ABSTRACT
Carbon nanotubes are a novel kind of nano-materials, and contribute to modify electrodes using their good capacity of electric transmission. Furthermore, carbon nanotubes may reduce the overpotential caused by the oxidation-reduction reaction of chemical materials, and ameliorate the oxidation-reduction reversibility of the biomolecules; Their wide specific surface area leads to enzyme immobilization and promote the electric transmission between enzyme active center and electrode surface; Functionalized carbon nanotubes bonding with various biomolecules will benefit to fix these biomolecules on the electrode surface. With the development of preparation and purification techniques, carbon nanotubes may widen the prospect of biosensors applied. The aim of this paper is to summarize and analyze the application, research status and development tendency of carbon nanotubes with regard to biosensors. Moreover, this paper reviews various carbon nanotubes modified oxidase biosensors, such as adsorption, paste, array and covalent bond, together with their application on DNA biosensor. The preparation, characteristics and research status of various sensors are also summarized.