Calcium-sensitive protein MLC1 as a possible modulator of the astrocyte functional state

Astrocytes,the main population of glial cells in the central nervous system(CNS),exert essential tasks for the control of brain tissue homeostasis,supporting neuron and other glial cell activity from the developmental stage to adult life.To maintain the optimal functionality of the brain,astroglial cells are particularly committed to reacting to every change in tissue homeostatic conditions,from mild modifications of the physiological environment,a process called astrocyte activation,to the more severe alterations occurring in pathological situations causing astrocyte reactivity or reactive astrogliosis(Escartin et al.,2021).During these reactive states,astrocytes mount an active,progressive response encompassing morphological,molecular,and interactional remodeling,leading to the acquisition of new functions and the loss of others,whose intensity,duration,and reversibility are dependent on the nature of the stimulus and regulated in a context-specific manner.

Neuropeptide cholecystokinin:a key neuromodulator for hippocampal functions

Spatial memory is crucial for survival within external surroundings and wild environments.The hippocampus,a critical hub for spatial learning and memory formation,has received extensive investigations on how neuromodulators shape its functions(Teixeira et al.,2018;Zhang et al.,2024).However,the landscape of neuromodulations in the hippocampal system remains poorly understood because most studies focus on classical monoamine neuromodulators,such as acetylcholine,serotonin,dopamine,and noradrenaline.The neuropeptides,comprising the most abundant neuromodulators in the central nervous system,play a pivotal role in neural information processing in the hippocampal system.Cholecystokinin(CCK),one of the most abundant neuropeptides,has been implicated in regulating various physiological and neurobiological statuses(Chen et al.,2019).CCK-A receptor(CCK-AR)and CCK-B receptors(CCK-BR)are two key receptors mediating the biological functions of CCK,both of which belong to class-A sevenfold transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors(Nishimura et al.,2015).CCK-AR preferentially reacts to sulfated CCK,whereas CCK-BR binds both CCK and gastrin with similar affinities(Ding et al.,2022).The expression patterns of CCK-AR and CCK-BR are distinct,implying that CCK has various functions in target regions.For instance,CCK-AR is widely expressed in the GI and brain subregions and is hence implicated in the control of digestive function and satiety regulation.Conversely,CCK-BR is abundantly and widely distributed in the central nervous system,which majorly regulates anxiety,learning,and memory(Ding et al.,2022).However,the roles of endogenous CCK and CCK receptors in regulating hippocampal function at electrophysiological and behavioral levels have received less attention.

High-modulus solid electrolyte interphase layer with gradient composition enables long-cycle all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries(ASSLSBs) have become one of the most potential candidates for the next-generation high-energy systems due to their intrinsic safety and high theoretical energy density.However, PEO-based ASSLSBs face the dilemma of insufficient Coulombic efficiency and long-term stability caused by the coupling problems of dendrite growth of anode and polysulfide shuttle of cathode. In this work, 1,3,5-trioxane(TOX) is used as a functional additive to design a PEO-based composite solidstate electrolyte(denoted as TOX-CSE), which realizes the stable long-term cycle of an ASSLSB. The results show that TOX can in-situ decompose on the anode to form a composite solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) layer with rich-organic component. It yields a high average modulus of 5.0 GPa, greatly improving the mechanical stability of the SEI layer and thus inhibiting the growth of dendrites. Also,the robust SEI layer can act as a barrier to block the side reaction between polysulfides and lithium metal.As a result, a Li-Li symmetric cell assembled with a TOX-CSE exhibits prolonged cycling stability over 2000 h at 0.2 m A cm^(-2). The ASSLSB also shows a stable cycling performance of 500 cycles at 0.5 C.This work reveals the structure–activity relationship between the mechanical property of interface layer and the battery's cycling stability.

Advances in All-Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries for Commercialization

Solid-state batteries are commonly acknowledged as the forthcoming evolution in energy storage technologies.Recent development progress for these rechargeable batteries has notably accelerated their trajectory toward achieving commercial feasibility.In particular,all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries(ASSLSBs)that rely on lithium-sulfur reversible redox processes exhibit immense potential as an energy storage system,surpassing conventional lithium-ion batteries.This can be attributed predominantly to their exceptional energy density,extended operational lifespan,and heightened safety attributes.Despite these advantages,the adoption of ASSLSBs in the commercial sector has been sluggish.To expedite research and development in this particular area,this article provides a thorough review of the current state of ASSLSBs.We delve into an in-depth analysis of the rationale behind transitioning to ASSLSBs,explore the fundamental scientific principles involved,and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the main challenges faced by ASSLSBs.We suggest that future research in this field should prioritize plummeting the presence of inactive substances,adopting electrodes with optimum performance,minimizing interfacial resistance,and designing a scalable fabrication approach to facilitate the commercialization of ASSLSBs.

