Detection units and methods for detecting a target analyte

A detection unit for detecting a target analyte in a sample, the detection unit comprising:

• a first and second surface connected by at least one filament, wherein the at least one filament is attached by at least two connections to each of the first and second surface and comprises at least two nucleic acid strands, wherein at least one nucleic acid strand comprises an active segment, wherein the active segment is capable of binding the target analyte in the sample, wherein the binding of the target analyte in the sample to the active segment causes a first detectable property change of the filament, and wherein the addition of a twisting agent or a rotational force, with or without a breaking agent, causes a second detectable property change of the filament that is transduced to a medium which generates a detectable signal, wherein the second detectable property change is the accumulation of torsional stress or the inability to accumulate torsional stress.