Table 1.

Targeting strategies: An inherent pillar of mitochondrial therapies

Classification	Targeting mechanism	Targeting site	Advantages	Disadvantages	Material	Refs.
Small molecules	Electrostatic interaction	MM	Mature use	Toxic; large cargo limited	TPP/Rhodamine/Dequalinium/Guanidine/Biguanide	[163,186,195,199]
Bioactive molecules	Electrostatic interaction; hydrophobic interaction	OMM\IMM	Tunability; ease of synthesis; high specificity; low toxicity	Large structure; low solubility; low permeability	SS/MPPs/MTS	[202–209]
Transition metal complexes	Electrostatic interaction; hydrophobic interaction	Adjustable	Photophysical properties; photothermal properties	Toxic; low efficiency	Ru/Mn/Pt/Cu/Ni/Ir/Zn	[195,210–213]
Nanocarriers	Adjustable	Adjustable	Low toxicity; rich functions; higher efficiency	High cost; difficult to synthesize	CQD/BS-NPs	[184,215–217]