A capacitive liquid crystal (LC) biosensor for sensing a target biological agent includes a support board; a flow channel on the support board, the flow channel having an inlet port at a first end and an exit port at a second end; at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes including a first electrode on a flow channel first surface and a second electrode on a flow channel second surface opposite the flow channel first surface; an electricity source connected to the first electrode and the second electrode; and an LC sensor array positioned within the flow channel. An LC sensor array includes a sensor support surface; wells positioned on the sensor support surface; an organic LC phase within each of the plurality of wells; and an aqueous phase having an analyte positioned above the organic LC phase within the wells.