Here we present a hybrid approach to functionalize multi-walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous solution, exploring a non-covalent binding strategy. We focus on formation of hybrid complexes consisting of carbon nanotubes decorated by single stranded DNA, non-covalently attached using surfactants as intermediate layers. Unlike single walled carbon nanotubes, revealing easy side wall wrapping of DNA, we observe that wrapping of nucleic acids around multi-walled carbon nanotubes is diameter dependent.