RU2834325C2 - Detection of biologically active substances in environment - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a sensor chip, a device and a system for detecting one or more biologically active substances in an environment, including ambient air. Sensor chip comprises a reaction cell containing a plurality of receptor protein complexes; and a membrane separating the reaction cell from the environment and permeable to one or more biologically active substances. Receptor protein complexes are configured to bind to one or more biologically active substances in the reaction cell, causing a detectable change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes. Sensor chip has a shape and size for at least partial insertion into the socket of the sensor device for detecting one or more biologically active substances. Sensor device comprises: at least one socket for at least partially accommodating at least one sensor chip; at least one sensor configured to detect a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell of the at least one sensor chip; and a processing circuit connected to at least one sensor. Sensor system comprises at least one sensor chip and a sensor device.

EFFECT: group of inventions provides a significant reduction in the number of false positive and false negative responses detected or recorded by the sensor chip, sensor device and/or sensor system according to the present invention.

15 cl, 16 dwg, 183 ex

Description

The present invention generally relates to the detection of biologically active substances. In particular, the present invention relates to a sensor chip capable of being connected to a sensor device and to a sensor device for detecting one or more biologically active substances in an environment. In addition, the present invention relates to a sensor system comprising such a sensor chip and a sensor device. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of such a sensor chip, sensor device or sensor system and to a method for detecting one or more biologically active substances by such a sensor chip, sensor device or sensor system.

Humans, animals, and living organisms in general interact with their chemical environment continuously. For example, living organisms are typically exposed to or in contact with the environment, such as ambient air or water, and may take in, absorb, or otherwise take in molecules, substances, or compounds from the environment, thereby interacting with their chemical environment. Interactions involving certain molecules, substances, or compounds from the environment may be desirable or even necessary for the survival of the organism. Examples of such interactions include oxygen, which humans and animals inhale and which binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells as it passes through the pulmonary capillaries, or sugar molecules, which are selectively transported across the intestinal epithelium. However, chemical interactions with the environment involving other molecules, substances, or compounds may not be part of normal life processes and may have undesirable effects, potentially even causing harm to the organism. Such adverse effects may be caused by molecules, substances, or compounds taken up by the body from the environment that non-specifically damage the molecular building blocks of cells or the cell as a whole. For example, oxidants such as ozone can be absorbed by the body and oxidize biomolecules of the body such as proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids and may reduce or even destroy their biochemical and/or structural functionality. Alternatively, chemical compounds, substances, or molecules taken up by the body can activate, inhibit, or even eliminate a specific biochemical process of the body, often without chemically altering the body's biomolecules. Examples of such processes or interactions include the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes by ibuprofen or the activation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by nicotine. Typically, such interactions depend on a structural match between the affected biomolecule and the offending molecule, substance, or compound. Ibuprofen, for example, binds to the active site of cyclooxygenase, thereby preventing the binding of arachidonic acid, which is normally converted by cyclooxygenase into signaling molecules involved in inflammation and pain.

Living organisms have developed and evolved mechanisms to detect harmful chemical compounds, substances or molecules that act on them and to initiate corresponding physiological responses. Chemical compounds, substances and molecules that initiate a physiological response in a living organism may be generally referred to herein as biologically active substances. Various receptor proteins have been identified for humans and other living organisms that serve to detect biologically active substances and initiate a physiological response. Well-known examples of receptor proteins are the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). These receptor proteins exhibit a certain binding specificity to biologically active substances, in particular to the so-called xenobiotics, which refer to biologically active substances, compounds or molecules that are foreign to biological systems. On the other hand, there are various receptor proteins that have evolved not to detect and protect against potentially harmful bioactive substances such as xenobiotics, but as part of major regulatory systems. For example, the endocrine or hormonal system controls a variety of developmental and steady-state functions in animals or humans, including growth, organogenesis, fertility, reproduction, and sleep. These receptor proteins specifically bind to and are activated by their cognate ligands, i.e. hormones. However, bioactive substances that share certain structural features with hormones can bind to and also activate the receptors. This process may be called endocrine disruption and, given the key role of the endocrine system, may have deleterious effects. For example, exposure to xenoestrogens, which are biologically active substances or xenobiotic compounds that activate estrogen receptors (ERs), has been linked to breast, lung, kidney, pancreatic, and brain cancers, not by directly or indirectly damaging genetic material, but by activating cellular signaling cascades at the wrong time and/or in the wrong area of the body.

In recent years, various devices, systems and instruments, as well as corresponding sensors, have been developed for detecting environmental constituents. Detecting constituents in an environment or surroundings may also be referred to as environmental monitoring. In general, environmental monitoring refers to determining the characteristics of the state or quality of an environment or surroundings over time and may, for example, be performed to ensure that the chemical composition of the environment or surroundings does not pose a threat to human or animal health.

Environmental detection or environmental tracking can be an important tool used to identify and quantify the impacts of human activities on the natural environment, typically soil, water, air or ecosystems, for example to assess the risk associated with such impacts and to develop strategies to reduce or eliminate them. Environmental tracking can be carried out at a global level, for example by tracking climate change or microplastic pollution in the sea, at a regional level, for example by tracking pollution in a particular river, or at a local level, for example by tracking the air quality in an industrial facility or the water quality in a fish farm. Local environmental tracking can often be carried out to ensure that an industrial or agricultural facility complies with regulatory guidelines. Its ultimate goal is to maintain the safety of workers, local communities and the environment by detecting and eliminating emissions, thereby reducing the impact and therefore the risk associated with them. Such tracking can be carried out in a targeted manner, as the nature of the expected emissions is usually well known. For example, in the immediate vicinity of fish farms, antibiotic residues in water can be monitored or detected based on environmental monitoring. In agricultural areas, pesticide residues in groundwater and/or river water may be of interest, and near oil refineries, the concentration of volatile hydrocarbons in the ambient air can be monitored and used as an indicator of product leakage at any stage of the processing process.

However, environmental monitoring or environmental detection in general may also be used in individual or personal applications, such as monitoring a person's private or personal environmental environment. For example, the concentration of dust, pollen and/or fungal spores, volatile organic carbon (VOC), nitrogen oxides (NOx) or UV radiation may be measured in the air in the immediate vicinity of a person or subject who has a corresponding detection device at home or wears it, such as in a car or attached to an item of luggage such as a backpack or handbag. The purpose of such applications may be to reduce the subject's exposure, typically by avoiding exposure rather than by eliminating the source, since the latter may be difficult to achieve, such as in the case of UV radiation, pollen or ozone. In particular, in such individual or personal environmental monitoring applications, the difficulty may lie in the need to detect an unknown or unspecified source of pollution. Obtaining a comprehensive assessment of, for example, the current and local quality of the external or ambient environment may require the simultaneous monitoring of various environmental parameters, such as particulate matter, VOC, NOx, ozone, UV radiation, electromagnetic pollution and ionizing radiation.

Various devices and corresponding sensors have been developed for this purpose in the past years. Some of these devices and sensors can monitor multiple environmental parameters simultaneously and can provide real-time monitoring of air quality, optionally including a location- and time-based air pollution forecast, for example for optimal route planning. However, these known or traditional environmental monitoring devices are usually limited by the fact that the detection modes or sensors used are either highly selective or largely non-selective. For example, known exogenous toxic substances such as NOx, carbon monoxide or ozone can be selectively detected using highly sensitive and highly selective electrochemical and spectrometric sensors. Although such highly selective sensors can provide valuable information on the concentration of a particular molecule, substance or compound found in the environment, other molecules, substances or compounds that may be potentially hazardous may not be detected, in particular if the relevant molecules, substances or compounds are unknown. On the other hand, a common type of non-selective sensors used in environmental monitoring are VOC sensors, which rely, for example, on photoionization and detect any organic molecule that is ionized by light of a given frequency or energy. However, the ionization potential of an organic molecule may not be related to its toxicity or biological activity. As an example, pinene, which is a plant-derived terpene responsible for the characteristic odor of pine trees, and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, which is a rocket fuel, have essentially identical ionization potentials of 8.07 eV and 8.05 eV, respectively, and both are ionized by UV light of a sufficiently high frequency or energy of approximately 8 eV. However, their short-term toxicity or biological activity differ significantly. On the other hand, acetaldehyde, a carbonyl compound often used in synthetic chemistry, has an ionization potential of 10.2 eV and therefore will not be detected by a VOC sensor operating at approximately 8 eV, but has significant short-term toxicity or biological activity.

As is evident from the above examples, devices using highly selective sensors may be unable to detect various compounds, substances or molecules that are not detectable by the sensors, but may potentially have a negative effect on human health. Accordingly, the number of false positive results may be quite high when using highly selective sensors. On the other hand, devices using non-selective sensors may provide readings that are of limited relevance to health, i.e., the number of false positive results may be high. In addition, devices with non-selective sensors may also be unable to detect other compounds, molecules or substances that may have negative effects on human health, i.e., the number of false positive results may also be high. In other words, devices with non-selective sensors may detect large groups of chemical compounds, molecules or substances that have some common physicochemical properties, but such devices may not be able to distinguish molecules, compounds or substances that are potentially harmful to health from those that are not.

It may therefore be desirable to provide an improved device, system, apparatus and method for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment, for example, providing fewer false positive and/or false negative results.

This is achieved by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Optional features are provided by the dependent claims and the following description.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a sensor chip, a sensor device, a sensor system, the use of one or more of the above, and a method for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment. Any disclosure provided above in this document and below in this document with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure is equally applicable to any other aspect of the present invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a sensor chip is provided, which is capable of being functionally connected to a sensor device, for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment and/or the medium surrounding the sensor chip. The sensor chip comprises a reaction cell, which contains a plurality of receptor protein complexes, and a membrane, which separates the reaction cell from the environment and is permeable for one or more biologically active substances. In this case, the receptor protein complexes are capable of binding to one or more biologically active substances in the reaction cell, which thus causes a detectable change in the state of at least a part of the receptor protein complexes.

As will also be further described below in this document, the use of receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell, which can bind to biologically active substances entering the reaction cell from the environment, can make it possible to use the progressive and developed ability of living organisms to detect biologically active substances in the environment surrounding them. As a consequence, the number of false positives and false negatives detected or registered by the sensor chip, sensor device and/or sensor system according to the present invention can be significantly reduced, thereby ensuring a comprehensive, reliable and accurate detection of biologically active substances in the environment.

The reaction cell of the sensor chip may refer to or designate a compartment or chamber that accommodates or contains receptor protein complexes, wherein at least a portion, section or region of the reaction cell may be separated from the surrounding medium by a membrane. The reaction cell may have any suitable size, shape, geometry, outline or volume.

The membrane can generally be permeable to one or more biologically active substances that are to be detected by the sensor chip. For example, the membrane can provide mass exchange between the reaction cell and the surrounding medium. In particular, the membrane can be arranged and designed in such a way that one or more biologically active substances can enter the reaction cell from the surrounding medium through the membrane, for example, by diffusion.

In the context of this document, a biologically active substance may refer to a molecule, substance or compound capable of initiating a physiological response in a living organism, such as a human or an animal, for example, by binding to a receptor protein of a living organism equivalent to or corresponding to the receptor protein complexes of a sensor chip. In this case, initiating a physiological response may include initiating a cellular defense mechanism or a cellular response in a living organism. Alternatively or additionally, initiating a physiological response may include one or more of activating, suppressing and eliminating a biochemical process in a living organism.

For example, a biologically active substance absorbed by a living organism and bound to a hormone receptor protein of the living organism can activate cellular responses in the absence of endogenous signaling activity, as discussed above in this document. Since biologically active substances initiate physiological responses in living organisms, they are also usually associated with or associated with a certain toxicity or health risk to the living organism. Accordingly, by detecting one or more biologically active substances with the sensor chip according to the present invention, toxicity or pollution of the environment can be reliably determined or assessed.

Receptor protein complexes in the context of the present document may generally relate to or designate functional complexes configured to bind to one or more biologically active substances and change their state upon binding, which can be detected or measured by a sensor chip. In this case, each receptor protein complex may comprise at least one ligand-binding domain configured to bind to at least one biologically active substance, which may also be referred to as a ligand in this context. For example, each receptor protein complex may comprise at least one ligand-binding domain of a receptor protein that can be found in a living organism in a similar, identical or equivalent structure, sequence or form.

Therefore, the change in state caused by the binding of one of the receptor protein complexes of the sensor chip to at least one biologically active substance may resemble or indicate a cellular or physiological response initiated by the binding of the biologically active substance to an equivalent or similar receptor protein in a living organism. Accordingly, when the change in state is detected or determined by means of the sensor chip, it can be assumed that the biologically active substance will initiate a physiological response in a living organism. Therefore, the sensor chip according to the present invention can provide a significant advantage compared to sensors that non-selectively respond to a wide range of chemical compounds based on certain structural properties that may not be associated with the biological activity of the compounds, for example, as in the case of VOC sensors. It should be further noted that the chemical structure of the biologically active substance that binds to one of the receptor protein complexes, as well as its source, may be unknown. Therefore, the sensor chip according to the present invention can also provide a significant advantage over sensors that selectively and exclusively detect known biologically active substances, such as toxic substances.

The binding of the receptor protein complex may result in, be associated with or be accompanied by various types of changes in the state of the receptor protein complexes, including changes in conformation, structure, shape, position, localization, composition, chemical reactivity, chemical activity, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the change in state caused in the receptor protein complex may result in a modification or change in at least a portion of the reaction cell and/or membrane. Such various changes in the state of the receptor protein complexes and/or modifications or changes in at least a component of the sensor chip associated therewith may be detected using various approaches, such as using detection principles or modes. As will be discussed in detail below in this document, all of these various detection principles are provided in the context of the present invention.

In an example, a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes may be associated with a change in the conformational state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes. For example, the receptor protein complexes may be in their native state in the reaction cell and may be designed with the ability to change their conformation upon binding to one of the biologically active substances.

Alternatively or additionally, the change in the state of the receptor complexes may be associated with a change in the localization and/or position of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction unit. Accordingly, the receptor protein complexes may be designed to change position and/or localization in the reaction unit upon binding to one or more biologically active substances. The change in position may be associated with or may include movement of the corresponding protein complex or at least a portion thereof in the reaction unit. Such a change in position and/or localization may be caused, for example, by a change in the conformation of the receptor protein complex or by binding another ligand to the receptor protein complex.

Alternatively or additionally, the change in state may be associated with a change in the composition of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes. For example, the composition of the receptor protein complex may change upon binding to a biologically active substance based on dissociation or exchange of components or fragments of the receptor protein complex or by binding of the receptor protein complex to another component or fragment. Accordingly, the receptor protein complexes may be configured to dissociate into one or more components upon binding to one or more biologically active substances, may be configured to exchange one or more components upon binding to one or more biologically active substances, and/or may be configured to bind to one or more fragments upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Optionally, the change in the composition of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes may be associated with a change in the mass of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, for example, if one or more fragments are released upon binding to a biologically active substance. Alternatively or additionally, the change in the mass of at least a portion of the reaction cell and/or membrane may be associated with an induced change in state and may be detected by a sensor chip.

Additionally, the induced change in state may be associated with one or more of a change in a physical property of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in a physical property of at least a portion of the reaction cell and/or membrane, a change in an optical property of at least a portion of the reaction cell and/or membrane, a change in a chemical property of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in a chemical property of the substrate contained in the reaction cell, a change in the conductivity of the substrate contained in the reaction cell, and a change in the concentration of free fluorescent or light-absorbing molecules in at least a portion of the reaction cell.

Any one or more of the above-mentioned changes in state and/or modifications or changes of at least a part or component of the sensor chip associated therewith can be used to reliably detect the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment. Accordingly, the detectable one or more changes in state of at least a part of the receptor protein complexes can indicate the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment.

