Abstract: The invention(s) cover a sensor and method of fabrication, the sensor including: a substrate; and a distribution of nanoparticles patterned onto the substrate as a set of regions. In variations, the sensor 100 can further include one or more channels in fluid communication with the distribution of nanoparticles. In variations, different nanoparticle regions can be optionally functionalized with different probe molecules in order to provide additional functionality with respect to the assay(s) being performed using the sensor 100. Additionally or alternatively, in variations, unoccupied regions of the substrate 110 and/or nanoparticle surfaces can optionally include passivated surfaces to prevent non-specific binding, without significantly shifting the LSPR wavelength, in order to significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) provided by the sensor. The sensor can be used for performance of multiplexed assays (e.g., for infectious disease panels) with processing of different types of sample material.