This review shows how magnetic micro/nano particles have made significant contributions in the developments of electrochemical and Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) electrochemiluminescent biosensors, including immuno-, enzyme, DNA, aptamer ones. Reports published from 2007 to November 2011 have been covered herein. More importantly, different aspects of the biosensors such as modes of magnetic particles, detection and flow injection techniques, analytes and the corresponding sensitivity and sample matrix, as well as several noticeably prominent characteristics have been summarized and discussed in detail. Accordingly, research opportunities and future development trends in these areas are discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.