In an example, at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes can be limited by at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or immobilized thereon, wherein at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes can be configured to dissociate from the at least one functional surface upon binding with one or more biologically active substances. In other words, at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes limited by at least one functional surface or immobilized thereon can be released or liberated from the at least one functional surface upon binding with one or more biologically active substances. Dissociation from at least one functional surface can result in or be associated with, for example, one or more of a change in the mass of at least one functional surface, membrane or other internal surface of the reaction cell, a change in an optical property of at least one functional surface, membrane or other internal surface or a substrate contained in the reaction cell, and a change in another property or characteristic of one or more of the functional surface, membrane and reaction cell. Any one or more of such changes can be detected by the sensor chip and provide accurate detection of one or more biologically active substances.

As an example, at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes can be covalently linked to at least one functional surface of the reaction unit. Accordingly, at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes can be limited to at least one functional surface or immobilized thereon based on a covalent bond of the receptor protein complexes with at least one functional surface. For example, at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes can be limited to at least one functional surface of the reaction unit or immobilized thereon using a ligand, such as a low-affinity ligand or a high-affinity ligand, covalently linked to at least one functional surface of the reaction unit. In this case, at least a portion of the at least one functional surface can comprise or be coated with said ligands. Although both low-affinity and high-affinity ligands can be used, low-affinity ligands can provide a stronger signal compared to high-affinity ligands.

Alternatively or additionally, the receptor protein complexes can be electrostatically confined to at least one functional surface of the reaction cell. This can include, for example, ionic bonding or bonding via weak interactions such as van der Waals forces. Electrostatic confinement can be provided passively, for example based on a charge carried by at least one functional surface, or actively, for example based on charging one or more electrodes of the sensor chip on or near at least one functional surface.

At least one functional surface of the reaction cell can be defined by the inner surface of the membrane facing the reaction cell. In other words, the inner surface of the membrane that faces or is directed toward the inside of the reaction cell can constitute at least one functional surface.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one functional surface may comprise an inner surface of the reaction cell, wherein this inner surface is directed toward the membrane. An inner surface directed toward the membrane may mean that the normal vector to the surface of the inner surface and the normal vector to the surface of the membrane are directed transversely to each other. For example, at least one functional surface may comprise an inner surface of the reaction cell located opposite the membrane or near the membrane.

In an example, the environment may include ambient air, atmospheric air, or air in the external environment or around the sensor chip. Accordingly, the sensor chip according to the present invention may be configured to detect one or more biologically active substances in the ambient air. Therefore, the sensor chip may be used, for example, to monitor the external environment and/or monitor the quality of the ambient air.

Alternatively, the environment may include water. Accordingly, the sensor chip according to the present invention may be configured to detect one or more biologically active substances in water. Therefore, the sensor chip may be used, for example, to monitor the external environment and/or monitor the quality of water, such as surface water, ground water, sea water, river water, water in a fish farm, water in a swimming pool, or the like. It should be noted that the sensor chip according to the present invention may also be advantageously used to detect one or more biologically active substances in other environments or substances, such as in soil.

The membrane may comprise an outer surface capable of contact with the environment, and may comprise an inner surface facing the reaction cell. Accordingly, the outer surface of the membrane may be directed toward the environment, and the inner surface of the membrane may be directed toward the inside of the reaction cell. At least during use of the sensor chip, the outer surface of the membrane may be capable of continuous contact with the environment, which may allow continuous monitoring of the environment for the presence of one or more biologically active substances.

In an example, the reaction cell may contain one or more of a liquid, a gel, and a semi-solid substrate. In this case, the reaction cell may be partially or completely filled with the substrate. For example, the substrate may have such a composition that the receptor protein complexes retain a native state, in particular when they are not associated with one or more biologically active substances. Providing such a liquid, semi-solid, and/or gel substrate in the reaction cell may significantly increase the service life of the receptor protein complexes and, therefore, the service life of the sensor chip.

As an example, the substrate may comprise at least one of an aqueous solution, an isotonic solution, and a buffer solution. Accordingly, the reaction unit may comprise an aqueous, isotonic, buffered liquid, gel, and/or semi-solid substrate, such as a gel matrix, in which the receptor protein complexes and optional additional proteins that may be present in the reaction unit retain their native state.

Optionally, the substrate may comprise a stabilizing protein to stabilize the receptor protein complexes, for example, in their native state. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate may comprise a surface-active molecule or complex of surface-active molecules, for example, one or more of polysorbate 20 or triton X-100.

The membrane of the sensor chip may be permeable to gases. The permeability of the membrane to gases may be particularly advantageous if the environment includes or contains air, which can pass through the membrane and enter the reaction cell through the membrane. Alternatively or additionally, the membrane may be impermeable to water or an aqueous liquid. The impermeability of the membrane to water or an aqueous liquid may prevent the leakage of the substrate or other liquid from the reaction cell, thereby ensuring the functionality of the sensor chip and increasing its service life.

In an example, the membrane may comprise a plurality of pores, preferably filled with gas to exclude water. Such a membrane configuration may effectively provide gas permeability and water or aqueous liquid impermeability over a long service life of the sensor chip.

For example, the membrane may comprise at least one of a porous carbon paper material and a perforated fluoropolymer. Although it should be noted that the membrane may also comprise other materials or polymers, including lipids.

In an additional example, the sensor chip may further comprise a grid covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane. The grid may be arranged and configured to protect the membrane and/or the reaction cell from physical damage from the outside. The grid may be a rigid grid. The grid may be made as a single unit with the sensor chip housing, or it may be made as a separate part or element attached to the sensor chip housing.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor chip may further comprise a sealing cap covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane and configured to prevent contact of the membrane with the environment. The sealing cap may be in direct contact with the membrane or may be at a distance from the membrane. For example, the sealing cap may be located at the outer surface of a mesh covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane. The sealing cap may be used, in particular, to close the outer surface of the membrane and block the entry of biologically active substances into the reaction cell when the sensor chip is not in use. This may increase the service life or operating life of the sensor chip, since the amount of receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell may decrease over time if it is not closed with a sealing cap.

In general, the sealing cap may be intended for single use only, or the sealing cap may be reused to close the membrane. Accordingly, the reaction cell may be configured to be sealed and/or resealed by covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane with the sealing cap.

In an example, the sealing cap may comprise an adhesive film, for example, allowing the sealing cap to be releasably attached or attached to the sensor chip. For example, the adhesive film may be located on at least a portion of the surface of the sealing cap, such as along the perimeter of the surface, which may ensure reliable attachment of the sealing cap to the sensor chip and ensure thorough sealing of the membrane or reaction cell by the sealing cap from the environment. However, it should be noted that other means of attaching the sealing cap to the sensor chip may also be used, including a snap-on connection or other mechanical fastening, as well as a magnetic fastening.

The sealing cap may be airtight and/or may be configured to block air from passing through the sealing cap. The airtight configuration and the attachment of the sealing cap to the sensor chip may prevent the environment or biologically active substances from entering the reaction cell, which may potentially reduce the amount of receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell over time. As noted above, this sealing of the reaction cell may be particularly advantageous when the sensor chip is not in use, such as during storage of the sensor chip.

The sensor chip may be designed with a shape and size for at least partial insertion into the sensor device. Accordingly, the sensor chip may have a shape and size that allows it to be at least partially inserted into the sensor device. Such partial insertion may ensure correct positioning of the sensor chip in the sensor device, may ensure proper connection or fastening between the sensor chip and the sensor device, and may protect the sensor chip from damage.

For example, the sensor chip can be made with a shape and size for at least partial insertion into a socket of the sensor device. In other words, the sensor device can contain at least one socket for at least partial placement of the sensor chip. The socket can be made, for example, in the form of a seat, and the sensor chip can be inserted into the socket by pushing the sensor chip into the socket.

Optionally, the sensor chip may comprise at least one surface element on the outer surface of the sensor chip housing, wherein at least one surface element of the sensor chip is formed as complementary to at least one surface element of the socket to ensure correct positioning of the sensor chip in the socket. In this case, at least one surface element of the sensor chip may optionally be designed with the possibility of engaging with at least one surface element of the socket to secure the sensor chip in the socket. Accordingly, the surface element of the socket and the surface element on the sensor chip housing may form a snap-on or gripping mechanism for securing the sensor chip in the socket.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor chip may comprise one or more magnets or magnetic elements for magnetically attaching the sensor chip to the sensor device. Other methods for attaching the sensor chip to the sensor device may also be used, such as a screw connection or other mechanical connection.

As indicated above, one or more different principles or modes of detection can be used to detect a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes caused by binding to one or more biologically active substances. For example, a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes can be detectable based on an optical measurement. Such an optical measurement can be performed in at least a portion of the reaction unit, on at least a portion of the membrane, or outside the reaction unit. Alternatively or additionally, a change in state can be detectable based on detection of fluorescent light and based on excitation of fluorescence of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes. For example, the receptor protein complexes can comprise at least one fluorescent label and can be configured to dissociate upon binding to one or more biologically active substances, thereby releasing at least one fluorescent label into the reaction unit. Fluorescent light emitted by fluorescent labels released from the receptor protein complexes upon binding can be detected to detect a change in state. Alternatively or additionally, the change in state can be detectable based on light scattering, such as by transmitting light through at least a portion of the reaction cell and by measuring a change in the intensity of the light passing through the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, the change in state can be detectable based on determining one or more optical properties of at least one functional surface of the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the reaction cell or on at least one functional surface can be used to detect a change in state of the receptor protein complexes. For example, binding of the receptor protein complexes to one or more biologically active substances can lead to dissociation of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes and/or dissociation of the receptor protein complexes from at least one functional surface, which can lead to a detectable change in the optical properties of at least one functional surface and/or a substrate contained in the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, the change in state can be detected based on determining the conductivity and/or a change in the conductivity of the substrate contained in the reaction cell. For this purpose, the sensor chip can comprise one or more electrodes located inside the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, the change in state can be detectable based on detecting an electrochemical process occurring in the reaction cell upon binding of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes to one or more biologically active substances. Alternatively or additionally, the change in state can be detectable based on the determination of the mass and/or the change in the mass of at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, for example based on the determination of the mass and/or the change in the mass of the receptor protein complexes limited to at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or immobilized thereon. For example, the receptor protein complexes can be limited to at least one functional surface and can dissociate from it upon binding to one or more biologically active substances, which can lead to a measurable change in the mass of at least one functional surface or membrane. Alternatively or additionally, the change in one or more physical or optical properties of at least one functional surface can be detectable based on the surface plasmon resonance on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell. It is emphasized that any one or more of the above-mentioned detection principles or even other detection principles can be used to detect a change in state caused by the binding of the receptor protein complexes to one or more biologically active substances.

It should be noted that additional technical means for actually detecting one or more of the above-mentioned state changes, such as appropriate sensors or sensing elements, may be included in the sensor chip and/or sensor device. Accordingly, one or both of the sensor chip and the sensor device can be configured to determine a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes based on an optical measurement, based on the detection of fluorescent light, based on the excitation of fluorescence of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes, based on light scattering, based on the determination of the conductivity of the substrate contained in the reaction cell of the sensor chip, based on an electrochemical process occurring in the reaction cell, based on the determination of one or more optical properties of at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, based on the determination of the absorption of electromagnetic radiation, based on the determination of the mass of at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, based on the determination of the mass of the receptor protein complexes limited by at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or immobilized on it, and based on surface plasmon resonance on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

According to an example, the sensor chip comprises one or more connectors for functionally connecting the sensor chip to a sensor device. Such a functional connection may mean that the sensor chip can be connected by means of one or more connectors to a sensor device, so that a change in the state of at least a part of the receptor protein complexes upon binding to one or more biologically active substances is detectable.

In an example, one or more connectors may include at least one optical connector configured to conduct electromagnetic radiation from the sensor device to the reaction cell for optically detecting a change in the conformational state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes upon binding to one or more biologically active substances. Alternatively or additionally, one or more connectors may include at least one additional optical connector for conducting electromagnetic radiation from the reaction cell. For example, the sensor chip may comprise a first optical connector for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from the sensor device to the sensor chip and a second optical connector for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from the sensor chip to the sensor device. The sensor chip may also comprise more than two optical connectors for optically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device.

At least one optical connector and/or at least one additional optical connector, for example the first and second optical connectors, may comprise at least one opening located in the body of the sensor chip. By means of at least one opening of the corresponding optical connector, electromagnetic radiation may be conducted into and/or out of the sensor chip for optical detection of a change in the state of receptor protein complexes upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Optionally, at least one opening can be sealed with a layer of material transparent to electromagnetic radiation with a predetermined wavelength. For example, a change in state can be detected based on the excitation of fluorescence of one or more fluorescent labels of receptor protein complexes that can be released upon binding to a biologically active substance. In this case, the layer of material sealing the opening can be permeable or transparent to at least fluorescence-exciting light with a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range, allowing the fluorescence-exciting light to be conducted into the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, the layer of material sealing the opening can be permeable or transparent to at least fluorescent light emitted by fluorescent labels.

At least one opening, for example, can have such a shape, orientation or contour that light or electromagnetic radiation entering the reaction cell through the opening leads to the passage of a light beam through at least a portion of the reaction cell. For example, at least one opening can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reaction cell.

In another example, the sensor chip further comprises at least one optical waveguide for directing electromagnetic radiation through the reaction cell for optically detecting a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes upon binding to one or more biologically active substances. In this case, at least one optical waveguide can pass through at least a portion of the reaction cell. For example, at least one optical waveguide can pass parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reaction cell through the reaction cell. The placement of one or more optical waveguides in the reaction cell can generally provide highly sensitive optical measurement, thereby allowing for accurate and reliable detection of changes in the state of the receptor protein complexes upon binding.

At least one optical waveguide can be aligned and optically connected with at least one optical connector of the sensor chip. Accordingly, electromagnetic radiation or light can be conducted into and/or out of at least one optical waveguide by means of at least one optical connector.

As an example, the sensor chip may comprise at least two optical waveguides and at least one reflective element located at the end of at least two optical waveguides, wherein at least one reflective element optically couples at least two optical waveguides. In other words, electromagnetic radiation may be conducted along one of the optical waveguides, reflected by at least one reflective element and conducted into a further optical waveguide. Optionally, each of the at least two optical waveguides may be optically coupled to at least one optical connector of the sensor device located at the end of the corresponding optical waveguide opposite to the at least one reflective element. In such a configuration, the length of the trajectory of electromagnetic radiation passing through the reaction cell through at least two optical waveguides may be maximized, which may increase the sensitivity of the sensor chip.

In another example, one or more sensor chip connectors may include at least one electrical connector for electrically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device. Such an electrical connector may provide electrical signals, such as control signals or detection signals, from the sensor device to the sensor chip, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, at least one electrical connector may provide data transfer or a connection with the ability to communicate between the sensor chip and the sensor device.

In an example, the sensor chip further comprises one or more electrodes, at least partially located in the reaction cell and configured to determine the conductivity or change in conductivity of the substrate or composition in the reaction cell. As mentioned above in this document, the change in state caused by binding at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes may include dissociation of the receptor protein complexes into several components and/or dissociation of the receptor protein complexes from at least one functional surface. Any of these changes in state may lead to a change in the conductivity of the substrate contained in the reaction cell, which can be measured by means of one or more electrodes with high accuracy, sensitivity and precision.

