Microstructure study of liposomes decorated by hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles

► Liposomes with hydrophobic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in bilayer were prepared and studied. ► Saturation concentration of Fe3O4 in bilayer was confirmed by different methods. ► The embedded hydrophobic nanoparticles modify the microstructure of lipid bilayer. ► The embedded hydrophobic nanoparticles provide better membrane fluidity. ► The hydrophobic nanoparticles enlarge nonpolar domain and free volume in membrane.