<p>Novel sensors are needed to detect biological threat agents effectively and rapidly and overcome the limitations of modern detection methods. Nanomaterials (N.M.s) have been particularly useful in solving this problem in recent years. The large surface/volume ratio, dispersibility, physical and chemical properties, and unique nanoscale interactions enable the development of nanomaterial-based biosensors that are more sensitive and accurate than traditional biothreat detection methods while reducing sample volume. In addition, there are preparation times, costs, and time-consuming assays. Specifically, this review focuses on novel biosensor research related to the rapid detection of biological warfare agents (B.W.A.s) and bioterrorism weapons, as well as providing a comprehensive overview of the research areas most pertinent to developing devices that can detect pathogens, toxins, viruses, and nerve gases in real-time, as well as toxicants and bioterrorism weapons. With increasing security concerns and the ongoing war on terrorism, newer, faster biosensing devices are needed for both military and civil defense applications against bio-warfare agents. An overview of bioagents is presented in this review, followed by a demonstration of the wide range of nanoscale sensors that have recently been developed for detecting these agents. Several novel schemes in this review may lead to devices that minimize bioterrorism risks.</p>