In another example, the sensor chip may further comprise at least one detection window transparent to electromagnetic radiation emitted and/or scattered by at least one or more components of the receptor protein complexes. For example, at least one detection window may be transparent to fluorescent light emitted by at least one or more components of the receptor protein complexes, such as, for example, one or more fluorescent labels released upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one detection window may be opaque to the fluorescence excitation light. Therefore, the detection window may block the fluorescence excitation light from exiting the reaction cell. Such a configuration may allow increasing the sensitivity of the sensor chip, in particular in the case where the intensity of the fluorescence excitation light is much higher than the intensity of the actual fluorescence light emitted by the fluorescent labels.

At least one detection window can be, for example, located opposite the membrane, directed and/or oriented to it. Such placement of the detection window can ensure reliable detection of changes in the optical property of the membrane or the functional surface of the reaction cell through the detection window of the sensor chip.

In an example, the inner surface of at least one detection window facing the reaction cell can be at least partially coated with molecular capture complexes configured to bind to at least a component of the receptor protein complexes, so that the receptor protein complexes bound to one or more biologically active substances are captured on the inner surface. The inner surface of at least one detection window can thus perform the function of a sink for the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell that have already bound to one or more biologically active substances. By means of the coated inner surface, the sensitivity of the sensor chip can be maintained at a high level even over long periods of operation in an environment containing a significant amount of biologically active substances. Such a configuration can be particularly advantageous in optical detection of a change in state, for example based on fluorescence excitation. For example, after long-term operation or strong exposure of the sensor chip to biologically active substances, a large part of the receptor protein complexes may be bound to biologically active substances, dissociated and/or released from the membrane, which may make proper detection of additional fluorescence caused by recently bound receptor protein complexes inaccurate. Therefore, by means of a coated inner surface of at least one detection window, it is possible to ensure that already bound receptor protein complexes or their components, such as one or more fluorescent labels, are captured on the coated inner surface and prevent them from affecting or influencing the optical measurement.

For the actual binding of the receptor protein complexes or one or more components thereof to the molecular capture complexes, the receptor protein complexes may comprise an affinity tag, preferably binding with high affinity to the molecular capture complexes. The affinity tag may be, for example, biotin, in which case the molecular capture complexes may comprise streptavidin. Alternatively or additionally, the affinity tag may be a histidine tag, in which case the molecular capture complexes may comprise nickel chelate ions.

Alternatively or additionally, the inner surface of at least one detection window facing the reaction cell may be at least partially coated with quenching molecules for quenching scattered light and/or fluorescent light emitted by at least one component of the receptor protein complexes, such as a fluorescent label. Alternatively or additionally, the inner surface of the membrane facing the reaction cell may be at least partially coated with quenching molecules for quenching scattered light and/or fluorescent light emitted by at least a component of the receptor protein complexes. Quenching scattered light and/or fluorescent light may reduce or even eliminate interference caused by light scattering or fluorescent emission unrelated to the binding of the receptor protein complexes to one or more biologically active substances.

In the example, the sensor chip and/or the reaction cell may have an elongated shape. Such an elongated shape may allow increasing the surface of the membrane and/or the reaction cell exposed to the environment, which may allow increasing the quality and accuracy of the actual detection of biologically active substances. In this case, the membrane may not necessarily be located on the longitudinal side of the sensor chip.

In another example, the reaction cell may have a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the reaction cell may be formed as a parallelepiped. However, it should be noted that other geometries, shapes or contours of the reaction cell are contemplated in the context of the present invention.

For example, the reaction cell may have a circular, elliptical or oval cross-section and/or may have a tubular shape. In this case, the membrane may at least partially surround the reaction cell along the perimeter or outer circumference of the reaction cell. Also, such a configuration may allow to increase or maximize the membrane surface through which biologically active substances can enter the reaction cell, thereby allowing to increase the accuracy and precision of detection of biologically active substances.

In an additional example, the sensor chip may further comprise at least one reservoir configured to be fluidly connected to the reaction cell, wherein at least one reservoir is configured to supply deionized water to the reaction cell. Accordingly, at least one reservoir may be at least partially filled with deionized water. The reservoir may also be referred to herein as a water reservoir. By means of the reservoir, the substrate or liquid leaking from the reaction cell over time, such as water passing through a membrane, can be compensated by supplying deionized water to the reaction cell.

Alternatively or additionally, the reaction cell may be in a dry state or free of liquid, semi-solid and/or gel substrate prior to using the sensor chip for the first time, and the sensor chip may be activated by feeding deionized water from a reservoir into the reaction cell.

In an example, at least a portion of the wall of at least one reservoir may be movable, flexible or movable, so that the volume of the reservoir may be adjustable. Such a configuration may allow dynamic compensation for any loss or leakage of substrate, liquid, fluid or water from the reaction cell over time.

For example, at least a portion of at least one reservoir can be formed as a flexible bag or a flexible blister. In this case, the volume of the reservoir can be adjusted in accordance with the amount or volume of deionized water supplied to the reaction cell, in particular without significant resistance to discharge, if water exits the reservoir to the reaction cell.

Optionally, at least one reservoir can be surrounded by a part of the sensor chip housing, which contains at least one pressure equalization opening. By means of at least one opening, the environment, for example air, can enter the housing when water is moved from the reservoir to the reaction cell, for example by means of a higher osmotic concentration in the reaction cell compared to the reservoir.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor chip may further comprise at least one movable piston configured to adjust the volume of at least one reservoir. This configuration may also allow dynamic compensation for any loss or leakage of substrate, liquid, fluid or water from the reaction cell over time.

Optionally, at least one reservoir may be connected or fluidly coupled to the reaction cell via a semipermeable membrane that blocks the diffusion of salts from the reaction cell into the reservoir. Due to the semipermeable membrane, the salts can remain in the reaction cell and maintain an osmotic concentration difference that causes deionized water to flow from the reservoir into the reaction cell.

In another example, the sensor chip may further comprise at least one blocking element configured to block the fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir. For example, the sensor chip may be configured to be activated based on the unblocking of the fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir using at least one blocking element. In other words, the sensor chip may be activated by unblocking the fluid communication and by supplying deionized water from the reservoir to the reaction cell.

At least one blocking element may comprise, for example, a waterproof membrane located between at least one reservoir and a reaction cell. In this case, the sensor chip may be designed with the possibility of activation on the base or by destroying at least a portion of the waterproof membrane.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one blocking element may comprise a movable pin configured to block or unblock a fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir. In this case, the sensor chip may be configured to be activated based on the displacement of the movable pin, so that a fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir is unblocked or established.

According to an example, each of the receptor protein complexes may contain at least one ligand-binding domain of the receptor protein, configured with the possibility of binding with one or more biologically active substances and configured with the possibility of changing conformation upon binding with one of the biologically active substances. Optionally, at least some of the receptor protein complexes may contain a plurality of ligand-binding domains of one or more receptor proteins. Accordingly, a plurality of biologically active substances may be bound by one receptor protein complex, which may increase the overall sensitivity of the sensor chip.

Also optionally, the plurality of ligand-binding domains may be of different types and may be configured to bind to different types of biologically active substances. In other words, the receptor protein complexes may comprise at least a portion, for example a ligand-binding domain, of receptor proteins of different types configured to bind to different types of biologically active substances. Therefore, one receptor protein complex may detect a plurality of different types of biologically active substances.

According to an example, at least some of the receptor protein complexes may comprise at least one ligand-binding domain of a receptor protein that is a xenosensor protein or a hormone receptor protein. Alternatively or additionally, each of the receptor protein complexes may comprise at least one ligand-binding domain of a receptor protein selected from the group consisting of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor, a constitutive androstane receptor, a pregnane X receptor, and an estrogen receptor.

Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the receptor protein complexes may comprise at least one binding domain of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor or an aryl hydrocarbon receptor protein. For example, at least some of the receptor protein complexes may comprise at least a PAS (Per-ARNT-Sim) domain or the entire aryl hydrocarbon receptor protein, which may allow for the detection of materials, compounds, molecules and/or substances, such as halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons such as polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, dibenzofurans and biphenyls, and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as 3-ethylcholanthrene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzanthracenes and benzoflavones.

In general, at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes may comprise a recombinant protein or a protein that is not recombinant. Alternatively or additionally, each of the receptor protein complexes may comprise at least a portion of a monomeric receptor protein, a homodimeric receptor protein complex, or a heterodimeric receptor protein complex.

Additionally, at least some of the receptor protein complexes may contain an organic or inorganic fragment that dissociates from the rest of the corresponding receptor protein complex upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

As an example, the receptor protein complexes can contain at least one fluorescent label that dissociates or is released from the rest of the corresponding receptor protein complex upon binding to one or more biologically active substances. Using such receptor protein complexes, it is possible to detect changes in state caused by binding of the receptor protein complexes to one or more biologically active substances based on the excitation of fluorescence of at least one fluorescent label dissociated or released from the rest of the receptor protein complexes. Optionally, at least some of the receptor protein complexes can contain a plurality of fluorescent labels of the same type or different types. As an example, the at least one fluorescent label can be a fluorescent dye or a green fluorescent protein.

Alternatively or additionally, the receptor protein complexes may comprise a nanoparticle that dissociates or is released from the rest of the corresponding receptor protein complex upon binding to one or more biologically active substances. By using a nanoparticle, such as a gold nanoparticle, as a moiety released upon binding, the mass change caused by the binding event can be increased, which can improve the sensitivity and precision of detection of biologically active substances.

In another example, the sensor chip further comprises a chip identifier for identifying the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of the receptor protein complex contained in the sensor chip. Similarly, the chip identifier may allow identifying the type of biologically active substances detected by the sensor chip. In an example, the chip identifier may comprise information or data indicating the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of the receptor protein complex contained in the sensor chip.

Optionally, the chip identifier may be configured to be read by a user device and/or configured to be read by a sensor device. In the context of the present document, a user device may refer to any device configured to be functionally and/or communicatively connected to a sensor chip or a sensor device, such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a laptop, a smart device, a smart watch or any other computing device. Reading the chip identifier may, in particular, allow information related to the type of the sensor chip and/or receptor protein complexes to be provided to the user device and/or the sensor device. This may further allow proper operation and control of the sensor chip by the sensor device when the sensor chip is inserted into the sensor device.

In an example, the chip identifier may include one or more of a barcode, a QR code, an RFID tag, a label, and a data store. The barcode, QR code, label, or RFID tag may be read by a user device and/or a sensor device based on optical detection or using an RFID reader applied in the user device and/or the sensor device. Similarly, data stored in the data store may be read by the user device and/or the sensor device based on creating a data transmission, such as through one or more connectors of the sensor chip.

In another example, the sensor chip may further comprise a data store configured to store historical data indicating the use or remaining service life of the sensor chip. Such data may also be read by the user device and/or the sensor device. Storing historical data in the data store may in particular allow the sensor chip to be reused, for example by reinserting it into the sensor device, while ensuring the proper functionality of the sensor chip, for example, since the sensor device may determine that the service life of the sensor chip has not yet expired.

For example, one or more operational parameters associated with the use of a sensor chip may be measured over the operating period or service life of the chip and stored in a data store as historical data. In other words, the data store may be configured to store one or more operational parameters indicating the use or remaining service life of the sensor chip.

Optionally, the sensor device and/or the user device may provide a notification if the remaining service life of the sensor chip reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, for example, due to exhaustion of receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell, thereby indicating the need to replace the sensor chip. Optionally, the sensor device and/or the user device may determine, based on historical data, the exhaustion of receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell and determine the remaining service life of the sensor chip based on the determined exhaustion.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device and/or the user device may determine, based on historical data, the cumulative exposure to biologically active substances, such as cumulative air pollution. Optionally, such information may be provided to the user, for example, via a user interface of the sensor device and/or the user device.

In an example, the data storage of the sensor chip may be accessible to the sensor device upon operative connection of the sensor chip to the sensor device, for example, upon at least partial insertion of the sensor chip into the sensor device. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may read the data storage of the sensor chip upon operative connection of the sensor chip to the sensor device. For example, the data storage and/or the chip identifier of the sensor chip may be automatically detected and/or read upon operative connection of the sensor chip to the sensor device.

In general, the sensor chip may comprise a plurality of reaction units and/or membranes. Optionally, the plurality of reaction units may comprise different types of receptor protein complexes configured to bind to different types of biologically active substances. These configurations may allow increasing the sensitivity of the sensor chip and expanding the range of biologically active substances that can be detected by the sensor chip. Accordingly, a compact sensor chip may be provided that can ensure detection of several different biologically active substances with high precision.

In another example, the sensor chip further comprises one or more sensors configured to detect a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes. Optionally, the sensor chip may comprise a processing circuit configured to provide a detection signal indicating a certain change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes. Accordingly, the electronics and sensing elements for actually detecting changes in the state of the receptor protein complexes may be at least partially or completely included in the sensor chip. However, alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors and/or at least a portion of the processing circuit may be located in the sensor device.

For example, the sensor chip may comprise one or more optical sensors, such as photodetectors, for optically detecting a change in state. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor chip may comprise one or more electrodes for detecting a change in state based on measuring the conductivity in the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor chip may comprise one or more piezoelectric elements arranged and configured to detect a change in state based on determining the mass and/or a change in the mass of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on at least one functional surface of the sensor chip and/or released from it. Alternatively, one or more piezoelectric elements may be arranged and configured to determine the mass and/or a change in the mass of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on at least one functional surface of the sensor chip and/or released from it, based on determining the mass and/or a change in the mass of the receptor protein complexes or one or more components thereof on one or more internal surfaces of the reaction cell directed toward the at least one functional surface.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a sensor chip as described above and below for detecting one or more biologically active substances. Any disclosure provided above and below with reference to a sensor chip applies equally to the use of a sensor chip.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a sensor device for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment is provided. The sensor device comprises a housing configured to at least partially accommodate at least one sensor chip, as described above in this document and below in this document, for operatively connecting the sensor device to the at least one sensor chip. The sensor device further comprises a processing circuit configured to provide a detection signal indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment based on determining a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip, wherein the change in state is caused by binding of said one or more receptor protein complexes with one or more biologically active substances entering from the environment through the membrane of the sensor chip into the reaction cell of the sensor chip.

It should be noted that the sensor device may optionally comprise one or more sensors for detecting a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip. At least some or all of the sensors may alternatively be included in the sensor chip. Similarly, at least a portion of the processing circuit or the entire processing circuit may be located in or included in the sensor chip.

The processing circuit may comprise, for example, one or more processors, one or more controllers or one or more microcontrollers for processing data or controlling the operation of the sensor device and/or the sensor chip. Optionally, at least part of the processing circuit may be implemented on a printed circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the processing circuit may be implemented as a smart chip or a smart device. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the processing circuit may be implemented as a special purpose integrated circuit, ASIC.

In another aspect of the present invention, a sensor device is provided, configured to be operatively connected to at least one sensor chip, as described above in this document and below in this document, for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment. The sensor device comprises at least one sensor configured to determine a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in a reaction cell of at least one sensor chip, wherein the change in the state is caused by binding of one or more receptor protein complexes with one or more biologically active substances entering from the environment through a membrane of the sensor chip into the reaction cell of the sensor chip. The sensor device further comprises a processing circuit connected to at least one sensor, wherein the processing circuit is configured to provide a detection signal indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment based on the determination of a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes.

In an example, the environment may include ambient air. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may be or may be designed as an environmental monitoring device for monitoring ambient air quality.

The sensor device may be or may be implemented as a fixed device and/or a tabletop device. The sensor device may be used, for example, at home or in an office to monitor the air quality in this external environment. Alternatively, the sensor device may be at least temporarily installed in other places, for example in a car or the like. In general, the sensor device may be implemented with the ability to monitor the air quality continuously or at predetermined time intervals.