Stable Cycling of All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Salt Engineering of PEO-Based Polymer Electrolytes

Poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)-based polymer electrolytes show the prospect in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries;however,they present limitations of low room-temperature ionic conductivity,and interfacial incompatibility with high voltage cathodes.Therefore,a salt engineering of 1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane-1,3-disulfonimide lithium salt(LiHFDF)/LiTFSI system was developed in PEO-based electrolyte,demonstrating to effectively regulate Li ion transport and improve the interfacial stability under high voltage.We show,by manipulating the interaction between PEO matrix and TFSI^(-)-HFDF^(-),the optimized solid-state polymer electrolyte achieves maximum Li+conduction of 1.24×10^(-4)S cm^(-1)at 40℃,which is almost 3 times of the baseline.Also,the optimized polymer electrolyte demonstrates outstanding stable cycling in the LiFePO_(4)/Li and LiNi_(0.8)Mn_(0.1)Co_(0.1)O_(2)/Li(3.0-4.4 V,200 cycles)based all-solid-state lithium batteries at 40℃.

Borohydride Ammoniate Solid Electrolyte Design for All-Solid-State Mg Batteries

Searching for novel solid electrolytes is of great importance and challenge for all-solid-state Mg batteries.In this work,we develop an amorphous Mg borohydride ammoniate,Mg(BH_(4))_(2)·2NH_(3),as a solid Mg electrolyte that prepared by a NH_(3)redistribution between 3D framework-γ-Mg(BH_(4))_(2)and Mg(BH_(4))_(2)·6NH_(3).Amorphous Mg(BH_(4))_(2)·2NH_(3)exhibits a high Mg-ion conductivity of 5×10^(-4)S cm^(-1)at 75℃,which is attributed to the fast migration of abundant Mg vacancies according to the theoretical calculations.Moreover,amorphous Mg(BH_(4))_(2)·2NH_(3)shows an apparent electrochemical stability window of 0-1.4 V with the help of in-situ formed interphases,which can prevent further side reactions without hindering the Mg-ion transfer.Based on the above superiorities,amorphous Mg(BH_(4))_(2)·2NH_(3)enables the stable cycling of all-solid-state Mg cells,as the critical current density reaches 3.2 mA cm^(-2)for Mg symmetrical cells and the reversible specific capacity reaches 141 mAh g^(-1)with a coulombic efficiency of 91.7%(first cycle)for Mg||TiS_(2)cells.

A dynamic database of solid-state electrolyte(DDSE)picturing all-solid-state batteries

All-solid-state batteries(ASSBs)are a class of safer and higher-energy-density materials compared to conventional devices,from which solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are their essential components.To date,investigations to search for high ion-conducting solid-state electrolytes have attracted broad concern.However,obtaining SSEs with high ionic conductivity is challenging due to the complex structural information and the less-explored structure-performance relationship.To provide a solution to these challenges,developing a database containing typical SSEs from available experimental reports would be a new avenue to understand the structureperformance relationships and find out new design guidelines for reasonable SSEs.Herein,a dynamic experimental database containing>600 materials was developed in a wide range of temperatures(132.40–1261.60 K),including mono-and divalent cations(e.g.,Li^(+),Na^(+),K^(+),Ag^(+),Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),and Zn^(2+))and various types of anions(e.g.,halide,hydride,sulfide,and oxide).Data-mining was conducted to explore the relationships among different variates(e.g.,transport ion,composition,activation energy,and conductivity).Overall,we expect that this database can provide essential guidelines for the design and development of high-performance SSEs in ASSB applications.This database is dynamically updated,which can be accessed via our open-source online system.

