A facile and simple one-step solvothermal method has been developed to synthesize polyethyleneimine (PEI)-modified magnetic nanoparticles. Characterization of morphology, surface charges, crystal structure, and magnetic property confirmed the efficiency of this facile synthesis route. Lipase immobilized on the PEI-modified magnetic nanoparticles was used to synthesize vitamin A palmitate from vitamin A acetate and palmitic acid. The reuse of immobilized lipase can be extended to eight times by removing water during esterification with a conversion rate above 80 % for 12 h.