Alternatively, the sensor device may be or be implemented as a portable device, a mobile device and/or a handheld device. In such a configuration, a person may carry the sensor device to monitor the air quality around the person, for example, continuously or at predetermined time intervals. The sensor device may be carried, for example, in a pocket, bag, backpack or handbag of the person, or it may be attached to an object on the person, such as an item of clothing, bag, backpack or handbag.

In the context of the present document, the detection signal may refer to an electrically processed signal or may designate such a signal, such as, for example, an electronic signal or a data signal. Optionally, the detection signal may be used by the processing circuit to provide indications indicative of one or more detected biologically active substances, for example, in a user interface of a sensor device. Alternatively or additionally, the detection signal may be transmitted from the sensor device to the user device and subsequently processed by the user device to provide indications indicative of one or more detected biologically active substances.

The detection signal may indicate the amount of one or more biologically active substances in a unit volume of the environment, the mass of the biologically active substance in a unit volume of the environment, the concentration of the biologically active substance in the environment, the activation potential of the receptor protein of the environment, and the biological activity of the environment. Accordingly, one or more of the above-mentioned quantities may be determined by the processing circuit and/or the user device based on the processing of the detection signal.

In an example, the sensor device can be configured to be mechanically connected to the sensor chip. The mechanical connection can include, for example, a snap connection at least partially engaging the surface elements of the sensor chip and the sensor device, a mechanical fixation of the sensor chip on the sensor device, for example, by means of a screw connection, or any other mechanical connection. By mechanically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device, it is possible to ensure that the sensor chip is positioned in a predetermined position and/or orientation to ensure a functional connection between the sensor device and the sensor chip. Accordingly, the mechanical connection of the sensor chip and the sensor device may optionally include creating a functional connection between the sensor chip and the sensor device, which may include, for example, creating one or more optical connections, one or more electrical connections and/or one or more data connections. Therefore, by mechanically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device, it is possible to ensure a functional and operational state of the sensor chip.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may be configured to be magnetically connected to the sensor chip. For example, the sensor device may comprise one or more magnets interacting with one or more magnetic counter parts or magnetic elements of the sensor chip for magnetically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device. Also, by magnetically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device, it is possible to ensure that the sensor chip is positioned in a predetermined position and/or orientation to ensure a functional connection between the sensor device and the sensor chip. Accordingly, the magnetic connection of the sensor chip and the sensor device may optionally include creating a functional connection between the sensor chip and the sensor device, which may include, for example, creating one or more optical connections, one or more electrical connections and/or one or more data transfer connections. Therefore, by magnetically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device, it is possible to ensure a functional and operational state of the sensor chip.

In an example, the sensor device may be configured to at least partially accommodate at least one sensor chip. For example, the sensor device may comprise at least one socket configured to at least partially accommodate at least one sensor chip. The sensor chip may be inserted in a detachable manner at least partially into the sensor device or at least one socket. Alternatively or additionally, at least one socket may be configured to at least partially accommodate at least one sensor chip, so that the housing of the sensor device at least partially surrounds at least one sensor chip. By at least partially inserting the sensor chip into the sensor device or the socket, the sensor chip may be protected and a functional connection may be created between the sensor chip and the sensor device.

Optionally, at least one socket may comprise at least one surface element formed as a complement to at least one surface element of the sensor chip to ensure correct positioning of the sensor chip in at least one socket. For example, at least one surface element of at least one socket may comprise one or more guides for positioning the sensor chip inside the socket. Alternatively or additionally, at least one surface element of at least one socket may be designed to at least partially engage with at least one surface element of the sensor chip, so that the sensor chip is designed to be fixed in a removable manner in the socket. Accordingly, the surface element of the socket and the surface element on the body of the sensor chip may optionally form a snap-in or gripping mechanism for fixing the sensor chip in the socket.

It should be noted that the sensor device may comprise a plurality of sockets configured to accommodate a plurality of sensor chips of the same type or different types. For example, different types of sensor chips for detecting different types of biologically active substances or one or more environmental parameters, such as UV exposure or ozone exposure, may be used with one sensor device. Therefore, the sensor device may be used for comprehensive environmental monitoring.

The processing circuit of the sensor device may be configured to determine the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment based on detection, using at least one sensor of the sensor chip or sensor device, of a change in the position of one or more receptor proteins in the reaction cell upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

For example, the sensor device may be configured to determine one or more of the presence, quantity, mass, density, and mass density of the receptor protein complexes dissolved in the reaction cell substrate of at least one sensor chip. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may be configured to determine one or more of the presence, quantity, mass, density, and mass density of the receptor protein complexes dissolved in the reaction cell substrate of at least one sensor chip, based on determining a change in at least one of the optical and electrical signal transmitted to the sensor chip. Accordingly, the sensor device may be configured to detect a change in state caused by binding of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes to one or more biologically active substances, based on determining a change in at least one of the optical and electrical signal transmitted to the sensor chip.

In an example, the receptor protein complexes can be designed to dissociate from at least one functional surface of the reaction cell upon binding to one of the biologically active substances, and the sensor device can be designed to determine one or more of the quantity, mass, density, and mass density of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on or released from at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Optionally, the sensor device may comprise one or more piezoelectric elements configured to determine the mass and/or mass change of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or released from it, to detect one or more biologically active substances in the environment. In an example, one or more piezoelectric elements of the sensor device may be located adjacent to, in close proximity to, or even in contact with a component of the sensor chip comprising at least one functional surface, such as a membrane or a part of the sensor chip housing directed toward the membrane or located opposite the membrane. The mass and/or mass change may be determined, for example, based on excitation of mechanical vibrations of the component of the sensor chip comprising at least one functional surface, such as a membrane, and measurement of the characteristics of the mechanical vibrations, such as vibration damping. This may allow, for example, by means of a processing circuit of the sensor device, to determine the mechanical properties of a component of the sensor chip comprising at least one functional surface, and, in turn, may allow to determine the mass and/or the change in the mass of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or released from it. However, it should be noted that one or more piezoelectric elements may alternatively be located in the sensor chip and may be functionally controlled by the sensor device.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more piezoelectric elements can be configured to determine the mass and/or the change in the mass of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or released from it, based on the determination of the mass of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes associated with the inner surface of the reaction cell directed toward at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or located opposite it. For example, the receptor protein complexes can be released from at least one functional surface upon binding and diffuse to the inner surface of the reaction cell directed toward at least one functional surface. The receptor protein complexes or their components can accumulate on the inner surface, wherein this accumulation can be measured by determining the mass and/or the change in the mass of the receptor protein complexes on the inner surface. Also in this configuration, one or more piezoelectric elements of the sensor device can be located adjacent to, in close proximity to, or even in contact with a component of the sensor chip or reaction cell containing the inner surface of the reaction cell. The mass and/or change in mass may be determined, for example, based on excitation of mechanical vibrations of a component of the sensor chip, as described above in this document.

In an example, one or more piezoelectric elements can be configured to be mechanically connected to one or more functional surfaces of the reaction cell of the sensor chip. Alternatively or additionally, one or more piezoelectric elements can be configured to be mechanically connected to one or more internal surfaces of the reaction cell of the sensor chip, directed toward one or more functional surfaces of the reaction cell. By mechanically connecting the piezoelectric elements to at least one functional surface or one or more internal surfaces of the reaction cell, it is possible to reliably and with high precision determine the mass and/or the change in the mass of the receptor protein complex immobilized on at least one functional surface or released from it. As indicated above, one or more piezoelectric elements can be located, for example, adjacent to a component containing or supporting at least one functional surface or one or more internal surfaces of the reaction cell. For example, if at least one functional surface is provided or defined by an inner surface of the membrane, one or more piezoelectric elements may be located on the opposite side of the membrane or in contact with it.

In an example, the receptor protein complexes can contain at least one fluorescent label, wherein the sensor device can be configured to detect one or more biologically active substances based on the excitation of one or more fluorescent labels and based on the detection of fluorescent light emitted by one or more fluorescent labels. For example, the receptor protein complexes can contain at least one fluorescent label that dissociates from the rest of the corresponding receptor protein complex upon binding to one or more biologically active substances, wherein the sensor device can be configured to detect one or more biologically active substances based on the excitation of one or more fluorescent labels that dissociate from one or more receptor protein complexes and based on the detection of fluorescent light emitted by one or more dissociated fluorescent labels. Accordingly, the sensor device can be configured to detect a change in state caused by binding of the receptor protein complexes to one or more biologically active substances based on the excitation of fluorescence of free fluorescent or light-absorbing labels in the reaction cell that are released from the receptor protein complexes upon binding.

The sensor device may comprise one or more light sources, such as laser diodes or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), configured to excite one or more fluorescent labels, and the sensor device may comprise one or more photodetectors configured to detect fluorescent light emitted by one or more fluorescent labels.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may comprise one or more light sources configured to illuminate at least a portion of the reaction cell, wherein the sensor device may comprise one or more photodetectors configured to detect light scattered by one or more components of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell. Accordingly, the sensor device may be configured to detect a change in state based on the detection of scattered light and/or based on light scattering.

In an example, one or more photodetectors may be located adjacent to or near the sensor device socket for at least partially accommodating the sensor chip for detecting electromagnetic radiation penetrating from the reaction cell. For example, one or more light sources may be located adjacent to or near the sensor device socket for at least partially accommodating the sensor chip, so that electromagnetic radiation emitted by one or more light sources may be conducted into the reaction cell.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more photodetectors may be arranged opposite the window for detecting the sensor chip. In other words, one or more photodetectors may be arranged opposite at least one window for detecting the sensor chip, when the sensor chip is at least accommodated in the sensor device.

In an example, one or more light sources may be arranged to conduct electromagnetic radiation or light through one or more optical connectors of the sensor chip into the reaction cell.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may comprise one or more light sources arranged to conduct electromagnetic radiation into one or more optical waveguides passing through at least a portion of the reaction cell of the sensor chip, wherein the sensor device may include one or more photodetectors configured to detect electromagnetic radiation passing through one or more optical waveguides. In an example, one or more light sources may be arranged so that they are aligned with the end of one or more optical waveguides. Alternatively or additionally, one or more photodetectors may be arranged so that they are aligned with the end of one or more optical waveguides. Such a configuration may provide reliable optical measurement or detection of changes in the state of receptor protein complexes with high accuracy, sensitivity and precision.

In an example, the processing circuit can be configured to determine one or more optical properties of at least one of the functional surface and the inner surface of the reaction cell located adjacent to one or more optical waveguides. For example, the processing circuit can be configured to determine one or more optical properties based on determining the absorption of penetrating light passing through one or more optical waveguides into the reaction cell. Also, measuring the optical properties of the functional surface or the inner surface of the reaction cell located adjacent to at least one optical waveguide can provide reliable optical measurement or detection of changes in the state of receptor protein complexes with high accuracy, sensitivity and precision.

In another example, the sensor device may further comprise a housing configured to at least partially surround the sensor chip, wherein the housing comprises one or more openings for the environment to pass through, so that at least part of the sensor chip is capable of coming into contact with the environment. Providing one or more openings in the housing may ensure reliable contact of the membrane of the sensor chip with the environment, thereby ensuring the possibility of biologically active substances entering the reaction cell from the environment and the possibility of their detection in it.

Optionally, the sensor device may further comprise one or more channels for passing the environment through one or more openings in the housing of the sensor device into said at least part of the sensor chip. In other words, one or more openings located in the housing of the sensor device may be fluidly connected by means of one or more channels, so that the environment may be transferred through the openings and channels into the sensor chip or at least part thereof.

Optionally, the sensor device may further comprise one or more ventilation devices located in one or more channels and configured to transfer or transport the environment through one or more openings in the housing of the sensor device to said at least part of the sensor chip. For example, one or more microfans may be located in one or more channels. Such a configuration may prevent stagnation of the environment and may provide the possibility of contact of the sensor chip or at least a part thereof with the environment currently present around the sensor device.

In another example, the sensor device may comprise one or more heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the sensor chip. The one or more heating elements may ensure that the temperature of the sensor chip, the reaction cell, or at least a portion thereof is maintained at a value equal to or close to a predetermined operating temperature of the sensor chip, such as a value equal to or close to body temperature or room temperature. For example, some detection mechanisms and principles used may include a diffusion process, such as diffusion of biologically active substances into the reaction cell and diffusion of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes with the reaction cell. Such processes are generally temperature dependent and may require maintaining a minimum temperature in order to obtain a detection signal within a reasonable period of time. Also, changes in the state of the receptor protein complexes may be temperature dependent and may be better observed at a temperature equal to, close to, or higher than the predetermined operating temperature of the sensor chip. The placement of heating elements in the sensor device may be particularly advantageous in cold regions or during cold seasons, since proper functioning of the sensor chip and the sensor device can be ensured by heating the sensor chip.

For example, one or more heating elements may be located adjacent to the sensor device socket for at least partially accommodating the sensor chip. Accordingly, the sensor chip or at least a portion thereof may be effectively heated by one or more heating elements.

Optionally, the sensor device may further comprise one or more temperature sensors configured to determine the temperature of at least a portion of the sensor chip. By means of the temperature sensors, it is possible to implement comprehensive temperature control in the sensor device to maintain the temperature of the sensor chip, the reaction cell, or at least a portion thereof at a value equal to or close to a predetermined operating temperature of the sensor chip.

In an example, the processing circuit may be configured to control the temperature of at least a portion of the sensor chip based on determining the temperature of said at least portion of the sensor chip using one or more temperature sensors. For example, the processing circuit may be configured to control the temperature of at least a portion of the sensor chip, so that the temperature of the reaction cell or at least a portion thereof may be maintained at a value equal to or close to a predetermined operating temperature of the sensor chip. Optionally, the predetermined operating temperature may be stored in a data storage of the sensor device and/or the sensor chip, which may be accessible to the processing circuit during operation for controlling the temperature.

In an additional example, the sensor device further comprises one or more electrical connectors for connecting to one or more electrical connectors of the sensor chip when the sensor chip is inserted into the sensor device. Preferably, the electrical connection between the sensor chip and the sensor device can be automatically created when the sensor chip is inserted into the sensor device.

In an example, the processing circuit can be configured to be connected to one or more electrodes of the sensor chip, wherein the processing circuit can be configured to determine the conductivity of the substrate or composition in the reaction cell. Accordingly, the processing circuit can be configured to control one or more electrodes, for example, based on the voltage and/or current supplied to one or more electrodes, to perform a conductivity measurement in the reaction cell to detect a change in state caused by the binding of receptor protein complexes to one or more biologically active substances.

Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuit may be configured to determine one or more operational parameters indicating the usage or remaining service life of the sensor chip. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuit may be configured to determine the usage or remaining service life of at least one sensor chip based on the determination of one or more operational parameters of the sensor chip. As indicated above, for example, due to the exhaustion of receptor protein complexes, the service life of the sensor chip may be limited. By determining the remaining service life or usage of the sensor chip, for example, the user may be notified of the need to replace the sensor chip. Also, the sensor chip may be used several times and, for example, may be reinserted into the sensor device, simultaneously ensuring the working or functional state of the sensor chip.

In an example, the processing circuit may be configured to determine the usage or remaining service life of at least one sensor chip based on retrieving historical data indicating the usage or remaining service life of the sensor chip from a data store of the sensor chip. Accordingly, the historical data may be stored in the sensor chip and may be processed by the processing circuit of the sensor device to determine the usage or remaining service life of the sensor chip. The historical data may include, for example, values for one or more operational parameters, such as accumulated over a previous or past operating time of the sensor chip.

For example, the processing circuit may be configured to determine the usage or remaining service life of at least one sensor chip based on a comparison of one or more specific operating parameters of the sensor chip and/or at least a portion of historical data retrieved from a data store of the sensor chip with one or more threshold values. One or more threshold values may be stored in a data store of the sensor device or may be retrieved by the processing circuit from the data store of the sensor chip.

