the diet as model intervention on the intestinal microbiome and small intestinal functionality in clinically healthy post-weaning piglets.In study 1,piglets received either a high concentration of zinc(Zn)as zinc oxide(Zn O,Zn,2,690 mg/kg)or a low Zn concentration(100 mg/kg)in the diet during the post weaning period(d 14–23).The effects on the piglet's small intestinal microbiome and functionality of intestinal tissue were investigated.In study 2,the impact of timing of the dietary zinc intervention was investigated,i.e.,between d 0–14 and/or d 14–23 post weaning,and the consecutive effects on the piglet's intestinal functionality,here referring to microbiota composition and diversity and gene expression profiles.Results Differences in the small intestinal functionality were observed during the post weaning period between piglets receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content.A shift in the microbiota composition in the small intestine was observed that could be characterized as a non-pathological change,where mainly the commensals inter-changed.In the immediate post weaning period,i.e.,d 0–14,the highest number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in intestinal tissue were observed between animals receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content,i.e.,23 DEGs in jejunal tissue and 11 DEGs in ileal tissue.These genes are involved in biological processes related to immunity and inflammatory responses.For example,genes CD59 and REG3G were downregulated in the animals receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content in both jejunum and ileum tissue.In the second study,a similar result was obtained regarding the expression of genes in intestinal tissue related to immune pathways when comparing piglets receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content.Conclusions Supplementing a diet with a pharmaceutical level of Zn as Zn O for clinically healthy post weaning piglets influences various aspects intestinal functionality,in particular in the first two weeks post-weaning.The model intervention increased both the alpha diversity of the intestinal microbiome and the expression of a limited number of genes linked to the local immune system in intestinal tissue.The effects do not seem related to a direct antimicrobial effect of Zn O.

Correction: Surface Patterning of Metal ZincElectrode with an In-Region Zincophilic Interfacefor High-Rate and Long-Cycle-Life Zinc MetalAnode

Correction to:Nano-Micro Letters(2024)16:112 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01327-2 In the supplementary information the following corrections have been carried out:1.Institute of Energy and Climate Research,Materials Synthesis and Processing,Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH,52425 Jülich,Germany.Corrected:Institute of Energy and Climate Research:Materials Synthesis and Processing(IEK-1),Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH,52425 Jülich,Germany.

Polymer engineering for electrodes of aqueous zinc ion batteries

With the increasing demand for scalable and cost-effective electrochemical energy storage,aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs)have a broad application prospect as an inexpensive,efficient,and naturally secure energy storage device.However,the limitations suffered by AZIBs,including volume expansion and active materials dissolution of the cathode,electrochemical corrosion,irreversible side reactions,zinc dendrites of the anode,have seriously decelerated the civilianization process of AZIBs.Currently,polymers have tremendous superiority for application in AZIBs attributed to their exceptional chemical stability,tunable structure,high energy density and outstanding mechanical properties.Considering the expanding applications of AZIBs and the superiority of polymers,this comprehensive paper meticulously reviews the benefits of utilizing polymeric applied to cathodes and anodes,respectively.To begin with,with adjustable structure as an entry point,the correlation between polymer structure and the function of energy storage as well as optimization is deeply investigated in respect to the mechanism.Then,depending on the diversity of properties and structures,the development of polymers in AZIBs is summarized,including conductive polymers,redox polymers as well as carbon composite polymers for cathode and polyvinylidene fluoride-,carbonyl-,amino-,nitrile-based polymers for anode,and a comprehensive evaluation of the shortcomings of these strategies is provided.Finally,an outlook highlights some of the challenges posed by the application of polymers and offers insights into the potential future direction of polymers in AZIBs.It is designed to provide a thorough reference for researchers and developers working on polymer for AZIBs.