Thin polymer electrolyte with MXene functional layer for uniform Li^(+) deposition in all-solid-state lithium battery

Solid polymer electrolyte(SPE) shows great potential for all-solid-state batteries because of the inherent safety and flexibility;however, the unfavourable Li+deposition and large thickness hamper its development and application. Herein, a laminar MXene functional layer-thin SPE layer-cathode integration(MXene-PEO-LFP) is designed and fabricated. The MXene functional layer formed by stacking rigid MXene nanosheets imparts higher compressive strength relative to PEO electrolyte layer. And the abundant negatively-charged groups on MXene functional layer effectively repel anions and attract cations to adjust the charge distribution behavior at electrolyte–anode interface. Furthermore,the functional layer with rich lithiophilic groups and outstanding electronic conductivity results in low Li nucleation overpotential and nucleation energy barrier. In consequence, the cell assembled with MXene-PEO-LFP, where the PEO electrolyte layer is only 12 μm, much thinner than most solid electrolytes, exhibits uniform, dendrite-free Li+deposition and excellent cycling stability. High capacity(142.8 mAh g-1), stable operation of 140 cycles(capacity decay per cycle, 0.065%), and low polarization potential(0.5 C) are obtained in this Li|MXene-PEO-LFP cell,which is superior to most PEO-based electrolytes under identical condition. This integrated design may provide a strategy for the large-scale application of thin polymer electrolytes in all-solid-state battery.

Pressure-Induced Pre-Lithiation Enables High-Performing Si Anodes in All-Solid-State Batteries

A commentary on pressure-induced pre-lithiation towards Si anodes in allsolid-state Li-ion batteries(ASSLIBs)using sulfide electrolytes(SEs)is presented.First,feasible pre-lithiation technologies for Si anodes in SE-based ASSLIBs especially the significant pressure-induced pre-lithiation strategies are briefly reviewed.Then,a recent achievement by Meng et al.in this field is elaborated in detail.Finally,the significance of Meng’s work is discussed.

High rate and ultralong life flexible all-solid-state zinc ion battery based on electron density modulated NiCo_(2)O_(4) nanosheets

The development of zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) with large capacity,high rate,and durable cathode material is a crucial and urgent task.Ni Co_(2)O_(4)(NCO) has received ever-growing interest as a potential cathode material for ZIBs,owing to the high theoretical capacity,rich source,cost-effective,and versatile redox nature.However,due to the slow dynamics of the NCO electrodes,its practical application in highperformance systems is severely limited.Herein,we report an electron density modulated NCO nanosheets (N-NCO NSs) with high-kinetics Zn^(2+)-storage capability as an additive-free cathode for flexible all-solid-state (ASS) ZIBs.By virtue of the enhanced electronic conductivity,improved reaction kinetics,and increased active sites,the optimized N-NCO NSs electrode delivers a high capacity of 357.7 m Ah g^(-1)at 1.0 A g^(-1)and a superior rate capacity of 201.4 m Ah g^(-1)at 20 A g^(-1).More importantly,a flexible ASS ZIBs device is manufactured using a solid polymer electrolyte of a poly (vinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene)(PVDF-HFP) film.The flexible ASS ZIBs device shows superb durability with 80.2%capacity retention after 20,000 cycles and works well in the range of-20–70℃.Furthermore,the flexible ASS ZIBs achieves an impressive energy density as high as 578.1 W h kg^(-1)with a peak power density of 33.6 k W kg^(-1),substantially outperforming those latest ZIBs.This work could provide valuable insights for constructing high-kinetics and high-capability cathodes with long-term stability for flexible ASS ZIBs.

Alleviating the sluggish kinetics of all-solid-state batteries via cathode single-crystallization and multi-functional interface modification

The application of Li-rich Mn-based cathodes, the most promising candidates for high-energy-density Liion batteries, in all-solid-state batteries can further enhance the safety and stability of battery systems.However, the utilization of high-capacity Li-rich cathodes has been limited by sluggish kinetics and severe interfacial issues in all-solid-state batteries. Here, a multi-functional interface modification strategy involving dispersed submicron single-crystal structure and multi-functional surface modification layer obtained through in-situ interfacial chemical reactions was designed to improve the electrochemical performance of Li-rich Mn-based cathodes in all-solid-state batteries. The design of submicron single-crystal structure promotes the interface contact between the cathode particles and the solid-state electrolyte,and thus constructs a more complete ion and electron conductive network in the composite cathode.Furthermore, the Li-gradient layer and the lithium molybdate coating layer constructed on the surface of single-crystal Li-rich particles accelerate the transport of Li ions at the interface, suppress the side reactions between cathodes and electrolyte, and inhibit the oxygen release on the cathode surface. The optimized Li-rich cathode materials exhibit excellent electrochemical performance in halide all-solid-state batteries. This study emphasizes the vital importance of reaction kinetics and interfacial stability of Lirich cathodes in all-solid-state batteries and provides a facile modification strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries based on Li-rich cathodes.