Optionally, the processing circuit may be configured to determine the usage or remaining service life of at least one sensor chip based on the determination of the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of the receptor protein complexes used in the sensor chip. The type of the sensor chip and/or the receptor protein complexes used in it may be determined based on reading the chip identifier of the sensor chip, based on retrieving relevant data from the data storage of the sensor chip and/or based on user input, for example, via a user interface of the sensor device.

In addition, the processing circuit may optionally be configured to store one or more operating parameters in the data storage of the sensor device and/or the data storage of the sensor chip. Accordingly, one or more operating parameters may be stored, for example, in the form of historical data, which allows the use and/or remaining service life of the sensor chip to be determined later.

In an example, the processing circuit may be configured to determine one or more operational parameters based on monitoring the temperature of at least a portion of the sensor chip. In other words, the one or more operational parameters may include the temperature of at least a portion of the sensor chip, such as temperature dynamics. Since certain processes or reactions in the reaction cell, such as diffusion, as well as depletion of receptor protein complexes, may depend on temperature, the temperature dynamics of at least a portion of the sensor chip may allow for accurate determination of the usage and/or remaining service life of the sensor chip.

Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuit may be configured to determine the depletion dynamics of the receptor protein complexes in the sensor chip. For example, the processing circuit may be configured to determine the depletion of the receptor protein complex based on the dynamics of one or more operational parameters of the sensor chip and/or sensor device, for example, based on the temperature dynamics of at least a portion of the sensor chip. Optionally, the processing circuit may be configured to determine the remaining service life of the sensor chip based on the determined depletion dynamics of the receptor protein complexes in the sensor chip.

In an additional example, the sensor device may comprise a user interface, wherein the processing circuit may be configured to provide a user with a notification via the user interface when the sensor chip reaches the end of its service life. Therefore, the user may be notified when the sensor chip reaches the end of its service life, so that the user can replace the sensor chip in time.

Optionally, the processing circuit may be configured to provide the user with information regarding a certain one or more biologically active substances via a user interface. For example, information about the current quality of the environment or the current quality of the environment, such as air quality and/or the current exposure to biologically active substances, may be provided via the user interface. Also, other information, such as past exposure, or other information regarding the operation of the sensor chip and/or the sensor device, such as information about the use and/or remaining service life of the sensor chip, may be provided via the user interface.

Also optionally, the processing circuit may additionally be configured to notify the user via the user interface when it is determined that the concentration of biologically active substances in the environment has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold value. Accordingly, the user may be provided with a warning when a high concentration of biologically active substances is detected.

In general, the user interface may be any type of user interface. For example, the user interface may comprise one or more of a vibrating element, a display, one or more LEDs, and a speaker.

In another example, the sensor chip may comprise a chip identifier for identifying the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of the receptor protein complex contained in the sensor chip, wherein the processing circuit may be configured to extract information or data indicating the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of the receptor protein complex contained in the sensor chip from the chip identifier. For this purpose, the sensor device may optionally comprise one or more of a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and a scanner or RFID reader.

The sensor device may further comprise one or more energy storage devices for supplying electrical energy. For example, the sensor device may comprise one or more batteries, accumulators and/or capacitors for supplying electrical energy to the sensor device and/or the sensor chip. Such a configuration may be particularly advantageous when the sensor device is designed as a portable or mobile device. However, alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may receive electrical energy from the electrical grid.

The sensor device may further comprise a communication circuit for communicatively connecting the sensor device to the user device. For example, the communication circuit may comprise a wireless communication circuit, preferably a Bluetooth transmitter, an infrared transmitter or a wireless LAN transmitter. This may provide a wireless connection for transmitting data and wireless communication between the sensor device and the user device. In particular, this may allow data to be extracted from the sensor device, such as data indicating the effect of biologically active substances and/or indicating the quality of the environment, using the user device. The data may then be further processed and/or displayed on the user device and may be evaluated by the user.

In another example, the sensor device may further comprise one or more radiation sensors for measuring the effect of ionizing radiation on the sensor device. For example, one or more radiation sensors may comprise at least one of a reversibly photochromic layer sensitive to UV radiation and a radiochromic dye film sensitive to ionizing radiation. The use of one or more radiation sensors may allow determining the effect of radiation in parallel or simultaneously with the determination of biologically active substances. Therefore, it is possible to comprehensively assess the quality of the environment and/or the effect of various environmental parameters on the user.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may further comprise one or more of a humidity sensor, a volatile organic carbon sensor, an ozone sensor, a particulate matter sensor, a nitric acid sensor, and a carbon monoxide sensor. Also, the use of one or more of the above-mentioned sensors may allow for a comprehensive determination or assessment of the impact of other various environmental parameters on the user in addition to the impact of biologically active substances.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a sensor system for detecting one or more biologically active substances in an environment is provided. The sensor system comprises at least one sensor chip as described above herein and below herein, and a sensor device as described above herein and below herein. Any disclosure presented above herein and below herein with reference to any of the sensor device and the sensor chip is equally applicable to the sensor system.

Further aspects of the present invention relate to the use of a sensor device as described above herein and below herein and to the use of a sensor system as described above herein and below herein for detecting one or more biologically active substances in an environment.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for detecting one or more biologically active substances in an environment using or with one or more of a sensor system, a sensor device and a sensor chip, as described above in this document and below in this document. Alternatively or additionally, the method may relate to a method of operating one or more of a sensor system, a sensor device and a sensor chip. The method comprises the following steps:

- ensuring the passage of one or more biologically active substances through the membrane of the sensor chip into the reaction cell of the sensor chip, for example, based on diffusion;

- binding of one or more biologically active substances to one or more receptor protein complexes, thereby causing a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes;

- detecting, using a sensor device, a sensor chip and/or a sensor system, an induced change in the state of said at least part of the receptor protein complexes; and

- generating by a sensor device, sensor chip and/or sensor system a detection signal indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment, based on a determined change in the state of said at least part of the receptor protein complexes.

As previously, it is emphasized that any disclosure provided above in this document and below in this document with reference to any of the sensor device, sensor chip and sensor system is equally applicable to a method for detecting one or more biologically active substances.

In an example, ensuring the passage of one or more biologically active substances through the membrane of the sensor chip includes introducing the membrane of the sensor chip into contact with the environment.

Optionally, the method may further include activating the sensor chip based on supplying deionized water from the sensor chip reservoir to the reaction cell of the sensor chip.

For example, activating the sensor chip may include unblocking the fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir using or based on actuating at least one blocking element between the reservoir and the reaction cell of the sensor chip. Optionally, at least one blocking element may comprise a movable pin located between the reservoir and the reaction cell, wherein activating the sensor chip may include displacing the movable pin.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one blocking element may comprise a water-impermeable membrane located between the reservoir and the reaction cell, wherein activation of the sensor chip may include destruction of at least a portion of the water-impermeable membrane.

Alternatively or additionally, activation of the sensor chip may include removing the sealing cap from the outer surface of the membrane. By removing the sealing cap, contact can be created between the membrane and the surrounding medium, so that the biologically active substances to be detected can enter the reaction cell through the membrane.

In another example, detecting the induced change in state may include determining one or more of the number, mass, density, and mass density of the receptor protein complexes dissolved in the substrate of the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the induced change in state may include determining one or more of the number, mass, density, and mass density of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on or released from at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Alternatively or additionally, detecting the induced state may include determining one or more of the number, mass, density and mass density of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on at least one internal surface of the reaction cell or released from it, directed towards at least one functional surface of the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the induced change of state may include exciting one or more fluorescent labels of the receptor protein complexes and detecting fluorescent light emitted by the one or more fluorescent labels. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the induced change of state may include detecting light scattered by one or more components of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the induced change of state may include determining one or more optical properties of at least one of the functional surface and the internal surface of the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the induced change of state may include determining the absorption of penetrating light passing through one or more optical waveguides of the sensor chip into the reaction cell.

The following summarizes various aspects, examples, and illustrative embodiments of the present invention, and the further description is to be regarded as non-limiting and intended for purposes of illustration only.

The sensor chip, sensor device and sensor system described herein may employ receptor protein complexes, such as, for example, biological receptor proteins, as a detection element or a chemical recognition element. The receptor protein complexes may be present in an aqueous external environment, for example, in a reaction cell of the sensor chip, and may interact with the environment through a porous membrane, for example, with low diffusion resistance. The receptor protein complexes may, for example, be or contain xenosensor proteins or hormone receptors, such as AHR, CAR, PXR and ER. The list of potential receptor protein complexes is not exhaustive, and any other protein that exhibits binding specificity to one or more ligand molecules may serve as a chemical recognition element.

The present invention may not be limited to personalized air quality monitoring, but may also be used, for example, to detect pollutants in water or soil extracts. In addition, proteins active in homeostatic biochemical processes may be used, in which case the sensor system may be used for diagnostic purposes.

Moreover, the gene sequence used for cloning the receptor protein complexes may be of human, animal, plant, fungal, bacterial or primary origin. For example, depending on the operating principle of the sensor chip at the molecular level, they may be used in a non-recombinant form or in the form of recombinant proteins. In addition, combinations of non-recombinant and recombinant proteins and combinations of other proteins obtained from the same or different species may be used as at least part of the receptor protein complexes. Optionally, the receptor protein complexes may have chemical labels according to their isolation, for example, made with fluorophores. In the context of the present document, the potential proteins are collectively referred to as "receptor protein complexes", regardless of their biological origin, whether they are recombinant or not, and whether they have a label or not. In addition, proteins may be included that in a living cell may interact in some way with receptor protein complexes, but may not themselves be receptor proteins. Such additional proteins may be of any origin, recombinant or non-recombinant, labeled or unlabeled.

As described above in this document, the sensor system may be a stationary or portable device, for example, for monitoring the external environment. The sensor system may comprise one or more features described below. The sensor system may comprise one or more replaceable and/or disposable sensor chips that can be mounted on the sensor device, for example, by means of a snap-on mechanism or a magnetic connection. The sensor chip may comprise receptor proteins in a suitable liquid, semi-solid and/or gel matrix. The sensor chip may provide suitable electrical and/or optical contacts for attaching it to the sensor device. The sensor chip may provide a gas-permeable surface on which mass transfer from the environment or atmosphere to the reaction cell occurs. Optionally, the chip may comprise parts or a large part of a transducer and/or processing circuitry that can convert a state change event or ligand binding to a receptor protein complex into an electrically processable variable or signal. The sensor device may further comprise a socket into which the sensor chip may be inserted. The socket may provide suitable optical and/or electrical connections and/or mass flow connections necessary for the operation and maintenance of the sensor chip, and may allow the gas-permeable surface of the sensor chip to be in direct and not necessarily continuous contact with the ambient atmosphere. The sensor device may optionally comprise one or more of an outer housing, an on-off button located on the outer housing, a connection for connecting a power source for charging a battery built into the outer housing, perforations in the outer housing allowing ambient air to enter the outer housing, and a small screen or a group of LEDs built into the outer housing allowing the device to output a color-coded light signal describing the level of pollution of the ambient air and the state of the device, such as battery status. The sensor device may optionally comprise one or more of a speaker allowing the device to emit sound signals when detecting high pollution of the surrounding air, means for fixing the device, for example, on clothing, bicycles or backpack straps, a reversible photochromic coating or layer sensitive to UV radiation, and a radiochromic dye film sensitive to ionizing radiation. The sensor device may optionally comprise one or more of a physical signal source, such as a light source, a voltage source and a current source, which, in the case of binding of the biologically active substance to the receptor protein complex, experience a measurable change in their properties, such as intensity, amplitude, wavelength and/or frequency. Most or all of the transducer and/or processing circuit that detects a measurable change in this physical signal and converts it into an electronically processed variable or signal may be contained in the sensor device. Additionally, the sensor device may optionally comprise one or more of a microfan or a ventilation device that can actively sample the environment and supply it to the sensor chip(s). Also, the sensor device may comprise means for controlling the sampling rates generated by the microfan, which may be included in the sensor device. Additionally, optionally, a Bluetooth transmitter and/or receiver or other means for communicating with external devices, such as a user device. Moreover, the sensor device may comprise one or more of a set of rechargeable batteries, a microprocessor, microelectronics and micro-optics for operating the sensor chips, for monitoring the status of the sensor chip and/or for reading the response of the chips to environmental pollution. Moreover, the sensor device may comprise one or more of a temperature sensor, a heating unit or element, a data store, one or more sensors for determining humidity, pressure, VOC, ozone, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter or the like and optional auxiliary components. The sensor device may further comprise one or more of a GPS tracker, a clock and means for exchanging the collected environmental quality, time and/or location information in a larger network, such as a cloud network. Additionally, software or an application may be provided in the user device for controlling the sensor system, the sensor device and/or the sensor chip and receiving sensor readings, warnings and information on the current and predicted quality of the external environment. The software or application may be configured to access and use common data, for example, to assess or predict the quality of the environment at a given location and time, such as for the purpose of route planning or developing strategies for avoiding exposure. The software or application may be configured to, for example, track cumulative personal exposure, generate reports on the success of avoidance strategies or correlate exposure and health status, such as tracked by any compatible health tracking device.

The following summarizes the technical idea provided by the present invention for illustrative purposes, and the further description should be regarded as non-limiting. Molecules, compounds and/or substances present in the environment surrounding the sensor device can diffuse into the reaction cell of the sensor chip. If such molecules are ligands of receptor proteins or receptor protein complexes contained in the reaction cell, they can bind the receptor protein complexes and cause changes in the state of the receptor protein complexes that can be measured. A possible technical solution may comprise a gas-permeable membrane for the sensor chip, such as porous carbon paper materials used in fuel cells or microperforated fluoropolymers, both of which have low diffusion resistance and are largely impermeable to aqueous liquids. The gas-permeable membrane may separate the environment from the reaction cell, which may contain, for example, a liquid, semi-solid and/or gel-like substrate containing receptor protein complexes. For example, the receptor protein complexes may contain a ligand-binding domain of a xenosensor protein, such as human AHR.

Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the receptor protein complexes may comprise at least one binding domain of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor or an aryl hydrocarbon receptor protein. For example, at least some of the receptor protein complexes may comprise at least a PAS (Per-ARNT-Sim) domain or the entire aryl hydrocarbon receptor protein, which may allow for the detection of materials, compounds, molecules and/or substances, such as halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons such as polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, dibenzofurans and biphenyls, and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as 3-ethylcholanthrene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzanthracenes and benzoflavones.

The receptor protein can be further immobilized at a specific location in the reaction cell of the sensor chip by covalently binding low-affinity ligands of the receptor protein complexes to a functional surface of the reaction cell, such as the inner surface of the reaction cell or a membrane. Binding of ligands by the receptor protein complexes can immobilize the receptor protein complexes. Additionally, medium-affinity or high-affinity ligands, such as biologically active substances, can diffuse into the reaction cell and can competitively bind to the receptor protein complexes and release them from the immobilization site.