Effect of mesopore spatial distribution of HZSM-5 catalyst on zinc state and product distribution in 1-hexene aromatization

1-hexene aromatization is a promising technology to convert excess olefin in fluid catalytic cracking(FCC)gasoline to high-value benzene(B),toluene(T),and xylene.Besides,the increasing market demand of xylene has put forward higher requirements for new generation of catalyst.For increasing xylene yield in 1-hexene aromatization,the effect of mesopore structure and spatial distribution on product distribution and Zn loading was studied.Catalysts with different mesopore spatial distribution were prepared by post-treatment of parent HZSM-5 zeolite,including NaOH treatment,tetra-propylammonium hydroxide(TPAOH)treatment,and recrystallization.It was found the evenly distributed mesopore mainly prolongs the catalyst lifetime by enhancing diffusion properties but reduces the aromatics selectivity,as a result of damage of micropores close to the catalyst surface.While the selectivity of high-value xylene can be highly promoted when the mesopore is mainly distributed interior the catalyst.Besides,the state of loaded Zn was also affected by mesopores spatial distribution.On the optimized catalyst,the xylene selectivity was enhanced by 12.4%compared with conventional Zn-loaded parent HZSM-5 catalyst at conversion over 99%.It was attributed to the synergy effect of mesopores spatial distribution and optimized acid properties.This work reveals the role of mesopores in different spatial positions of 1-hexene aromatization catalysts in the reaction process and the influence on metal distribution,as well as their synergistic effect two on the improvement of xylene selectivity,which can improve our understanding of catalyst pore structure and be helpful for the rational design of high-efficient catalyst.

Regulating interfacial behavior of zinc metal anode via metal-organic framework functionalized separator

Aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs)are one of the promising energy storage devices.However,uncontrolled dendrite and side reactions have seriously hindered its further application.In this study,the metal-organic framework(MOF)functionalized glass fiber separator(GF-PFC-31)was used to regulate interfacial behavior of zinc metal anode,enabling the development of high-performance AZIBs.In PFC-31,there areπ-πinteractions between two adjacent benzene rings with a spacing of 3.199 A.This spacing can block the passage of[Zn(H_(2)O)_6]^(2+)(8.6 A in diameter)through the GF-PFC-31 separator to a certain extent,which promotes the deposition process of Zn ions.In addition,the sulfonic acid group(-S03H)contained in GF-PFC-31 can form a hydrogen bonding network with H_(2)O,which can provide a desolvation effect and reduce the side reaction.Consequently,GF-PFC-31 separator achieves uniform deposition of Zn ions.The Zn‖GF-PFC-31‖Zn symmetric cell exhibits stable cycle life(3000 h at 1.2 mA cm^(-2),2000 h at 0.3 mA cm^(-2),and 2000 h at 5.0 mA cm^(-2)),and Zn‖GF-PFC-31‖MnO_(2) full cell with GF-PFC-31 separator can cycle for 1000 cycles at 1.2 A g^(-1)with capacity retention rate of 82.5%.This work provides a promising method to achieve high-performance AZIBs.

Vanadium oxide nanospheres encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanofibers with morphology and defect dual-engineering toward advanced aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Vanadium-based electrodes are regarded as attractive cathode materials in aqueous zinc ion batteries(ZIBs)caused by their high capacity and unique layered structure.However,it is extremely challenging to acquire high electrochemical performance owing to the limited electronic conductivity,sluggish ion kinetics,and severe volume expansion during the insertion/extraction process of Zn^(2+).Herein,a series of V_(2)O_(3)nanospheres embedded N-doped carbon nanofiber structures with various V_(2)O_(3)spherical morphologies(solid,core-shell,hollow)have been designed for the first time by an electrospinning technique followed thermal treatments.The N-doped carbon nanofibers not only improve the electrical conductivity and the structural stability,but also provides encapsulating shells to prevent the vanadium dissolution and aggregation of V_(2)O_(3)particles.Furthermore,the varied morphological structures of V_(2)O_(3)with abundant oxygen vacancies can alleviate the volume change and increase the Zn^(2+)pathway.Besides,the phase transition between V_(2)O_(3)and Zn_XV_(2)O_(5-m)·n H_(2)O in the cycling was also certified.As a result,the as-obtained composite delivers excellent long-term cycle stability and enhanced rate performance for coin cells,which is also confirmed through density functional theory(DFT)calculations.Even assembled into flexible ZIBs,the sample still exhibits superior electrochemical performance,which may afford new design concept for flexible cathode materials of ZIBs.

