The present invention provides a nanostructure pixel sensor and a method for use thereof. A nanostructure pixel sensor includes a plurality of nanostructure pixels comprising periodic nanostructures. Every nanostructure pixel is designed to achieve a specific optical response at a given wavelength illuminated by a light beam. A nanostructure pixel sensor generates a wavelength-dependent image pattern, which is sensitive to the surrounding environment. The sensor described in the present invention utilizes image patterns to detect analytes and/or determine amount of analytes on the sensor surface or in the vicinity of the sensor surface.