Nano-magnetic liposomes (MLs) consist of liposomes and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Due to the active surfaces of liposomes, various functional groups can be attached for ligand-specific targeting. Here, we describe synthesis of magnetic nano-composite liposomes (HMLs) by a thin film dispersing method, based on hydrophobic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The results showed that the particle diameter of the HMLs containing Fe3O4-OA NPs at a final Fe loading of 11.02 g/mol phosphatidylcholine (POPC) mainly in a sandwich-structure was 125.3 +/- 12.9 nm determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). While the initial Fe concentration in the solution varied from 0.25 to 3.0 mg/mL, an effective Fe3O4 NPs loading was achieved, with encapsulation efficiency (EE%) from 91.0% to 71.0%. Subsequently, the HMLs were confirmed to be quite cytocompatible and hemocompatible in the applied concentration range by MTT and hemolysis assays. We also found that HMLs had more advantages than those liposomes with hydrophilic Fe3O4 NPs by comparing their EE% and r(2) relaxivity. Finally, it was concluded that the analyzed Fe concentration in HMLs was sufficient to produce a pronouncedly weak signal for MRI in vitro to enhance the contrast between tumors and normal tissues. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.