In a long-lasting effort to improve the detection ability of bioassays, functional nanomaterials have been actively explored to greatly enhance the sensitivity during the last two decades. Here we focus on recent progress in biosensor development in our group by exploiting several unique optical, electronic and catalytic properties of a range of nanomaterials including gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and graphene. In addition, a perspective on new opportunities offered by emerging technologies is discussed.生物分析