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Abstract The giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is one of the most widely cultured crustacean species. In recent years, its aquaculture has faced challenges, including the degradation of germplasm resources and the emergence of viral diseases. Genomic information can be a valuable resource for developing molecular breeding programs for this important aquaculture species. Here we constructed a high-quality reference genome for M. rosenbergii by integrating Nanopore, Illumina, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies. The final genome assembly is 3.18 Gb in size, with scaffold N50 and contig N50 of 62.73 Mb and 8.92 Mb, respectively. Approximately 98.6% of the assembled sequences were anchored into 59 pseudo-chromosomes. Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) benchmark of the genome assembly reached 94.5%. Repetitive sequences comprise 43.77% of the assembled genome, and 17,436 protein-coding genes were annotated. The high-quality genome of M. rosenbergii will empower molecular breeding efforts and provide invaluable resources for comparative genomic analysis of decapod species.

Abstract Background Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common and serious complication of elective clean orthopedic surgery that can lead to severe adverse outcomes. However, the prognostic efficacy of the current staging systems remains uncertain for patients undergoing elective aseptic orthopedic procedures. This study aimed to identify high-risk factors independently associated with SSI and develop a nomogram prediction model to accurately predict the occurrence of SSI. Methods A total of 20,960 patients underwent elective clean orthopedic surgery in our hospital between January 2020 and December 2021, of whom 39 developed SSI; we selected all 39 patients with a postoperative diagnosis of SSI and 305 patients who did not develop postoperative SSI for the final analysis. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted in the training cohort to screen for independent risk factors of SSI, and a nomogram prediction model was developed. The predictive performance of the nomogram was compared with that of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess the clinical decision-making value of the nomogram. Results The SSI incidence was 0.186%. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class (odds ratio [OR] 1.564 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.029–5.99, P = 0.046]), operative time (OR 1.003 [95% CI 1.006–1.019, P

A large number of sandstone interlayers were developed in the shale strata of the 7th member of the Triassic Yanchang Formation (Chang 7 member) in the Ordos Basin. These sandstone interlayers are frequently accompanied by abnormally high natural gamma values as high as 330.5 API. As a result, they are undistingui shable from shale on well profile. To characterize the high-gamma sandstones, the clastic rocks of the Chang 7 member were classified into fine sandstone, siltstone, argillaceous siltstone, silty mudstone, mudstone and shale according to grain size and structural characteristics. Conventional logging data were recalculated and combined into two new parameters—A and B. The new intersection chart composed of parameters A and B and natural gamma logging data can effectively distinguish and identify normal sandstone and high-gamma sandstone in the Chang 7 member. The plane distribution of cumulative thickness of high-gamma sandstone in the Chang 7 member shows that the high-gamma sandstone is mainly located in the southwest of the study area. The finger-like distribution of high-gamma sandstone from the edge to the center of the lake basin indicates that its formation may be related to the volcanic eruption during sedimentary period.

The polymorphism of the simple sequence repeat (SSR) in the 5′ untranslated coding region (5′-UTR) of the antiviral gene IRF (LvIRF) has been shown to be implicated in the resistance to viral pathogens in shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei). In this study, we explored the potential of this (CT)n-SSR marker in disease resistance breeding and the hereditary property of disease resistance traits in offspring. From 2018 to 2021, eight populations were generated through crossbreeding by selecting individuals according to microsatellite genotyping. Our results demonstrated that shrimp with the shorter (CT)n repeat exhibited higher resistance to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) or Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1); meanwhile, these resistance traits could be inherited in offspring. Interestingly, we observed that the longer (CT)n repeats were associated with bacterial resistance traits. Accordingly, shrimp with longer (CT)n repeats exhibited higher tolerance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. Taken together, these results indicate that the single (CT)n-SSR marker could be used to selective breeding for both resistance to virus and bacteria in shrimps.

MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1) serves as a pivotal mediator for NF-κB activation in response to a wide spectrum of transmembrane receptor stimuli. In the present study, a homolog of MALT1, named LvMALT1, is cloned from the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and its potential function in shrimp innate immunity is explored. The open reading frame of LvMALT1 is 2364 bp that encodes 787 amino acids. The predicted LvMALT1 protein structure comprises a death domain, three immunoglobulin domains, and a caspase-like domain, exhibiting remarkable similarity to other homologs. LvMALT1 is a cytoplasmic-localized protein and could interact with LvTRAF6. Overexpression of LvMALT1 induces the activation of promoter elements governing the expression of several key antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including penaeidins (PENs) and crustins (CRUs). Conversely, silencing of LvMALT1 leads to a reduction in the phosphorylation levels of Dorsal and Relish, along with a concomitant decline in the in vivo expression levels of multiple AMPs. Furthermore, LvMALT1 is prominently upregulated in response to a challenge by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), facilitating the NF-κB-mediated expression of AMPs as a defense against viral infection. Taken together, we identified a MALT1 homolog from the shrimp L. vannamei, which plays a positive role in the TRAF6/NF-κB/AMPs axis-mediated innate immunity.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a large family of proteins exerting different regulatory functions in eukaryotic cells, including control over the cell cycle and gene transcription. CDK1 controls the cell cycle and promotes cell proliferation by regulating the initiation and transition of the G2/M phase. Similar to mammals, CDK1 has also been characterized in arthropods; however, its functions and physiological importance in crustaceans remain unknown. Our pervious transcriptomic data indicated that CDK1 was a candidate cold-stress response gene in the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Therefore, in the present study, the full-length sequence of CDK1 (LvCDK1) was obtained from L. vannamei containing a conserved PSTAIRE sequence and ATP-binding region. The expression of LvCDK1 is tissue-specific, with relatively higher in the hepatopancreas. The in situ hybridization (ISH) signals for LvCDK1 were present in the distal zone of hepatopancreas and mainly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus. The expression of LvCDK1 in hepatopancreatic was sensitive to environmental temperature. Furthermore, under cold stress, knockdown of LvCDK1 led to increased mortality in shrimp. Our study provides the first evidence of LvCDK1 responding to cold stress in shrimps. This mechanism for modifying the transcriptional roles of LvCDK1 may show new light on the molecular regulation of crustaceans in response to cold stress.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) play a crucial role in the detection of microbial infections in vertebrates and invertebrates. Mammalian TLRs directly recognize a variety of structurally conserved microbial components. However, invertebrates such as Drosophila indirectly recognize microbial products by binding to the cytokine-like ligand Spätzle, which activates signaling cascades that are not completely understood. In this study, we investigated the signaling events triggered by Toll in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a cell wall component of gram-negative bacteria, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection in the arthropod shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. We found that five of the nine Tolls from L. vannamei bound to LPS and the RNAi of LvToll1, LvToll2, LvToll3, LvToll5, and LvToll9 weakened LvDorsal-L phosphorylation induced by V. parahaemolyticus. All nine Tolls combined with MyD88 via the TIR domain, thereby conferring signals to the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 binding protein 2 (TAB2)-transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1) complex. Further examination revealed that the LvTRAF6-LvTAB2-LvTAK1 complex contributes to Dorsal-L phosphorylation and nuclear translocation during V. parahaemolyticus infection. Overall, shrimp Toll1/2/3/5/9–TRAF6/TAB2/TAK1–Dorsal cascades protect the host from V. parahaemolyticus infection, which provides a better understanding of how the innate immune system recognizes and responds to bacterial infections in invertebrates.

