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.