The present invention is directed to methods and compositions useful as biosensors that specifically interact with various pathogens and other target analytes. The biosensor itself, comprises functionalized dendritic tethers derivatized for attachment to a variety of surfaces as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as well as attached binding moieties (sometimes referred to as capture binding ligands). Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions comprising supports comprising surfaces to which the binding moieties (e.g. antibodies) are attached for the detection of target analytes (e.g. pathogens) as well as methods and compositions relating to the attachment of such binding moieties.