The ultimate recovery of shale oil is mostly dependent upon the occurrence and content of free oil within the nano-scaled pore network of shale reservoirs. Due to the nanoporous nature of shale, quantitatively characterizing the occurrence and content of free oil in shale is a formidable undertaking. To tackle this challenge, 12 lacustrine shale samples with diverse organic matter content from the Chang7 Member in the southern Ordos Basin were selected, and the characteristics of free oil occurrence were indirectly characterized by comparing changes in pore structure before and after organic solvent extraction. The free oil enrichment in shale was assessed using the oil saturation index (OSI), corrected oil saturation index (OSIcorr), and percentage of saturated hydrocarbons. The results revealed that slit-like interparticle pores with diameters less than 30 nm are dominant in the Chang7 shale. Conceptual models for the pore structures containing free oil were established for shale with total organic carbon (TOC) content less than 9% and greater than 9%, respectively. Shale samples with TOC content less than 9% exhibit a well-developed pore network characterized by relatively larger pore volume, surface area, and heterogeneity. Conversely, shale samples with TOC content exceeding 9% display a less developed pore network characterized by relatively smaller pore volume, surface area, and heterogeneity. Larger pore volume and lower organic matter abundance favor the enrichment of free oil within the lacustrine shale pore network. This study may have significant implications for understanding oil transport in shales.

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is crucial for the innate immune to defend against pathogenic infections. Our previous study showed that a STING homolog from Litopenaeus vannamei (LvSTING) was involved in antibacterial response via regulating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Nevertheless, how LvSTING induces AMPs expression to inhibit bacterial infection remains unknown. Herein, we revealed that the existence of a STING–IKKβ–Relish–AMPs axis in shrimp that was essential for opposing to Vibrio parahaemolyticus invasion. We observed that LvRelish was essential for host defense against V. parahaemolyticus infection via inducing several AMPs, such as LvALF1, LvCRU1, LvLYZ1 and LvPEN4. Knockdown of LvSTING or LvIKKβ in vivo led to the attenuated phosphorylation and diminished nuclear translocation of LvRelish, as well as the impaired expression levels of LvRelish-regulated AMPs. Accordingly, shrimps with knockdown of LvSTING or LvIKKβ or both were vulnerable to V. parahaemolyticus infection. Finally, LvSTING could recruit LvRelish and LvIKKβ to form a complex, which synergistically induced the promoter activity of several AMPs in vitro. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the shrimp STING–IKKβ–Relish–AMPs axis played a critical role in the defense against bacterial infection, and provided some insights into the development of disease prevention strategies in shrimp culture.

Soybean meal is one of the major components of aquatic animal diets, whereas little information is available about the evaluation of soybean meal growth suppression mode of action. A 42-day feeding trial was performed to assess the effects of dietary soybean meal on growth performance, apparent digestibility, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, and muscle growth–related gene expression of Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 600 shrimp were randomly distributed into 20 tanks with 30 shrimp per tank and four tanks per group. The soybean meal was added to the diets at the rate of 20% (T20), 28% (T28), 35% (T35), 42% (T42), and 50% (T50), respectively. Shrimp were fed with apparent satiation three times daily. Results indicated that the final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, feed intake, intestinesomatic index, dressed weight percentage, and the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, and ash were linearly decreased (p < 0.05), but feed coefficient was linearly increased (p < 0.05) as dietary soybean meal increased from 20% to 50%. The intestinal trypsin and amylase activities were decreased (p < 0.05) as dietary soybean meal increased from 20% to 50%, and reached significance at the level of 35%, 42%, and 50%. Shrimp fed with T20 had higher (p < 0.05) intestinal lipase activity than those fed with other diets. The mRNA relative expression of growth hormone, myogenic regulatory factor 5, and target of rapamycin was downregulated (p < 0.05) as dietary soybean meal increased from 20% to 50%. To conclude, dietary soybean meal exceeded 28% significantly inhibited growth performance of L. vannamei, mainly due to the negative impact of soybean meal on digestion and feed utilization and also the inhibition on the muscle growth and related gene expressions.

