The application of magnetic nanocarriers offers new perspectives for use as enzyme immobilization. This study investigates the surface modification of iron oxide magnetite with phenolic compounds. Some structurally related influences of functionalizing molecules are observed on the binding to the magnetite particles. Here caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine have shown to form the most stable bindings. Additionally they are capable of stabilizing the particle suspension on neutral pH level. In a subsequent enzyme immobilization with lipase Candida rugosa a residual activity could be detected up to 75 % in case of caffeic acid functionalized particles.