Device and method for the detection of an analyte

A device for at least one of the detection and quantification of an analyte with the aid of a plurality of catcher molecules that bind specifically to the analyte, the device comprising:

• a basic matrix;
• and
• a plurality of magnetized nanoparticles arranged in a moveable fashion and in at least one layer within in the basic matrix, the catcher molecules that bind specifically to the analyte being anchored to the magnetized nanoparticles,
• wherein mobility of the magnetized nanoparticles in the basic matrix is influenceable by a binding of the analyte to be detected to the catcher molecules, a change in the mobility of the magnetized nanoparticles being magnetically readable,
• wherein, the plurality of magnetized nanoparticles are spatially combined to form a spot that is provided with at least two different types of the catcher molecules, different molecular regions of the analyte being crosslinked to different types of the catcher molecules,
• wherein the magnetized nanoparticles have an ellipsoidal form, and
• wherein the basic matrix is a gel matrix with a crosslinking density, each of the magnetized nanoparticles being permanently enclosed within said gel matrix such that each of the magnetized nanoparticles can be wholly or partially rotated.