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Presenter: Ann Nanyunja

Faculty Sponsor: Govind Srimathveeravalli

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Mechanical Engineering

Session: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM, 163, C11

ABSTRACT

Inflammation is a protective biological response that defends tissues against infection, injury, and other harmful stimuli. However, the processes associated with inflammation can also cause microscale tissue damage, affecting cell membranes, blood vessels, and the extracellular matrix. These micro-injuries can occur in both acute and chronic inflammation and may be a result of immune cell activity, oxidative stress, cytokine signaling, or mechanical stress. When inflammation is properly regulated, it activates repair processes that restore tissue structure and function. Understanding how these small inflammatory injuries heal is crucial for studying controlled cellular injury, such as electroporation, which temporarily disrupts cell membranes to enhance drug delivery. A literature review was conducted to explore the mechanisms by which inflammation causes microscale tissue injury, as well as the cellular and molecular pathways involved in repair. The review focused on immune signaling, cell migration, membrane-repair mechanisms, and research related to small-scale membrane damage. The findings indicate that coordinated immune signaling, timely recruitment of cells, changes in cell phenotype, and membrane-repair pathways (including resealing damaged membranes and removing compromised components) are essential for resolving micro-injuries. A proper transition from pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving states supports tissue restoration, while prolonged inflammation can hinder healing. These insights into cellular recovery after electroporation may lead to improved strategies for enhancing membrane resealing, thereby supporting safer and more effective drug delivery methods.