The present invention relates to a sensor system that can include a waveguide, a detection system that is operatively coupled to the waveguide, and a working artificial receptor. The waveguide can be operatively configured with respect to the working artificial receptor such that the waveguide is capable of receiving light from the working artificial receptor. The detection system can be configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation. The system can be configured to detect pathogenic microorganism, cancerous cell, pollutant in water, airborne pollutant, explosive-related vapor, protein, polynucleotide, or mixture thereof.