Influence of substrate effect on near-field radiative modulator based on biaxial hyperbolic materials

Relative rotation between the emitter and receiver could effectively modulate the near-field radiative heat transfer(NFRHT)in anisotropic media.Due to the strong in-plane anisotropy,natural hyperbolic materials can be used to construct near-field radiative modulators with excellent modulation effects.However,in practical applications,natural hyperbolic materials need to be deposited on the substrate,and the influence of substrate on modulation effect has not been studied yet.In this work,we investigate the influence of substrate effect on near-field radiative modulator based onα-MoO_(3).The results show that compared to the situation without a substrate,the presence of both lossless and lossy substrate will reduce the modulation contrast(MC)for different film thicknesses.When the real or imaginary component of the substrate permittivity increases,the mismatch of hyperbolic phonon polaritons(HPPs)weakens,resulting in a reduction in MC.By reducing the real and imaginary components of substrate permittivity,the MC can be significantly improved,reaching 4.64 forε_(s)=3 at t=10 nm.This work indicates that choosing a substrate with a smaller permittivity helps to achieve a better modulation effect,and provides guidance for the application of natural hyperbolic materials in the near-field radiative modulator.

Liquid metal as an efficient protective layer for lithium metal anodes in all-solid-state batteries

Lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid-state electrolytes have emerged as strong and attractive candidates for electrochemical energy storage devices because of their high-energy content and safety.Nonetheless,inherent challenges of deleterious lithium dendrite growth and poor interfacial stability hinder their commercial application.Herein,we report a liquid metal-coated lithium metal(LM@Li)anode strategy to improve the contact between lithium metal and a Li6PS5Cl inorganic electrolyte.The LM@Li symmetric cell shows over 1000 h of stable lithium plating/stripping cycles at 2mA cm^(-2) and a significantly higher critical current density of 9.8 mAcm^(-2) at 25°C.In addition,a full battery assembled with a high-capacity composite LiNbO3@-LiNi_(0.7)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)(LNO@NCM721)cathode shows stable cycling performance.Experimental and computational results have demonstrated that dendrite growth tolerance and physical contact in solid-state batteries can be reinforced by using LM interlayers for interfacial modification.

Armoring lithium metal anode with soft–rigid gradient interphase toward high-capacity and long-life all-solid-state battery

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)are highly promising for realizing high-capacity,low-cost,and safe Li metal batteries.However,the Li dendritic growth and side reactions between Li and SPEs also plague these systems.Herein,a fluorinated lithium salt coating(FC)with organic-inorganic gradient and soft–rigid feature is introduced on Li surface as an artificial protective layer by the in-situ reaction between Li metal and fluorinated carboxylic acid.The FC layer can improve the interface stability and wettability between Li and SPEs,assist the transport of Li ions,and guide Li nucleation,contributing to a dendrite-free Li deposition and long-lifespan Li metal batteries.The symmetric cell with FC-Li anodes exhibits a high areal capacity of 1 mAh cm^(-2)at 0.5 mA cm^(-2),and an ultra-long lifespan of 2000 h at a current density of 0.1 mA cm^(-2).Moreover,the full cell paired with the LiFePO4 cathode exhibits improved cycling stability,remaining 83.7%capacity after 500 cycles at 1 C.When matching with the S cathode,the FC layer can prevent the shuttle effect,contributing to stable and high-capacity Li–S battery.This work provided a promising way for the construction of stable all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with prolonged lifespan.

