A detection system and method for detecting one or a plurality of species from a mixture of species in a phase. The detection system and method detect changes in conductance induced by the species. The conductance includes a cell structure having a rigid architecture having a top surface a portion of which is electrically conductive forming a first conductive component. A second conductive component substantially overlaps the first conductive component and is spaced from the first conductive component by an insulating component. One or more flow pathways exist between the first conductive component and the second conductive component for the chemical and/or biological species to flow. A time dependent electrical signal for inducing a time dependent response is applied to at least one of said first and second conductive components and a signal detector coupled to at least one of the first and second conductive components measures the time dependent response.