DNA-based biosensors have been widely used for its stable chemical properties, cost-effectiveness, and easy modification. G-quadruplex (G4) DNA has attracted growing interest since it can be used for both target recognition and signal transduction. Much of G4 DNA's relevance in biosensors is related to its ability to bind specific metal ions, dyes and porphyrins, and these properties are first reviewed. Then, the role of G4 for molecular recognition is discussed including the sensing of metal ions, proteins and enzymes. Subsequently, G-quadruplex for signaling transduction is reviewed. In this part, G4 binds some substrate to enhance fluorescence, and binds hemin to show peroxidase-like activity. Finally, some sensors used G4 DNA for both target recognition and signaling. This review mainly contains specific examples of biosensors published in the last five years. Finally, some challenges in the field are discussed and a few future research opportunities are proposed.

基于DNA的生物传感器因其稳定的化学性质，成本效益和易于修饰而被广泛使用。由于G-四链体（G4）DNA可用于靶标识别和信号转导，因此引起了越来越多的关注。G4 DNA在生物传感器中的重要作用与其结合特定金属离子，染料和卟啉的能力有关，这些特性首先得到了综述。然后，讨论了G4在分子识别中的作用，包括金属离子，蛋白质和酶的感测。随后，回顾了用于信号转导的G-四链体。在此部分中，G4结合一些底物以增强荧光，并结合血红素以显示类似过氧化物酶的活性。最后，一些传感器使用G4 DNA进行目标识别和信号转导。这篇评论主要包含最近五年中发表的生物传感器的具体示例。最后，讨论了该领域中的一些挑战，并提出了一些未来的研究机会。