Boosting the cycling stability of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries through MOF-based polymeric protective layers

Solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)play a pivotal role in advancing next-generation lithium metal battery technology.However,they commonly encounter substantial interfacial resistance and poor stability when interfacing with lithium metal,hindering practical applications.Herein,we introduce a flexible metal-organic framework(MOF:NUS-6)-incorporated polymeric layer,denoted as NP,designed to protect the sodium superionic conductor(NASICON)-type Li_(1.3)Al_(0.3)Ti_(1.7)(PO_(4))_(3)(LATP)electrolyte from Li metal anodes.The NP matrix establishes a soft interface with the LATP surface,effectively reducing voids and gaps that may arise between the LATP electrolyte and Li metal.Moreover,the MOF component in NP enhances ionic conductivity,offers abundant Li^(+)transport sites,and provides hierarchical ion channels,ensuring a homogeneous Li^(+)flow and thus effectively inhibiting Li dendrite formation.Utilizing NP,we fabricate Li symmetrical cells cycled for over 1600 h at 0.2 mA cm^(-2)and all-solid-state LiINP-LATPI LiFePO_(4)batteries,achieving a remarkable 99.3%capacity retention after 200 cycles at 0.2 C.This work outlines a general strategy for designing long-lasting and stable solid-state Li metal batteries.

Stable Cycling of All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries Enabled by Cyano-Molecular Diamond Improved Polymer Electrolytes

The interfacial instability of the poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)-based electrolytes impedes the long-term cycling and further application of all-solid-state lithium metal batter-ies.In this work,we have shown an effective additive 1-adaman-tanecarbonitrile,which con-tributes to the excellent per-formance of the poly(ethylene oxide)-based electrolytes.Owing to the strong interaction of the 1-Adamantanecarboni-trile to the polymer matrix and anions,the coordination of the Li^(+)-EO is weakened,and the binding effect of anions is strengthened,thereby improving the Li^(+)conductivity and the electrochemical stability.The diamond building block on the surface of the lithium anode can sup-press the growth of lithium dendrites.Importantly,the 1-Adamantanecarbonitrile also regulates the formation of LiF in the solid electrolyte interface and cathode electrolyte interface,which contributes to the interfacial stability(especially at high voltages)and protects the electrodes,enabling all-solid-state batteries to cycle at high voltages for long periods of time.Therefore,the Li/Li symmetric cell undergoes long-term lithium plating/stripping for more than 2000 h.1-Adamantanecarbonitrile-poly(ethylene oxide)-based LFP/Li and 4.3 V Ni_(0.8)Mn_(0.1)Co_(0.1)O_(2)/Li all-solid-state batteries achieved stable cycles for 1000 times,with capacity retention rates reaching 85%and 80%,respectively.

Solid-state synthesis and ion transport characteristics of the β-KSbF_(4) for all-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries

All-solid-state fluoride ion batteries(FIBs)have been recently considered as a post-lithium-ion battery system due to their high safety and high energy density.Just like all solid-state lithium batteries,the key to the development of FIBs lies in room-temperature electrolytes with high ionic conductivity.β-KSbF_(4) is a kind of promising solid-state electrolyte for FIBs owing to its rational ionic conductivity and relatively wide electrochemical stability window at room temperature.However,the previous synthesis routes ofβ-KSbF_(4) required the use of highly toxic hydrofluoric acid and the ionic conductivity of as-prepared product needs to be further improved.Herein,the β-KSbF_(4) sample with an ionic conductivity of 1.04×10^(-4)s cm^(-1)(30°C)is synthesized through the simple solid-state route.In order to account for the high ionic conductivity of the as-synthesizedβ-KSbF_(4),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)are used to characterize the physic-ochemical properties.The results show that the as-synthesizedβ-KSbF_(4) exhibits higher carrier concentra-tion of 1.0×10^(-6)S cm-Hz^(-1)K and hopping frequency of 1.31×10^(6)Hz at 30°C due to the formation of the fluorine vacancies.Meanwhile,the hopping frequency shows the same trend as the changes of ionic conductivity with the changes of temperature,while the carrier concentration is found to be almost con-stant.The two different trends indicate the hopping frequency is mainly responsible for the ionic conduc-tion behavior withinβ-KSbF_(4).Furthermore,the all-solid-state FIBs,in which Ag and Pb+PbF_(2) are adopted as cathode and anode,andβ-KSbF_(4) as fluoride ion conductor,are capable of reversible charge and discharge.The assembled FIBs show a discharge capacity of 108.4 mA h g^(-1) at 1st cycle and 74.2 mA h g^(-1) at 50th cycle.Based on an examination of the capacity decay mechanism,it has been found that deterioration of the electrolyte/electrode interface is an important reason for hindering the commer-cial application of FIBs.Hence,the in-depth comprehension of the ion transport characteristics inβ-KSbF_(4) and the interpretation of the capacity fading mechanism will be conducive to promoting development of high-performanceFIBs.

