mitochondriotropic phospholipid vesicles , i . e ., mitochondriotropic liposomes , that comprise a hydrophobized amphiphilic delocalized cation , such as those comprising , e . g ., a triphenylphosphonium or a quinolinium moiety , incorporated into the phospholipid membrane of the vesicles , or liposomes , are disclosed . the hydrophobized portion of the amphiphilic delocalized cation , e . g ., a fatty acid or other phospholipid derivative , is embedded in the phospholipid membrane of the liposome , and the amphiphilic portion of the cation is exposed on the surface of the liposome . mitochondriotropic liposomes constitute a mitochondria - targeted drug delivery system , permitting the transport of a high payload of therapeutic water - soluble molecules in their native state specifically and exclusively to mitochondria in living mammalian cells .