The release phenomenon can be detected in various ways. For example, mass binding to the functional surface or other internal surface of the reaction cell can be monitored by piezoelectric elements, such as a quartz crystal microbalance. Alternatively or additionally, optical properties of the functional surface or other internal surface of the reaction cell can be monitored by measuring the interaction of molecules in the vicinity of the surface of the waveguide or optical waveguide with a penetrating light field passing through the surface. Alternatively or additionally, the presence of released receptor protein complexes can be detected rather than the release itself. For example, the receptor protein complexes can be linked to a label that is detectable when the receptor protein complex is freely diffusing in the reaction cell. The label supply can, for example, be in the form of fusion proteins and green fluorescent protein (GFP), in which case detection can be performed based on the excitation of fluorescence of the GFP and the detection of the emitted fluorescent light by one or more photodetectors of the sensor device. Human xenosensor proteins as well as their various recombinant versions including fusion proteins containing the green fluorescent protein GFP can be cloned and used in molecular binding assays. Several potentially suitable low-affinity ligands such as AHR ligands can be used. The sensitivity of the sensor device can depend on the sensitivity of currently available detectors such as piezoelectric elements or photodetectors and the processing scheme. Such elements have sufficient sensitivity to detect the release of receptor protein complexes. For detection with piezoelectric elements, for example, the receptor protein complexes can be coupled to high mass moieties such as nanoparticles or gold nanoparticles, which can lead to detection limits in the 50 femtomole concentration range. For optical detection, the signal per receptor protein complex can be increased by several orders of magnitude by using fluorescence mechanisms that provide multiple excitation and emission of light. Several detailed examples of the principles of operation at the molecular level are set out above in this document and below in this document. It should be noted that the chemical structure of the biologically active molecules or substances that bind to the receptor protein complexes and initiate the sending of a detection signal by the sensor chip or sensor device may be unknown. Therefore, the sensor chip and sensor device according to the present invention have an advantage over sensors that selectively detect a chemical compound that may be known or may have suspected negative effects on human health. On the other hand, the biologically active molecules or substances should preferably bind the receptor protein complexes with sufficient affinity to cause a measurable change in the state of the protein complexes. Therefore, it can be assumed that the same will occur in a living organism, which will either initiate cellular defense mechanisms (when binding to a xenosensor protein) or will activate cellular responses in the absence of endogenous signaling activity (when binding to a hormone receptor). Therefore, the sensor chip and sensor device also have an advantage over sensors that non-selectively respond to a wide range of chemical compounds based on certain structural properties that may not be related to the biological activity of the compounds.

It should be noted that, although for traditional sensors the unit of measurement may be the concentration of a given compound in the environment or the mass concentration of constituents with certain physical or chemical properties, the idea of mass per unit volume or parts per unit volume cannot be suitably applied to the sensor chip and the sensor device described in this document. The intensity of the readout signal or detection signal generated by the sensor device may be a result of the concentration of biologically active substances in the environment and their affinity for receptor protein complexes. Therefore, the unit of measurement of the sensor chip and the sensor device described in this document can best be described as the activation potential of the receptor protein of the environment, and therefore as the biological activity of the environment, for example, in relation to the selected type of receptor protein complex.

The following summarizes the details of the technical idea provided by the present invention for illustrative purposes, while the further description should be regarded as non-limiting. The sensor chip can basically have any shape and size. In particular, for portable sensor devices, the area of the sensor chip can be minimized. As an example, the sensor chip can have a length of about 1-10 cm, a width of 1-10 cm and a thickness of 0.5-2 cm, which potentially depends on the design of the sensor device. The sensor chip comprises a reaction cell, a compartment containing a substrate, such as an aqueous, isotonic, buffered liquid, semi-solid and / or gel matrix, in which the receptor protein complexes and potential additional proteins can maintain their native state. The substrate can be on one side or several sides of the reaction cell, separated from the environment by a membrane permeable to gases, but not to water. The thickness and structure of the membrane material can be selected so as to minimize diffusion resistance. In particular, the membrane preferably has a small thickness and/or high porosity. Optionally, the pores of the membrane can exclude water, i.e. they can be filled with gas. The gas-permeable membrane can be protected from physical damage from the outside, for example, by a rigid grid, which can be part of the chip housing and can allow the surrounding gas from the environment to freely pass to the membrane. The grid can be covered with an adhesive film or an airtight cover when the sensor chip is in its unused state. This can prevent molecules or substances from the environment from entering the cell when it is not in operation. The cell can be designed with the possibility of repeated sealing, which can allow an increase in the operating period or service life of the reaction cell.

In addition, since water can evaporate from the reaction cell by passing through a gas-permeable membrane, the sensor chip can provide a small reservoir containing deionized water. The reservoir can be connected to the reaction cell, wherein the presence of a semi-permeable membrane at the connection can prevent the diffusion of salts from the reaction cell. In an example, the reservoir can be a small flexible blister that does not provide any significant resistance to release when water comes out to the reaction cell. The reservoir can be surrounded by a rigid housing, which can contain openings through which ambient air or a medium can enter the housing when water moves from the flexible blister to the reaction cell due to a higher osmotic concentration in the reaction cell. Alternatively or additionally, the ability to change the volume of the water reservoir can be provided by a movable piston.

In an example, in particular, if the receptor protein complexes and potential additional proteins retain their functionality when lyophilized and reconstituted, the same water reservoir or another reservoir can serve to activate the sensor chip. Activation can be accomplished by breaking a water-impermeable barrier or membrane between the reservoir and the reaction cell, whereby water will flow into the reaction cell and reconstitute the receptor protein complexes. This process can be driven by a higher osmotic concentration of the reaction cell and will continue until the osmotic pressure in the reaction cell is balanced by its housing and, optionally, a rigid mesh covering the gas-permeable membrane.

In addition, the sensor chip may provide electrical and/or optical contacts or a connection by means of which it can be connected to the sensor device in a mounted state.

The receptor protein complexes can be cloned, expressed, and isolated and/or purified using standard molecular biological techniques. Depending on the molecular principle of operation of the sensor chip, accessory proteins that in a living cell i) are associated with the receptor protein complexes and dissociated from them upon ligand binding, or ii) are associated with the receptor protein complexes upon ligand binding, or iii) chemically modify the receptor protein upon ligand binding, or iv) are chemically modified by the receptor protein complexes upon ligand binding, can be cloned and isolated, and additionally included in the sensor chip.

In a functional device, receptor protein complexes may be present in the reaction cell of the sensor chip. Depending on the molecular operating principle of the sensor chip, they may be immobilized, i.e. limited to an area or surface inside the reaction cell or dissolved in a substrate contained inside it. Additionally, depending on the operating principle of the sensor chip at the molecular level, the dissolved or immobilized receptor protein complexes may be in their monomeric form (not in a complex with other proteins), in the form of homodimers (two receptor proteins bound to each other), or in the form of multiprotein complexes.

In an example where the receptor protein complexes are immobilized in the region or on the surfaces of the reaction cell, the receptor proteins may preferably be immobilized as close as possible to the point where the environmental constituents enter the cell. For example, this may be the gas-permeable membrane itself, in particular the side of the membrane facing the inside of the reaction cell. Such an embodiment may minimize the delay between the entry of an environmental constituent, such as a biologically active substance, into the reaction cell and its binding to the receptor protein complex and at the same time may maximize the probability of binding, since the entry point has a high density of receptor protein complexes.

Immobilization of the receptor protein complexes may be accomplished by covalently linking the receptor protein complexes, or one member of homodimers, or one or more members of multiprotein complexes, to the membrane. The covalent linkage may not alter the structure of the ligand-binding domains and/or protein-protein interaction sites and may not sterically affect the binding of the proteins or ligands. Alternatively or additionally, this may be achieved by immobilizing a low-affinity ligand of the receptor protein complexes used (if only one type of receptor protein is present) or a mixture of low-affinity ligands (if several different types of receptor proteins are present). Alternatively or additionally, this may be achieved by covalently linking molecules that bind specific regions or domains of the receptor protein complexes or one or more additional proteins that are present in the reaction unit and bound to the receptor protein complexes. The target regions or domains of the proteins to be bound may thus not be identical to the ligand binding site or the site of interaction between different proteins present in the reaction unit. Examples include immobilization of monoclonal antibodies specific for a particular epitope of the protein to be immobilized, or immobilization of nitrilotriacetic acid-bound nickel 2+ ions if the protein complex to be immobilized contains a histidine tag capable of chelating nickel ions.

Several methods of immobilizing proteins using a reaction cell can be implemented. They can serve the same purpose, such as immobilizing protein complexes before ligand binding, or different purposes, such as binding protein complexes that have bound a ligand or a biologically active substance. Also, several types of receptor protein complexes can be present in the same sensor chip, which can provide an extension of the chemical specificity of the sensor. Different labels can be associated with receptor protein complexes and / or additional proteins that interact with the receptor protein complexes, which allows determining which of the several used receptor protein complexes are actually bound to the ligand or the corresponding biologically active substance present in the environment. Alternatively or additionally, different chips containing different receptor protein complexes, hence providing different specificities, can be available, and not all of them necessarily correspond to the nest that is present on the sensor device.

Once activated, the sensor chip may have a limited lifespan or lifetime due to receptor protein complex depletion, i.e., because the amount of receptor protein available to monitor the external environment may decrease over time. This decrease may be attributed to two mechanisms: i) at some point, all available receptor proteins will become bound to a molecule that has entered the reaction cell from the environment, and ii) the receptor proteins have determined a half-life even in the absence of molecule or substance binding and under optimized physicochemical conditions in the sensor chip substrate. The depletion of the receptor protein complex by the former mechanism may depend on the cumulative contamination detected and can be calculated from the known amount of receptor protein complexes initially present in the sensor chip. The depletion of the receptor protein complex by the latter mechanism may depend on the stability of the receptor protein under the physicochemical conditions in the reaction cell. This can be determined by parameters specific to the sensor chip, such as the receptor protein complex used and the composition of the substrate, and parameters specific to the use of the sensor device, such as the temperatures to which the sensor chip has been exposed during its service life. The depletion of the receptor protein complex can be determined continuously or at predetermined time intervals using the sensor device. In embodiments in which immobilized receptor protein complexes are used, for example, this can be done by measuring properties such as the impedance of the absorption capacity of a layer of immobilized receptor protein complexes. Alternatively or additionally, the parameters specific to the sensor chip can be determined as part of the development or production. Additionally, parameters associated with the use of the sensor device or the sensor chip can be measured over the life of the chip.

The sensor chips may contain, for example, a chip identifier, which may allow a software application used to operate the sensor device, such as one installed on the user device or on the sensor device, to read the history of the chip's use. The chip identifier may preferably be automatically detected by the sensor device when the chip is inserted. Alternatively or additionally, the chips may contain physical identifiers, such as a chip identification number, which may be entered by the user when the chip is inserted into the sensor device. Based on the history of use, the type of sensor, and the cumulative contamination or exposure detected, the software may estimate the depletion of the receptor protein in the sensor chip and notify the user of the need to replace the chip.

Due to the limited service life of the sensor chip and for reasons related to environmental friendliness and production costs, the sensor chips can preferably be made of the smallest possible amount of material, preferably recycled and recyclable material. Preferably, the chips only contain electrical and/or optical leads or connectors, but do not contain other electronic sensor components involved in signal generation, acquisition or processing, such as diodes, photodetectors or processors. However, one or more such components can alternatively be contained in the sensor chip.

Next, the response time of the sensor is evaluated as an example. The basic operating principle may include transport of a biologically active substance from the environment to the boundary layer of a gas-permeable membrane, transport through the boundary layer to the gas-permeable membrane, diffusion of the biologically active substance through the gas-permeable membrane, diffusion of the biologically active substance to receptor protein complexes, binding of the biologically active substance to the receptor protein complexes, optional diffusion of the receptor protein complex to the detection site, and finally detection of the change in state caused by binding.

The transport of the biologically active substance from the surrounding medium to the boundary layer at the gas-permeable membrane can be driven by convection, i.e., the surrounding medium can be actively or passively moved to the boundary layer at the gas-permeable membrane. With the given device dimensions and sampling rates of 0.5 to 10 ml/s, which may depend on the size of the device, it can be expected that both passive and active mass transport will cause a delay of approximately one to five seconds relative to the appearance of the biologically active substance around the sensor chip.

Transport through the boundary layer to the gas-permeable membrane and transport through this layer can depend on Brownian motion and on the diffusion coefficient D of the molecule or biologically active substance under consideration according to the equation where msd(x) is the root mean square displacement in the x direction (e.g. towards a gas permeable membrane) and Δt denotes time. Diffusion coefficients for relevant organic molecules and biologically active substances can be in the range of 0.05 cm2/s (in air, at ambient conditions). Assuming a 2 mm thick grid forming the boundary layer, one would expect transport through the grid structure to the gas permeable membrane to occur within approximately 2 seconds.

Additionally, the transport through a gas-permeable membrane may follow the same physical principles, depending on the pore size of the membrane, the diffusion coefficient D must be replaced by the Knudsen diffusion coefficient, i.e. the effective diffusion coefficient decreases as collisions of a molecule with the pore wall become more probable than collisions between molecules in the fluid. Furthermore, depending on the membrane type, the membrane pores may be filled with liquid or gas, and the corresponding diffusion coefficient must be used (diffusion coefficients in water are several orders of magnitude lower). Assuming that the pore sizes in the membrane are approximately 0.2 μm, which is approximately half the mean free path of a molecule in air at 25 °C, and the pores are filled with air, the Knudsen diffusion coefficients are in the range of approximately 0.025 cm2/s. Thus, a membrane with a thickness of 200 μm may result in an additional delay of approximately 0.2 seconds.

The dynamics of diffusion of biologically active substances to the receptor protein complexes may result in an additional delay. It may be insignificant in embodiments where the receptor protein complexes are immobilized in a gas-permeable membrane. For embodiments where the receptor protein complexes are dissolved in the reaction chamber, it can be estimated as described above, using the diffusion coefficients in water and the average distance between the gas-permeable membrane and the location of the dissolved receptor protein complexes. The diffusion coefficients of the corresponding organic molecules in water may be in the range of 10-5 cm2/s, the average distance between the dissolved receptor protein complex and the gas-permeable membrane is estimated to be half the diameter of the reaction cell. Therefore, the dimensions of the reaction cell may be in the range of 0.1 mm or lower. In the case of large dimensions (an average distance of 1 mm, for example, results in a delay of several thousand seconds), the substrate present in the reaction cell can be actively mixed, for example by generating a convective flow in the reaction cell, or by non-uniform heat supply, or by introducing microfluidic circulation.

The actual binding between the biologically active substance and the receptor protein complex may be a rapid process and may be neglected in assessing the response time. Additionally, the same considerations as those described above for the diffusion of the biologically active substance to the receptor protein complex apply to the diffusion of the receptor protein complex to the detection site, but the diffusion coefficients of protein complexes may typically be in the range of 10-6 cm2/s, which is approximately ten times smaller than the diffusion coefficients of organic molecules or biologically active substances. Additionally, detection is typically immediate and does not contribute to the delay between the appearance of the biologically active substance and the generation of the sensor signal.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example 1. A sensor chip capable of being functionally connected to a sensor device for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment, wherein the sensor chip comprises:

a reaction cell containing a plurality of receptor protein complexes; and

a membrane separating the reaction cell from the environment and being permeable to one or more biologically active substances;

wherein the receptor protein complexes are designed with the possibility of binding to one or more biologically active substances in the reaction cell, which thus causes a detectable change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes.

Example 2. A sensor chip according to example 1, wherein the detectable change in the state of said at least part of the receptor protein complexes indicates the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment.

Example 3. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes is associated with one or more of a change in the conformational state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in the localization of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell, a change in the position of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell, a change in the composition of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in the mass of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in the mass of at least a portion of the reaction cell, a change in a physical property of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in a physical property of at least a portion of the reaction cell, a change in an optical property of at least a portion of the reaction cell, a change in a chemical property of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in a chemical property of a substrate contained in the reaction cell, a change in the conductivity of a substrate contained in the reaction cell, and a change in the concentration of free fluorescent or light-absorbing molecules in at least a portion of the reaction cell.