In vitro performance of a biodegradable zinc alloy adjustable-loop cortical suspension fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)injuries of the knee are one of the most common and serious athletic injuries.The widely used cortical suspension fixation buttons for ligament reconstruction are permanent implants,particularly those made from conventional steel or titanium alloys.In this study,a biodegradable Zn-0.45Mn-0.2Mg(ZMM42)alloy with the yield strength of 300.4 MPa and tensile strength of 329.8 MPa was prepared through hot extrusion.The use of zinc alloys in the preparation of cortical suspension fixation buttons was proposed for the first time.After 35 d of immersion in simulated body fluids,the ZMM42 alloy fixation buttons were degraded at a rate of 44μm/a,and the fixation strength was retained(379.55 N)in the traction loops.Simultaneously,the ZMM42 alloy fixation buttons exhibited an increase in MC3T3-E1 cell viability and high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.These results reveal the potential of biodegradable zinc alloys for use as ligament reconstruction materials and for developing diverse zinc alloy cortical suspension fixation devices.

Novel high-voltage cathode for aqueous zinc ion batteries:Porous K_(0.5)VOPO_(4)·1.5H_(2)O with reversible solid-solution intercalation and conversion storage mechanism

Cathode materials that possess high output voltage,as well as those that can be mass-produced using facile techniques,are crucial for the advancement of aqueous zinc-ion battery(ZIBs)applications,Herein,we present for the first time a new porous K_(0.5)VOPO_(4)·1.5H_(2)O polyanionic cathode(P-KIVP)with high output voltage(above 1.2 V)that can be manufactured at room temperature using straightforward coprecipitation and etching techniques.The P-KVP cathode experiences anisotropic crystal plane expansion via a sequential solid-solution intercalation and phase co nversion pathway throughout the Zn^(2+)storage process,as confirmed by in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.Similar to other layered vanadium-based polyanionic materials,the P-KVP cathode experiences a progressive decline in voltage during the cycle,which is demonstrated to be caused by the irreversible conversion into amorphous VO_(x).By introducing a new electrolyte containing Zn(OTF)_(2) to a mixed triethyl phosphate and water solution,it is possible to impede this irreversible conversion and obtain a high output voltage and longer cycle life by forming a P-rich cathode electrolyte interface layer.As a proof-of-concept,the flexible fiber-shaped ZIBs based on modified electrolyte woven into a fabric watch band can power an electronic watch,highlighting the application potential of P-KVP cathode.

Mechanical reliable,NIR light-induced rapid self-healing hydrogel electrolyte towards flexible zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors with low-temperature adaptability and long service life

Hydrogel electrolytes hold great potential in flexible zinc ion supercapacitors(ZICs)due to their high conductivity,good safety,and flexibility.However,freezing of electrolytes at low temperature(subzero)leads to drastic reduction in ionic conductivity and mechanical properties that deteriorates the performance of flexible ZICs.Besides,the mechanical fracture during arbitrary deformations significantly prunes out the lifespan of the flexible device.Herein,a Zn^(2+)and Li^(+)co-doped,polypyrrole-dopamine decorated Sb_(2)S_(3)incorporated,and polyvinyl alcohol/poly(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide)double-network hydrogel electrolyte is constructed with favorable mechanical reliability,anti-freezing,and self-healing ability.In addition,it delivers ultra-high ionic conductivity of 8.6 and 3.7 S m^(-1)at 20 and−30°C,respectively,and displays excellent mechanical properties to withstand tensile stress of 1.85 MPa with tensile elongation of 760%,together with fracture energy of 5.14 MJ m^(-3).Notably,the fractured hydrogel electrolyte can recover itself after only 90 s of infrared illumination,while regaining 83%of its tensile strain and almost 100%of its ionic conductivity during−30–60°C.Moreover,ZICs coupled with this hydrogel electrolyte not only show a wide voltage window(up to 2 V),but also provide high energy density of 230 Wh kg^(-1)at power density of 500 W kg^(-1)with a capacity retention of 86.7%after 20,000 cycles under 20°C.Furthermore,the ZICs are able to retain excellent capacity even under various mechanical deformation at−30°C.This contribution will open up new insights into design of advanced wearable flexible electronics with environmental adaptability and long-life span.