Rap2a, a member of Ras family small GTPases, plays a key role in growth and development. So far, no Rap2a homolog has been discovered in crustaceans. Herein, a Rap2a homolog from shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, named LvRap2a, was cloned and identified. LvRap2a showed a high level of sequence conservation to other Rap2a homologs from different species. LvRap2a was found to be abundantly expressed in hemocytes, muscle, hepatopancreas and intestine tissues. Importantly, Rap2a knockdown effectively suppressed the length and weight of shrimp in a growth experiment. Mechanistically, we found that Rap2a could induce the expression of several Wnts, which are the positive regulators in cellular growth, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Moreover, LvRap2a expression was observed to be negatively regulated by LvDorsal (NF-κB), a transcription factor of innate immune signaling pathway. These results indicated that LvRap2a contributed to shrimp growth probably by activating the Wnt signaling pathway, and that LvRap2a could be the crosstalk between innate immunity and growth, as well as that LvRap2a could serve as a potential target for shrimp growth promotion.

Low-salinity tolerance and growth are crucial economic traits of shrimp in areas with low-salinity water. In the current study, an F1 full-sib family of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was obtained by the “semidirectional cross” method, and 2 parents and 146 progenies were genotyped using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing technology (ddRAD-Seq). A total of 3335 high-quality markers were identified and used to construct a genetic linkage map. This genetic map comprised 48 linkage groups (LGs), and the total map length spanned 3954.462 centimorgan (cM) with an average marker interval of 1.186 cM. Three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for low-salinity tolerance and 3 QTLs for growth (body weight) were detected under the condition of restricted logarithmic odds (LOD) score ≥ 2.50. With the assistance of the genome of L. vannamei and relevant annotations, 3 potential growth-related genes (sob, TJP1 and ZBTB24) and 3 low-salinity response candidate genes (Rnf168, CNOT2 and RPB3) were identified from the genomic scaffolds. Moreover, the qPCR results showed that the expression levels of the 3 candidate genes were significantly affected by low-salinity stress, indicating that they possibly play an important role in low-salinity stress. Here, we present the first report of mapping of low-salinity tolerance QTLs in the genetic mapping of L. vannamei, which will be beneficial for the selection of shrimp breeding markers and might help promote the study of the L. vannamei genome.

Penaeidins are members of an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) family that have broad anti-microbial activities only found in penaeid shrimps. The LvBigPEN, a member of penaeidins from shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, has showed antiviral activity against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in our previous report. However, whether LvBigPEN possesses potential anti-bacterial activities is still unknown. Herein, we found that the LvBigPEN played an important role in restricting the infection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a natural and Gram-negative bacteria pathogen in shrimp. The transcription of LvBigPEN was strongly induced after V. parahaemolyticus challenge. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated knockdown of LvBigPEN showed that LvBigPEN had a potential antibacterial function against V. parahaemolyticus. Microorganism binding assays indicated that rLvBigPEN could bind to both Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed its ability to destroy bacterial cells in vitro. Besides, in a gel retardation assay, rLvBigPEN could bind to plasmid DNA and bacteria (V. parahaemolyticus) genomic DNA in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the AP-1 pathway could participate in the transcription of LvBigPEN by the dual luciferase reporter assays. Taken together, these results suggested that LvBigPEN possessed the antibacterial activity against V. parahaemolyticus and may be alternative agents for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by V. parahaemolyticus.

