Au based nanomaterials (AuNMs) are known to poessess many attractive features such as unique electrical, optical and catalytic properties as well as excellent biocompatibility. These outstanding characteristics make them promising candidates as the signal reporters, enhancement materials or others involved with bioassay, food safety and environmental monitoring. In this review, we summarize the current advancement on application of AuNMs in analytical sciences based on their local surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence and electrochemistry properties. Finally future development in this research area is also prospected. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.