Example 4. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, in which the receptor protein complexes are designed with the ability to change position in the reaction cell upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 5. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, in which the receptor protein complexes are designed with the possibility of dissociation into one or more components upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 6. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes are limited to or immobilized on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell; and

wherein the receptor protein complexes are designed with the possibility of dissociation from at least one functional surface upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 7. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes is covalently linked to at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Example 8. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, in which at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes is limited to at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or immobilized thereon by means of a low-affinity ligand covalently bound to at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Example 9. A sensor chip according to any of examples 6-8, wherein the receptor protein complexes are electrostatically limited to at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Example 10. A sensor chip according to any of examples 6-9, wherein at least one functional surface of the reaction cell is formed by the inner surface of the membrane facing the reaction cell.

Example 11. A sensor chip according to any of examples 6-10, wherein at least one functional surface comprises an inner surface of the reaction cell directed toward the membrane.

Example 12. A sensor chip according to any of examples 6-11, wherein at least one functional surface comprises an inner surface of the reaction cell located opposite the membrane.

Example 13. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the environment comprises ambient air.

Example 14. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the environment comprises water.

Example 15. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the membrane comprises an outer surface configured to contact the environment; and

wherein the membrane contains an internal surface facing the reaction cell.

Example 16. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein one or more biologically active substances include an exogenous substance.

Example 17. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the reaction cell comprises one or more of a liquid, a gel-like substance, and a semi-solid substrate.

Example 18. A sensor chip according to example 17, in which the substrate is composed such that the receptor protein complexes retain their native state.

Example 19. A sensor chip according to any one of examples 17 and 18, wherein the substrate comprises at least one of an aqueous solution, an isotonic solution, and a buffer solution.

Example 20. A sensor chip according to any of examples 17-19, wherein the substrate comprises a stabilizing protein for stabilizing the receptor protein complexes.

Example 21. A sensor chip according to any of examples 17-20, wherein the substrate comprises surface-active molecules or a molecular complex.

Example 21. A sensor chip according to any one of examples 17-21, wherein the substrate comprises at least one of polysorbate 20 or Triton X-100.

Example 23. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the membrane is permeable to gases; and/or

The membrane is impermeable to water or water-containing liquids.

Example 24. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the membrane comprises a plurality of pores, preferably filled with gas, to exclude water.

Example 25. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the membrane comprises at least one of a porous carbon paper material and a perforated fluoropolymer.

Example 26. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

a mesh covering at least part of the outer surface of the membrane.

Example 27. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

a sealing cover covering at least part of the outer surface of the membrane and designed to prevent contact of the membrane with the environment.

Example 28. A sensor chip according to example 26, wherein the sealing cover comprises an adhesive film.

Example 29. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the reaction cell is designed to be sealed and/or resealed by covering at least part of the outer surface of the membrane with a sealing cap.

Example 30. A sensor chip according to any of examples 27-29, wherein the sealing cover is airtight.

Example 31. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the sensor chip is shaped and sized for at least partial insertion into a sensor device.

Example 32. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the sensor chip is shaped and sized for at least partial insertion into a socket of a sensor device.

Example 33. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the sensor chip comprises at least one surface element on the outer surface of the sensor chip housing, wherein at least one surface element of the sensor chip is formed as complementary to at least one surface element of the socket to ensure correct positioning of the sensor chip in the socket.

Example 34. A sensor chip according to example 33, in which at least one element of the surface of the sensor chip is designed to engage with at least one element of the surface of the socket to secure the sensor chip in the socket.

Example 35. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the sensor chip comprises one or more magnets for magnetically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device.

Example 36. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes is detectable based on an optical measurement, based on the detection of fluorescent light, based on the excitation of fluorescence of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes, based on light scattering, based on the determination of the conductivity of the substrate contained in the reaction cell, based on an electrochemical process occurring in the reaction cell, based on the determination of one or more optical properties of at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, based on the absorption of electromagnetic radiation, based on the determination of the mass of at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, based on the determination of the mass of the receptor protein complexes limited on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or immobilized thereon, and based on surface plasmon resonance on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Example 37. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

one or more connectors for functionally connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device.

Example 38. A sensor chip according to example 36, wherein the sensor chip is designed to be connected by means of one or more connectors to a sensor device, so that a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes upon binding to one or more biologically active substances is detectable by the sensor device.

Example 39. A sensor chip according to any of examples 37-38, wherein one or more connectors comprise at least one optical connector configured to conduct electromagnetic radiation from the sensor device into the reaction cell for optically detecting a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 40. A sensor chip according to example 38, wherein one or more connectors include at least one additional optical connector for outputting electromagnetic radiation from the reaction cell.

Example 41. A sensor chip according to any of examples 38-40, wherein at least one optical connector comprises at least one opening located in the housing of the sensor chip.

Example 42. A sensor chip according to example 41, in which at least one opening is sealed with a layer of material transparent to electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength.

Example 43. A sensor chip according to any of examples 41-42, wherein at least one opening is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reaction cell.

Example 44. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

at least one optical waveguide for conducting electromagnetic radiation through the reaction cell for optically detecting a change in state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 45. A sensor chip according to example 44, wherein at least one optical waveguide is aligned and optically connected to at least one optical connector of the sensor chip.

Example 46. A sensor chip according to any of examples 44-45, wherein at least one optical waveguide passes through the reaction cell parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reaction cell.

Example 47. A sensor chip according to any of examples 44-46, wherein the sensor chip comprises at least two optical waveguides and at least one reflective element located at the end of at least two optical waveguides, wherein at least one reflective element optically couples at least two optical waveguides.

Example 48. A sensor chip according to example 47, in which each of at least two optical waveguides is optically connected to at least one optical connector of the sensor device, located at the end of the corresponding optical waveguide opposite the at least one reflective element.

Example 49. A sensor chip according to any of examples 37-48, wherein the one or more connectors include at least one electrical connector for electrically connecting the sensor chip to a sensor device.

Example 50. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

one or more electrodes at least partially located in the reaction cell and configured to determine the conductivity of the substrate or composition in the reaction cell.

Example 51. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

at least one detection window transparent to electromagnetic radiation emitted and/or scattered by at least one or more components of the receptor protein complexes.

Example 52. A sensor chip according to example 51, wherein at least one detection window is transparent to fluorescent light emitted by at least one or more components of the receptor protein complexes; and/or

wherein at least one detection window is opaque to fluorescence exciting light.

Example 53. A sensor chip according to any of examples 51-52, wherein at least one detection window is located opposite and/or directed towards the membrane.

Example 54. A sensor chip according to any of examples 51-53, wherein the inner surface of at least one detection window facing the reaction cell is at least partially coated with molecular capture complexes configured to bind to at least a component of the receptor protein complexes, so that the receptor protein complexes associated with one or more biologically active substances are captured on the inner surface.

Example 55. A sensor chip according to example 54, wherein the molecular capture complexes comprise streptavidin.

Example 56. A sensor chip according to any one of examples 51-55, wherein the inner surface of at least one detection window facing the reaction cell is at least partially coated with chelated nickel ions.

Example 57. A sensor chip according to any of examples 51-56, wherein the inner surface of at least one detection window facing the reaction cell is at least partially coated with quenching molecules for quenching fluorescent light emitted by at least one component of the receptor protein complexes.

Example 58. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the inner surface of the membrane facing the reaction cell is at least partially coated with quenching molecules for quenching fluorescent light emitted by at least a component of the receptor protein complexes.

Example 59. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the sensor chip and/or reaction cell has an elongated shape.

Example 60. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the sensor chip and/or reaction cell has an elongated shape; and

in which the membrane is located on the longitudinal side of the sensor chip.

Example 61. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the reaction cell has a rectangular cross-section; and/or

in which the reaction cell is formed in the form of a parallelepiped.

Example 62. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the reaction cell has a circular, elliptical or oval cross-section; and/or

in which the reaction cell has a tubular shape.

Example 63. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the membrane at least partially surrounds the reaction cell along the perimeter of the reaction cell.

Example 64. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

at least one reservoir configured to be fluidly connected to the reaction cell, wherein at least one reservoir is configured to supply deionized water to the reaction cell.

Example 65. A sensor chip according to example 64, wherein at least one reservoir is at least partially filled with deionized water.

Example 66. A sensor chip according to any of examples 64-65, wherein at least a portion of the wall of at least one reservoir is designed to be displaceable, bendable or movable, so that the volume of the reservoir is adjustable.

Example 67. A sensor chip according to any of examples 64-66, wherein at least part of at least one reservoir is formed in the form of an elastic bag or an elastic blister.

Example 68. A sensor chip according to any of examples 64-67, further comprising:

at least one movable piston configured to adjust the volume of at least one reservoir.

Example 69. A sensor chip according to any one of examples 64-68, wherein at least one reservoir is surrounded by a portion of the sensor chip housing; and

in which the housing portion comprises at least one pressure equalization hole.

Example 70. A sensor chip according to any of examples 64-69, wherein at least one reservoir is fluidly connected to the reaction cell via a semipermeable membrane that blocks the diffusion of salts from the reaction cell into the reservoir.

Example 71. A sensor chip according to any of examples 64-70, further comprising:

at least one blocking element configured to block fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir.

Example 72. A sensor chip according to example 71, wherein the sensor chip is configured to be activated based on unblocking a fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir using at least one blocking element.

Example 73. A sensor chip according to any of examples 71-72, wherein at least one blocking element comprises a waterproof membrane located between at least one reservoir and a reaction cell.

Example 74. A sensor chip according to example 73, wherein the sensor chip is configured to be activated based on a rupture of at least a portion of the waterproof membrane.

Example 75. A sensor chip according to any of examples 71-74, wherein at least one blocking element comprises a movable pin used to block or unblock fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir.

Example 76. A sensor chip according to example 75, wherein the sensor chip is configured to be activated based on the displacement of the movable pin, so that fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir is unlocked.

Example 77. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein each of the receptor protein complexes contains at least one ligand-binding domain of the receptor protein, configured to bind to one or more biologically active substances and change state and/or conformation upon binding to one of the biologically active substances.

Example 78. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least some of the receptor protein complexes comprise a plurality of ligand-binding domains of one or more receptor proteins.

Example 79. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least some of the receptor protein complexes contain a plurality of ligand-binding domains of different types, configured to bind to different types of biologically active substances.

Example 80. A sensor chip according to any one of examples 76-78, wherein the receptor protein is a xenosensor protein or a hormone receptor protein.

Example 81. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein each of the receptor protein complexes comprises at least one ligand-binding domain of a receptor protein selected from the group consisting of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor, a constitutive androstane receptor, a pregnane X receptor, an estrogen receptor, and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

Example 82. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes comprises a recombinant protein or a protein that is not recombinant.

Example 83. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein each of the receptor protein complexes comprises at least a portion of a monomeric receptor protein, a homodimeric receptor protein complex, or a heterodimeric receptor protein complex.

Example 84. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the receptor protein complexes contain at least a portion of receptor proteins of different types, configured to bind to different types of biologically active substances.

Example 85. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least some of the receptor protein complexes contain an organic or inorganic fragment that dissociates from the rest of the corresponding receptor protein complex upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 86. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the receptor protein complexes contain at least one fluorescent label that dissociates from the rest of the corresponding receptor protein complex upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 87. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least some of the receptor protein complexes contain a plurality of fluorescent labels of the same or different types.

Example 88. A sensor chip according to any of examples 85-86, wherein at least one fluorescent label is a fluorescent dye or a green fluorescent protein.

Example 89. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the receptor protein complexes comprise nanoparticles that dissociate from the rest of the corresponding receptor protein complex upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 90. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the receptor protein complexes contain an affinity label capable of binding to a molecular capture complex located in a reaction cell.

Example 91. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

a chip identifier for identifying the type of sensor chip and/or the type of receptor protein complex contained in the sensor chip.

Example 92. A sensor chip according to example 91, in which the chip identifier is designed to be read by a user device and/or read by a sensor device.

Example 93. A sensor chip according to any of examples 91-92, wherein the chip identifier contains information or data indicating the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of receptor protein complex contained in the sensor chip.

Example 94. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the chip identifier comprises one or more of a barcode, a QR code, an RFID tag, a label, and a data storage.

Example 95. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

a data store configured to store historical data indicating the usage or remaining service life of the sensor chip.

Example 96. A sensor chip according to example 95, wherein the data storage is configured to store one or more operational parameters indicating the usage or remaining service life of the sensor chip.

Example 97. A sensor chip according to any of examples 95-96, wherein the data storage is designed to be accessible by a sensor device when the sensor chip is functionally connected to the sensor device.

Example 98. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, wherein the sensor chip comprises a plurality of reaction cells.

Example 99. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, in which the plurality of reaction cells contain different types of receptor protein complexes capable of binding to different types of biologically active substances.

Example 100. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

one or more sensors configured to detect a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes.

Example 101. A sensor chip according to any of the previous examples, further comprising:

a processing circuit coupled to one or more sensors and configured to provide a detection signal indicative of a determined change in state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes.

Example 102. Use of a sensor chip according to any of the previous examples for detecting one or more biologically active substances.

Example 103. A sensor device capable of being operatively connected to at least one sensor chip according to any of examples 1-101, for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment, wherein the sensor device comprises:

at least one sensor configured to detect a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip, wherein the change in state is caused by the binding of one or more receptor protein complexes with one or more biologically active substances entering from the environment through the membrane of the sensor chip into the reaction cell of the sensor chip; and

a processing circuit connected to at least one sensor, wherein the processing circuit is configured to provide a detection signal indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment, based on determining a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes.

Example 104. A sensor device for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment, wherein the sensor device comprises:

a housing configured to at least partially contain at least one sensor chip according to any of examples 1-101 for operatively connecting the sensor device to the at least one sensor chip; and

a processing circuit configured to provide a detection signal indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment based on determining a change in state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip, wherein the change in state is caused by binding of said one or more receptor protein complexes with one or more biologically active substances entering from the environment through the membrane of the sensor chip into the reaction cell of the sensor chip.

Example 105. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103 and 104, wherein the environment comprises ambient air; and/or

wherein the sensor device is an environmental monitoring device for monitoring ambient air quality.

Example 106. A touch device according to any of examples 103-105, wherein the touch device is a stationary device and/or a tabletop device.

Example 107. A touch device according to any of examples 103-105, wherein the touch device is a portable device, a mobile device and/or a handheld device.

Example 108. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-107, wherein the detection signal is an electrically processed signal.

Example 109. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-108, wherein the detection signal indicates the amount of one or more biologically active substances in a unit volume of the environment, the mass of the biologically active substance in a unit volume of the environment, the concentration of the biologically active substance in the environment, the activation potential of the receptor protein of the environment, and the biological activity of the environment.

Example 110. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-109, wherein the sensor device is configured to at least partially accommodate at least one sensor chip.

Example 111. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-110, wherein the sensor device is designed to be mechanically connected to a sensor chip.

Example 112. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-111, wherein the sensor device is designed to be magnetically connected to the sensor chip.

Example 113. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-112, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one socket configured to at least partially accommodate at least one sensor chip.

Example 114. A sensor device according to example 113, in which at least one socket is configured to at least partially accommodate at least one sensor chip, so that the housing of the sensor device at least partially surrounds at least one sensor chip.

Example 115. A sensor device according to any of examples 113-114, wherein at least one socket comprises at least one surface element formed as complementary to at least one surface element of the sensor chip, to ensure correct positioning of the sensor chip in at least one socket.

Example 116. A sensor device according to example 115, wherein at least one surface element of at least one socket comprises one or more guides for positioning the sensor chip in the socket.

Example 117. A sensor device according to any of examples 115-116, wherein at least one surface element of at least one socket is designed with the possibility of at least partially engaging with at least one surface element of the sensor chip, so that the sensor chip has the possibility of being removably secured in the socket.