C-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)-interacting protein 4 (JIP4) is an essential molecule that organizes and links components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In the present study, a novel JIP4 gene was identified in Litopenaeus vannamei and designated Lv-JIP4. The full-length Lv-JIP4 cDNA was 3923 bp in length and contained a 170-bp 5′-untranslated region (UTR), a 72-bp 3′-UTR, and a 3,681-bp open reading frame (ORF). The Lv-JIP4 protein contained three functional domains, including the Jnk-SapK_ap_N, JIP_LZII and WD40 domains. Lv-JIP4 mRNA was broadly distributed in all studied tissues, with the highest level in muscle. The in situ hybridization results showed that the Lv-JIP4 was scattered in muscle fibres and near the sarcolemma. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that Lv-JIP4 was located in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus. The transcript levels of Lv-JIP4 in muscle were found to be significantly increased by low temperature, low pH, high salinity, poly(I:C), and LPS challenges, indicating that it might play a crucial role in responding to adverse stresses. The transcript levels of Lv-JIP4, Lv-p38aMAPK and Lv-p38bMAPK in muscle were significantly upregulated after challenge with low temperature, suggesting that Lv-JIP4 may be the positive regulator of Lv-p38aMAPK and Lv-p38bMAPK under low temperature stress conditions. In addition, after knockdown of Lv-JIP4 expression, the protein levels of total Lv-p38MAPK and phospho-Lv-p38MAPK in the experimental dsRNA group were attenuated compared with those in the control group after 48 h (h), 60 h and 72 h of low-temperature stress, indicating that it might activate and phosphorylate the Lv-p38MAPK protein in response to cold stress. Here, we elucidated the molecular characteristics and the potential role of Lv-JIP4 and further refined the signal transduction mechanism of L. vannamei in response to low-temperature stress.

A growing number of evidence shows that some invertebrates possess an antiviral immunity parallel to the interferon (IFN) system of higher vertebrates. For example, the IRF (interferon regulatory factor)–Vago–JAK/STAT regulatory axis in an arthropod, shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp) is functionally similar to the IRF–IFN–JAK/STAT axis of mammals. IFNs perform their cellular immunity by regulating the expression of target genes collectively referred to as IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). However, the function of invertebrate ISGs in immune responses is almost completely unclear. In this study, a potential ISG gene homologous to the interferon-induced protein 6-16 (IFI6-16) was cloned and identified from L. vannamei, designated as LvIFI6-16. LvIFI6-16 contained a putative signal peptide in the N-terminal, and a classic IFI6-16-superfamily domain in the C-terminal that showed high conservation to other homologs in various species. The mRNA levels of LvIFI6-16 were significantly upregulated after the stimulation of poly (I:C) and challenges of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Moreover, silencing of LvIFI6-16 caused a higher mortality rate and heightened virus loads, suggesting that LvIFI6-16 could play a crucial role in defense against WSSV. Interestingly, we found that the transcription levels of several caspases were regulated by LvIFI6-16; meanwhile, the transcription level of LvIFI6-16 self was regulated by the JAK/STAT cascade, suggesting there could be a JAK/STAT–IFI6-16–caspase regulatory axis in shrimp. Taken together, we identified a crustacean IFI6-16 gene (LvIFI6-16) for the first time, and provided evidence that the IFI6-16 participated in antiviral immunity in shrimp.

Inspired by the design of distinguished optical materials, novel organic molecules exhibiting excited state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) characteristics have emerged as a prominent research topic. In this study, we focus on investigating the excited state dynamics of 2-(5-trifluoromethyl-benzothiazol2-yl)-4,6-bis-trimethylsilanylethynyl-phenol (HBT-TMS), a novel color-tunable multifunctional ESIPT emitter. By considering four different aprotic solvents with varying polarities, we confirm the influence of solvent polarity on photoinduced hydrogen bonding interactions, charge redistribution, and associated ESIPT phenomena. Through comparison and quantification of the magnitudes of excited state reaction barriers in different solvents, our findings suggest that highly polar solvents facilitate the ESIPT reaction for HBT-TMS fluorophore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The 3D printing technique offers huge opportunities for customized thick‐electrode designs with high loading densities to enhance the area capacity in a limited space. However, key challenges remain in formulating 3D printable inks with exceptional rheological performance and facilitating electronic/ion transport in thick bulk electrodes. Herein, a hybrid ink consisting of woody‐derived cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and urea is formulated for the 3D printing nitrogen‐doped thick electrodes, in which CNFs serve as both dispersing and thickening agents for MWCNTs, whereas urea acts as a doping agent. By systematically tailoring the concentration‐dependent rheological performance and 3D printing process of the ink, a variety of gel architectures with high geometric accuracy and superior shape fidelity are successfully printed. The as‐printed gel architecture is then transformed into a nitrogen‐doped carbon block with a hierarchical porous structure and superior electrochemical performance after freeze‐drying and annealing treatments. Furthermore, a quasi‐solid‐state symmetric supercapacitor assembled with two interdigitated carbon blocks obtained by a 3D printing technique combined with a nitrogen‐doping strategy delivers an energy density of 0.10 mWh cm−2 at 0.56 mW cm−2. This work provides guidance for the formulation of the printable ink used for 3D printing of high‐performance thick carbon electrodes.

