Scattering spectroscopy nanosensor

A nanosensor system comprising:

• a scattering spectroscopy nanosensor comprising a nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate and one or both of a protective covering to cover the nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate and an integral lens, the nanoscale sensing substrate to produce an optical scattering response signal indicative of an analyte when interrogated by an optical stimulus, the protective covering being selectively removable by exposure to an optical beam;
• and
• an optical interrogator comprising an illumination source and a signal detector, the illumination source to provide one or both of the optical stimulus and the optical beam, the signal detector to detect the optical scattering response signal,
• wherein one or more of the optical stimulus, the optical beam and the optical scattering response signal are to pass through the integral lens if present.