Devices and methods for analyte detection using distorted liquid crystals

A method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising:

• (a) contacting the sample with a substrate surface that defines a first easy axis when in contact with liquid crystal;
• (b) providing a reference surface that defines a second easy axis when in contact with liquid crystal such that the substrate surface faces but is spaced apart from said reference surface, and wherein the easy axis of the substrate surface and the easy axis of said reference surface are rotated from one another by a known angle that is not zero;
• (c) introducing a liquid crystal between the reference surface and the substrate surface;
• and
• (d) measuring the departure of the orientation of the liquid crystal from the easy axis of the substrate surface, wherein a non-zero departure indicates the presence of the analyte in the sample.