Multifunctional biofilms with early fire-warning capabilities are highly necessary for various indoor and outdoor applications, but a rational design of intelligent fire alarm films with strong weather resistance remains a major challenge. Herein, a multiscale hierarchical biofilm based on lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and TiO2 was developed through a vacuum-assisted alternate self-assembly and dipping method. Then, an early fire-warning system that changes from an insulating state to a conductive one was designed, relying on the rapid carbonization of LCNFs together with the unique electronic excitation characteristics of TiO2. Typically, the L-CNT-TiO2 film exhibited an ultrasensitive fire-response signal of ~0.30 s and a long-term warning time of ~1238 s when a fire disaster was about to occur, demonstrating a reliable fire-alarm performance and promising flame-resistance ability. More importantly, the L-CNT-TiO2 biofilm also possessed a water contact angle (WCA) of 166 ± 1° and an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) as high as 2000, resulting in excellent superhydrophobicity, antifouling, self-cleaning as well as incredible anti-ultraviolet (UV) capabilities. This work offers an innovative strategy for developing advanced intelligent films for fire safety and prevention applications, which holds great promise for the field of building materials.

Abstract To bypass the conventional high temperature carbonization, MXene with an ultra‐high electrical conductivity and good electrochemical activity is coated on natural wood to make it a free‐standing electrode (TW). TW achieves a high electrical conductivity of 106.4 S m−1 and large capacitance of ~700 mF cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2. Furthermore, to overcome the low space utilization of the oversized vessels in wood which leads to a low energy density, a reconstructing strategy is used on TW to fully use the natural porous structure of wood by filling MXene aerogels in vessels. Compared with TW, the MXene aerogel‐loaded TW shows higher electrical conductivity of 323.6 S m−1 and capacitance of 930 mF cm−2 with remarkably high rate capability of 88.2% (0.5–10 mA cm−2). Additionally, an all‐wood eco‐supercapacitor is fabricated, and achieves a high energy density of 23 μW h cm−2 at 577 μW cm−2.

Abstract Uncontrollable zinc dendrite growth and parasitic reactions have greatly hindered the development of high energy and long life rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. Herein, the synergic effect of a bifunctional lignin‐containing cellulose nanofiber (LCNF)‐MXene (LM) layer to stabilize the interface of zinc anode is reported. On one hand, the LCNF provides enough strength (43.7 MPa) at relative low porosity (52.2%) to enable the diffusion limited dendrite suppression, while, on the other hand, the MXene serves as a zinc gating layer, facilitating the zinc ion mobility, restricting the active water/anions from degradation in the electrode/electrolyte interface, and epitaxially guiding zinc deposition along (002) plane. Benefiting from the synergic effect of diffusion limited dendrite suppression and zinc gate, the LM layer enabled a high coulombic efficiency (CE) of 98.9% with a low overpotential of 43.1 mV at 1 mA cm−2 in Zn//Cu asymmetric cells. More importantly, Zn//MnO2 full cells with the LM layer achieve a high‐capacity retention of 90.0% for over 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1, much higher than the full cell without the protective layer (73.9% over 500 cycles). The work provides a new insight in designing a dendrite‐free zinc anode for long‐cycle‐life batteries.