Ultrathin Zincophilic Interphase Regulated Electric Double Layer Enabling Highly Stable Aqueous Zinc‑Ion Batteries

The practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries for large-grid scale systems is still hindered by uncontrolled zinc dendrite and side reactions.Regulating the elec-trical double layer via the electrode/electrolyte interface layer is an effective strategy to improve the stability of Zn anodes.Herein,we report an ultrathin zincophilic ZnS layer as a model regu-lator.At a given cycling current,the cell with Zn@ZnS electrode displays a lower potential drop over the Helmholtz layer(stern layer)and a suppressed diffuse layer,indicating the regulated charge distribution and decreased electric double layer repulsion force.Boosted zinc adsorption sites are also expected as proved by the enhanced electric double-layer capacitance.Consequently,the symmetric cell with the ZnS protection layer can stably cycle for around 3,000 h at 1 mA cm^(-2) with a lower overpotential of 25 mV.When coupled with an I2/AC cathode,the cell demonstrates a high rate performance of 160 mAh g^(-1) at 0.1 A g^(-1) and long cycling stability of over 10,000 cycles at 10 A g^(-1).The Zn||MnO_(2) also sustains both high capacity and long cycling stability of 130 mAh g^(-1) after 1,200 cycles at 0.5 A g^(-1).

Serum Zinc and Copper Level in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Patients and Its Correlation with Disease Duration-A Tertiary Hospital Study

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatic disease in children. It is associated with abnormal levels of serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) as during inflammation serum copper concentration increases and zinc decreases. Objective: To assess the serum Zn and Cu levels in different sub-types of JIA patients and their correlation with the disease duration. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over twelve months at the Pediatric Rheumatology Division, Department of Paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Sixty-nine JIA cases that fulfilled the International League of Association for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria were taken as cases and age and sex-matched healthy children were considered as controls. The serum Zn and Cu tests were done using the spectrophotometric method with INDIKO PLUS Drug Analyzer. Data were recorded in a pre-designed questionnaire. Data were checked, verified and analyzed manually where continuous variables were analyzed using unpaired t-test and categorical variables using the ANOVA test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to see the correlation of serum zinc and copper levels with disease duration. Results: Boys were predominant in both case and control groups, with the majority within the 10 to 16-year-age group. Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) was the most common subtype followed by sJIA, Oligo JIA, Poly JIA (RF-) and unclassified subtypes. Disease duration was found less than 12 months in 30.4% of JIA patients. Serum analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in mean zinc levels and increased copper levels in JIA patients compared to controls. This study observed a negative correlation between serum zinc levels and disease duration, whereas serum copper levels exhibited a positive correlation with disease duration. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that JIA patients exhibit alterations in serum zinc and copper levels. Serum copper levels showed a positive correlation and serum zinc levels showed a negative correlation with the duration of the disease.

Unveiling childhood asthma:Exploring biomarkers,zinc,and beyond

This editorial discusses a case-control study by Ibrahim et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics.Childhood bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease.It was found that an increase in oxidative stress leads to a decrease in antioxidants causing oxidative damage to mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes resulting in the inflammation of the airway,hypersecretion of mucus causing a cascade of clinical manifestations ranging from recurrent episodes of coughing,wheezing,and breathlessness to shortness of breath.Since oxidative stress mediates the inflammatory response in asthma,the supplementation of anti-oxidants can be one strategy to manage this disease.Zinc is one such antioxidant that has attracted much attention about asthma and airway inflammation.Zinc is a crucial trace element for human metabolism that helps to regulate gene expression,enzyme activity,and protein structure.Apart from zinc,free serum ferritin levels are also elevated in case of inflammation.Several previous studies found that ferritin levels may also help determine the pathology of disease and predict prognosis in addition to tracking disease activity.However,this study's results were different from the findings of the previous studies and the zinc levels did not show a significant difference between asthmatic children and non-asthmatic children but ferritin levels were significantly high in asthmatic children as compared to the controls.Hence,the possible role of the biochemical nutritional assessment including zinc and ferritin as biomarkers for asthma severity should be assessed in the future.