Morphology Effect of Puffball Spores on Hemostasis: A Promising Solution for Hemostatic Challenges

Hemostatic materials play a crucial role in wound healing by promoting blood concentration or releasing procoagulant factors. While hydrophilic hemostatic materials are effective, they may cause excessive blood loss and difficulty removing from the wound. Conversely, hydrophobic hemostatic materials avoid these issues but may hinder blood concentration and the release of procoagulant factors due to their water-repellent nature. This study investigates the hemostatic properties and underlying mechanism of puffball (Bovistella sp.) spores, a traditional hemostatic material. The unique hollow ball-rod morphology and strong water affinity of puffball spores enable efficient water removal, leading to improved blood clotting without the drawbacks typically associated with hydrophilic hemostatic materials. Further analysis reveals that the nano-protrusions on the spore surface create a textured hydrophobic surface due to the pinning effect, which prevents adhesion to the wound after clotting. Overall, puffball spores exhibit hemostatic efficacy comparable to the commercial agent QuikClot, with enhanced safety and reduced side effects. Their characteristic morphology, physicochemical properties, and chemical compositions offer inspiration for advancing hemostatic materials and addressing current challenges in wound healing. Additionally, this work provides new perspectives for insight into the pharmacological substance basis of traditional medicine, expanding beyond the conventional component-focused mentality to a material-based insight.