An Overview of Cell Membrane Perforation and Resealing Mechanisms for Localized Drug Delivery

Abstract

Localized and reversible plasma membrane disruption is a promising technique em-ployed for the targeted deposition of exogenous therapeutic compounds for the treatment of dis-ease. Indeed, the plasma membrane represents a significant barrier to successful delivery, and various physical methods using light, sound, and electrical energy have been developed to generate cell membrane perforations to circumvent this issue. To restore homeostasis and preserve viability, localized cellular repair mechanisms are subsequently triggered to initiate a rapid restoration of plasma membrane integrity. Here, we summarize the known emergency membrane repair re-sponses, detailing the salient membrane sealing proteins as well as the underlying cytoskeletal remodeling that follows the physical induction of a localized plasma membrane pore, and we present an overview of potential modulation strategies that may improve targeted drug delivery ap-proaches.