Semiconducting SWCNTs are one dimensional, photostable nanomaterials that fluoresce in the nearinfrared (NIR) tissue transparency region. This spectral range is highly interesting for applications in biological environments as background signals are reduced. They can be functionalized covalently or non-covalently. Especially non-covalent approaches that form a novel organic corona phase present a straightforward design to achieve high throughput. This article therefore highlights SWCNT-based nanosensors, but the insights and general concepts are applicable to other nanosensor classes as well.