Synergetic Control of Li^(+)Transport Ability and Solid Electrolyte Interphase by Boron-Rich Hexagonal Skeleton Structured All-Solid-State Polymer Electrolyte

High Li^(+)transference number electrolytes have long been understood to provide attractive candidates for realizing uniform deposition of Li^(+).However,such electrolytes with immobilized anions would result in incomplete solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)formation on the Li anode because it suffers from the absence of appropriate inorganic components entirely derived from anions decomposition.Herein,a boron-rich hexagonal polymer structured all-solid-state polymer electrolyte(BSPE+10%LiBOB)with regulated intermolecular interaction is proposed to trade off a high Li^(+)transference number against stable SEI properties.The Li^(+)transference number of the as-prepared electrolyte is increased from 0.23 to 0.83 owing to the boron-rich cross-linker(BC)addition.More intriguingly,for the first time,the experiments combined with theoretical calculation results reveal that BOB^(-)anions have stronger interaction with B atoms in polymer chain than TFSI^(-),which significantly induce the TFSI^(-)decomposition and consequently increase the amount of LiF and Li3N in the SEI layer.Eventually,a LiFePO_(4)|BSPE+10%LiBOBlLi cell retains 96.7%after 400 cycles while the cell without BC-resisted electrolyte only retains 40.8%.BSPE+10%LiBOB also facilitates stable electrochemical cycling of solid-state Li-S cells.This study blazes a new trail in controlling the Li^(+)transport ability and SEI properties,synergistically.

A Solvent-Free Covalent Organic Framework Single-Ion Conductor Based on Ion-Dipole Interaction for All-Solid-State Lithium Organic Batteries

Single-ion conductors based on covalent organic frameworks(COFs)have garnered attention as a potential alternative to currently prevalent inorganic ion conductors owing to their structural uniqueness and chemical versatility.However,the sluggish Li+conduction has hindered their practical applications.Here,we present a class of solvent-free COF single-ion conductors(Li-COF@P)based on weak ion-dipole interaction as opposed to traditional strong ion-ion interaction.The ion(Li+from the COF)-dipole(oxygen from poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate embedded in the COF pores)interaction in the Li-COF@P promotes ion dissociation and Li+migration via directional ionic channels.Driven by this single-ion transport behavior,the Li-COF@P enables reversible Li plating/stripping on Li-metal electrodes and stable cycling performance(88.3%after 2000 cycles)in organic batteries(Li metal anode||5,5’-dimethyl-2,2’-bis-p-benzoquinone(Me2BBQ)cathode)under ambient operating conditions,highlighting the electrochemical viability of the Li-COF@P for all-solid-state organic batteries.

Exploring the modulatory role of bovine lactoferrin on the microbiome and the immune response in healthy and Shiga toxin‑producing E.coli challenged weaned piglets

Background Post-weaned piglets suffer from F18+Escherichia coli(E.coli)infections resulting in post-weaning diar-rhoea or oedema disease.Frequently used management strategies,including colistin and zinc oxide,have contrib-uted to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.Novel antimicrobials capable of directly interacting with pathogens and modulating the host immune responses are being investigated.Lactoferrin has shown promising results against porcine enterotoxigenic E.coli strains,both in vitro and in vivo.Results We investigated the influence of bovine lactoferrin(bLF)on the microbiome of healthy and infected weaned piglets.Additionally,we assessed whether bLF influenced the immune responses upon Shiga toxin-producing E.coli(STEC)infection.Therefore,2 in vivo trials were conducted:a microbiome trial and a challenge infection trial,using an F18+STEC strain.BLF did not affect theα-andβ-diversity.However,bLF groups showed a higher relative abundance(RA)for the Actinobacteria phylum and the Bifidobacterium genus in the ileal mucosa.When analysing the immune response upon infection,the STEC group exhibited a significant increase in F18-specific IgG serum levels,whereas this response was absent in the bLF group.Conclusion Taken together,the oral administration of bLF did not have a notable impact on theα-andβ-diversity of the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.Nevertheless,it did increase the RA of the Actinobacteria phylum and Bifi-dobacterium genus,which have previously been shown to play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis.Furthermore,bLF administration during STEC infection resulted in the absence of F18-specific serum IgG responses.