Free-standing nanowire sensor and method for detecting an analyte in a fluid

A method of detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid environment, comprising:

• providing a detecting system comprising a first capacitive plate having a first array of free-standing nanowires that is interactive with an analyte, said first array of free-standing nanowires comprising individual nanowires that are electrically interactive with one another, and a second capacitive plate positioned in proximity to the first capacitive plate such electrical communication between the first capacitive plate and the second capacitive plate occurs in the presence of the test fluid environment,
• placing the test fluid environment in continuous contact with the first capacitive plate and the second capacitive plate;
• applying electrical current to at least one of the first capacitive plate and the second capacitive plate;
• and
• measuring an electrical property passed capacitively between the first capacitive plate and the second capacitive plate.