This article aims to provide a survey on the development of thin film-based nano-biosensor over the decade, which includes sensing principles, electrode types and various thin film matrices. The theoretical and experimental results suggest that the thin film-based sensor are suitable for highly sensitive detection of low concentration bio molecules and can be used for early diagnosis and screening of arthritis, kidney diseases and other cardiovascular diseases. This review concludes that enzyme immobilisation and surface functionalisation methods were used to increase sensitivity of the biosensor and new combination of polymer nano-composites with metal oxide thin films results in increased efficiency due to its high biocompatibility. Copyright © 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.