DNA detection with high sensitivity and specificity has tremendous potential as molecular diagnostic agents. Graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials, such as graphene nanopore, graphene nanoribbon, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide, graphene-nanoparticle composites, were demonstrated to have unique properties, which have attracted increasing interest towards the application of DNA detection with improved performance. This article comprehensively reviews the most recent trends in DNA detection based on graphene and graphene-related nanomaterials. Based on the current understanding, this review attempts to identify the future directions in which the field is likely to thrive, and stimulate more significant research in this subject.

Submicro-Co particles with different morphologies were successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal and surfactant-free approach. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the average size was approximately 2 μm and the microstructure of the as-synthesized particles could be regulated by the contents and ratio of Co²⁺/NaOH. The phase structure and composition of the as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that the as-synthesized Co particles were covered with a thin layer of CoO. Based on time-dependent experiments, the growth mechanisms of three kinds of typical structures and morphologies were proposed. The magnetic hysteresis loops showed ferromagnetic characteristics and the best saturation magnetization (M_s) and coercivity (H_c) were found to be 162.5 emu g⁻¹ and 104.3 Oe, respectively. Moreover, the exothermic peak of ammonium perchlorate thermal decomposition shifted towards the lower temperatures by 108 °C through addition of 4% Co particles, indicating that the Co particles exhibited a good catalytic effect for potential applications.