Example 118. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-117, wherein the sensor device comprises a plurality of sockets configured to accommodate a plurality of sensor chips of the same or different types.

Example 119. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-118, wherein the sensor device comprises one or more magnets for magnetically connecting the sensor chip to the sensor device.

Example 120. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-119, wherein the sensor device is configured to determine a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes based on an optical measurement, based on the detection of fluorescent light, based on the excitation of fluorescence of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes, based on light scattering, based on the determination of the conductivity of a substrate contained in a reaction cell of a sensor chip, based on an electrochemical process occurring in the reaction cell, based on the determination of one or more optical properties of at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, based on the determination of the absorption of electromagnetic radiation, based on the determination of the mass of at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, based on the determination of the mass of the receptor protein complexes limited by at least one functional surface of the reaction cell or immobilized on it, and based on surface plasmon resonance on at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Example 121. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-120, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment based on detection, using at least one sensor of the sensor chip or sensor device, of a change in the position of one or more receptor proteins in the reaction cell upon binding to one or more biologically active substances.

Example 122. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-121, wherein the sensor device is configured to determine one or more of the presence, quantity, mass, density, and mass density of receptor protein complexes dissolved in the substrate of the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip; and/or

wherein the sensor device is configured to determine one or more of the presence, quantity, mass, density and mass density of receptor protein complexes dissolved in the substrate of the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip, based on determining a change in at least one of the optical and electrical signals transmitted to the sensor chip.

Example 123. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-122, wherein the receptor protein complexes are designed with the possibility of dissociation from at least one functional surface of the reaction cell upon binding to one of the biologically active substances; and

wherein the sensor device is configured to determine one or more of the quantity, mass, density, and mass density of the receptor protein complexes immobilized on or released from at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Example 124. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-123, wherein the sensor device comprises one or more piezoelectric elements configured to determine the mass of receptor protein complexes immobilized on or released from at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, to detect one or more biologically active substances in the environment.

Example 125. A sensor device according to example 124, in which one or more piezoelectric elements are configured to determine the mass of receptor protein complexes immobilized on or released from at least one functional surface of the reaction cell, based on determining the mass of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes associated with the inner surface of the reaction cell directed toward at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Example 126. A sensor device according to any of examples 124-125, wherein one or more piezoelectric elements are configured to be mechanically connected to one or more functional surfaces of the reaction cell of the sensor chip; and/or

in which one or more piezoelectric elements are designed with the possibility of mechanical connection with one or more internal surfaces of the reaction cell of the sensor chip, directed towards one or more functional surfaces of the reaction cell.

Example 127. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-124, wherein the receptor protein complexes comprise at least one fluorescent label; and

wherein the sensor device is configured to detect one or more biologically active substances based on excitation of one or more fluorescent labels and based on detection of fluorescent light emitted by the one or more fluorescent labels.

Example 128. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-127, wherein the receptor protein complexes comprise at least one fluorescent label that dissociates from the rest of the corresponding receptor protein complex upon binding to one or more biologically active substances; and

in which the sensor device is configured to detect one or more biologically active substances based on the excitation of one or more fluorescent labels dissociating from one or more receptor protein complexes, and based on the detection of fluorescent light emitted by the one or more dissociated fluorescent labels.

Example 129. A sensor device according to any of examples 127-128, wherein the sensor device comprises one or more light sources configured to excite one or more fluorescent labels; and

wherein the sensor device comprises one or more photodetectors configured to detect fluorescent light emitted by one or more fluorescent labels.

Example 130. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-129, wherein the sensor device comprises one or more light sources configured to illuminate at least a portion of the reaction cell; and

wherein the sensor device comprises one or more photodetectors configured to detect light scattered by one or more components of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell.

Example 131. A sensor device according to any of examples 129-130, wherein one or more photodetectors are located adjacent to a socket of the sensor device for at least partially accommodating a sensor chip for the purpose of detecting electromagnetic radiation penetrating from the reaction cell.

Example 132. A sensor device according to any of examples 129-131, wherein one or more photodetectors are located opposite the window for detecting the sensor chip.

Example 133. A sensor device according to any of examples 129-132, wherein one or more light sources are located adjacent to a socket of the sensor device for at least partially accommodating a sensor chip, so that electromagnetic radiation emitted by the one or more light sources is able to pass into the reaction cell.

Example 134. A sensor device according to any of examples 129-133, wherein one or more light sources are arranged to conduct electromagnetic radiation through one or more optical connectors of the sensor chip into the reaction cell.

Example 135. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-134, wherein the sensor device comprises one or more light sources arranged to conduct electromagnetic radiation into one or more optical waveguides extending through at least a portion of the reaction cell of the sensor chip; and

wherein the sensor device comprises one or more photodetectors configured to detect electromagnetic radiation passing through one or more optical waveguides.

Example 136. The sensor device according to example 135, wherein one or more light sources are arranged so that they are aligned with the end of one or more optical waveguides; and/or

in which one or more photodetectors are arranged so that they are aligned with the end of one or more optical waveguides.

Example 137. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-136, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine one or more optical properties of at least one of the functional surface and the inner surface of the reaction cell located adjacent to one or more optical waveguides.

Example 138. A sensor device according to any one of examples 135-137, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine one or more optical properties based on determining the absorption of penetrating light passing through one or more optical waveguides into the reaction cell.

Example 137. A sensor device according to any of examples 103 and 105-136, further comprising:

a housing configured to at least partially surround the sensor chip;

wherein the housing comprises one or more openings for the passage of the environment through them, so that at least part of the sensor chip has the ability to come into contact with the environment.

Example 140. The sensor device according to example 139, further comprising one or more channels for passing the environment through one or more openings in the housing of the sensor device into the said at least part of the sensor chip.

Example 141. A sensor device according to example 140, further comprising one or more ventilation devices located in one or more channels and configured to transfer the environment through one or more openings in the housing of the sensor device to said at least part of the sensor chip.

Example 142. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-141, further comprising one or more heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the sensor chip.

Example 143. A sensor device according to example 142, wherein one or more heating elements are located adjacent to a socket of the sensor device for at least partially accommodating a sensor chip.

Example 144. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-143, further comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to determine the temperature of at least a portion of the sensor chip.

Example 145. A sensor device according to example 144, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control the temperature of at least a portion of the sensor chip based on determining the temperature of said at least a portion of the sensor chip using one or more temperature sensors.

Example 146. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-145, further comprising:

one or more electrical connectors for connecting with one or more electrical connectors of the sensor chip when the sensor chip is inserted into the sensor device.

Example 147. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-146, wherein the processing circuit is configured to be connected to one or more electrodes of the sensor chip; and

in which the processing circuit is configured to determine the conductivity of the substrate or composition in the reaction cell.

Example 148. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-147, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine one or more operational parameters indicative of the usage or remaining service life of the sensor chip; and/or

wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine the usage or remaining service life of at least one sensor chip based on the determination of one or more operational parameters of the sensor chip.

Example 149. A sensor device according to example 148, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine the usage or remaining service life of at least one sensor chip based on retrieving historical data indicating the usage or remaining service life of the sensor chip from a data store of the sensor chip.

Example 150. A sensor device according to any of examples 148-149, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine the usage or remaining service life of at least one sensor chip based on a comparison of determined one or more operational parameters of the sensor chip with one or more threshold values.

Example 151. A sensor device according to any of examples 144-150, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine the usage or remaining service life of at least one sensor chip based on the determination of the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of receptor protein complexes used in the sensor chip.

Example 152. A sensor device according to any of examples 148-151, wherein the processing circuit is configured to store one or more operating parameters in the sensor device data storage and/or the sensor chip data storage.

Example 153. A sensor device according to any of examples 148-152, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine one or more operating parameters based on monitoring the temperature of at least a portion of the sensor chip.

Example 154. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-153, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine the depletion of receptor protein complexes in the sensor chip over time.

Example 155. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-154, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine the remaining service life of the sensor chip based on determining the depletion of receptor protein complexes in the sensor chip over time.

Example 156. A touch device according to any one of examples 103-155, wherein the touch device comprises a user interface; and

wherein the processing circuit is configured to provide a notification to the user via a user interface upon expiration of the service life of the sensor chip.

Example 157. A touch device according to any one of examples 103-156, wherein the touch device comprises a user interface; and

wherein the processing circuit is configured to provide the user with information regarding certain one or more biologically active substances via a user interface.

Example 158. A touch device according to any one of examples 103-157, wherein the touch device comprises a user interface; and

in which the processing circuit is configured to notify the user via a user interface upon determining that the concentration of biologically active substances in the environment has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold value.

Example 159. A touch device according to any of examples 156-158, wherein the user interface comprises one or more of a vibrating element, a display, one or more LEDs, and a speaker.

Example 160. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-159, wherein the sensor chip comprises a chip identifier for identifying the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of the receptor protein complex contained in the sensor chip; and

wherein the processing circuit is configured to extract from the chip identifier information or data indicating the type of the sensor chip and/or the type of the receptor protein complex contained in the sensor chip.

Example 161. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-160, wherein the sensor device comprises one or more of a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and an RFID scanner.

Example 162. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-161, further comprising one or more energy storage devices for supplying electrical energy.

Example 163. A sensor device according to any one of examples 103-162, further comprising a communication circuit for communicatively connecting the sensor device to a user device.

Example 164. A sensor device according to example 163, wherein the communication circuit comprises a wireless communication circuit, preferably a Bluetooth transmitter.

Example 165. A sensor device according to any of examples 103-164, further comprising one or more radiation sensors for measuring the effect of ionizing radiation on the sensor device.

Example 166. A sensor device according to example 165, wherein one or more radiation sensors include at least one of a reversibly photochromic layer sensitive to UV radiation and a radiochromic dye film sensitive to ionizing radiation.

Example 167. The sensor device according to any one of examples 103-166, further comprising one or more of a humidity sensor, a volatile organic carbon sensor, an ozone sensor, a particulate matter sensor, a nitric acid sensor, and a carbon monoxide sensor.

Example 168. Use of a sensor device according to any of examples 103-167 for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment.

Example 169. A sensor system for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment, the system comprising:

at least one sensor chip according to any one of examples 1-101; and

a sensor device according to any of examples 103-167.

Example 170. A method for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment using a sensor system according to example 169, wherein the method comprises:

passing one or more biologically active substances through the membrane of the sensor chip into the reaction cell of the sensor chip;

binding of one or more biologically active substances to one or more receptor protein complexes, thereby causing a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes;

detecting, using a sensor device, an induced change in the state of said at least part of the receptor protein complexes; and

generating a detection signal indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment based on a determined change in the state of said at least part of the receptor protein complexes.

Example 172. The method according to example 170, wherein passing one or more biologically active substances through the membrane of the sensor chip includes introducing the membrane of the sensor chip into contact with the environment.

Example 172. The method according to any of examples 170-171, further comprising:

activating the sensor chip based on the supply of deionized water from the sensor chip reservoir to the reaction cell of the sensor chip.

Example 173. The method according to example 172, wherein activating the sensor chip includes unblocking the fluid communication between the reaction cell and at least one reservoir using at least one blocking element between the reservoir and the reaction cell of the sensor chip.

Example 174. The method according to example 173, wherein at least one blocking element comprises a water-impermeable membrane located between the reservoir and the reaction cell; and

wherein activating the sensor chip includes rupturing at least a portion of the waterproof membrane.

Example 175. The method according to any of examples 173-174, wherein at least one locking element comprises a movable pin located between the reservoir and the reaction cell; and

wherein activating the sensor chip includes moving the movable pin.

Example 176. The method according to any of examples 173-175, wherein activating the sensor chip includes removing the sealing cap from the outer surface of the membrane.

Example 177. The method according to any one of examples 170-176, wherein detecting the induced change in state comprises determining one or more of the quantity, mass, density, and mass density of receptor protein complexes dissolved in the substrate of the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip.

Example 178. The method according to any one of examples 170-177, wherein detecting the induced change in state comprises determining one or more of the quantity, mass, density, and mass density of receptor protein complexes immobilized on or released from at least one functional surface of the reaction unit.

Example 179. The method according to any one of examples 170-178, wherein detecting the induced change in state comprises determining one or more of the quantity, mass, density, and mass density of receptor protein complexes immobilized on or released from at least one internal surface of the reaction cell directed toward at least one functional surface of the reaction cell.

Example 180. The method according to any one of examples 170-179, wherein detecting the induced change in state comprises exciting one or more fluorescent labels of the receptor protein complexes and detecting fluorescent light emitted by the one or more fluorescent labels.

Example 181. The method according to any of examples 170-180, wherein detecting the induced change in state comprises detecting light scattered by one or more components of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction unit.

Example 182. The method according to any one of examples 170-181, wherein detecting the induced change in state comprises determining one or more optical properties of at least one of the functional surface and the inner surface of the reaction cell.

Example 183. The method according to any one of examples 170-182, wherein detecting the induced change in state comprises determining the absorption of penetrating light passing through one or more optical waveguides of the sensor chip into the reaction cell.

The examples will be further described with reference to the drawings, which show:

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a sensor chip for detecting one or more biologically active substances;

Fig. 1B, 1C and 1D are sectional views of the sensor chip of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a sensor system for detecting one or more biologically active substances;

Fig. 2B is a sectional view of the sensor system of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2C is another sectional view of the sensor system of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3A-3C are sectional views of the reaction cell of the sensor chip;

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a sensor chip for detecting one or more biologically active substances;

Fig. 4B and 4C are sectional views of the sensor chip of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a sensor system for detecting one or more biologically active substances;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the reaction cell of the sensor chip; and

Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a method for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment.

The drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. In principle, identical or similar parts, elements and/or steps are designated by identical or similar reference numbers in the drawings.

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a sensor chip 100 for detecting one or more biologically active substances. Each of Fig. 1B, 1C and 1D shows a sectional view of the sensor chip 100 according to Fig. 1A.

The sensor chip 100 shown in Fig. 1A-1D is shown as an example or designed as an elongated structure with a rectangular cross-section, for example, in a projection parallel to the longitudinal axis 180 of the sensor chip 100.

The sensor chip 100 comprises a housing 181, or an outer housing 181, in which a reaction cell 101 is enclosed. The sensor chip 100 further comprises a grid 113, under which a membrane 114 is located, separating the reaction cell 101 from the environment, such as air or water. The reaction cell 101 comprises receptor protein complexes 115, configured to bind to one or more biologically active substances in the reaction cell 101, which thus causes a detectable change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes 115, as described above and as will be described in more detail below in this document.

Optionally, the sensor chip 100 comprises a reservoir 102, or a water reservoir 102, which can be made integral with the housing 181. Accordingly, the part of the housing 181 forming the water reservoir 102 can be made of only one single material, whereas the part of the housing 181 in which the reaction cell 101 is located can be divided into several parts or sections. In particular, the sensor chip 100 or its housing 181 comprises a light-transmitting lower part 103, or a window 103 for detection, two parts 104 framing the light-transmitting part 103, a rectangular part 105 facing the reservoir 102, another rectangular wall 106 located on the opposite side, and a flat rectangular part 107 on the upper side. The rectangular part 107 on the upper side comprises a grid 113.

The light-transmitting portion 103, or detection window 103, of the sensor chip 100 may be made of a material that is transmissive to light of a given wavelength λem, such as the wavelength of fluorescence radiation, but is not necessarily impermeable to light of another given wavelength λex, such as the wavelength of fluorescence excitation.

The housing portions 104, 105 and 106 are opaque to light and may optionally be coated on the side facing the internal volume of the reaction cell 101 with a material with low protein adsorption capacity, such as fluoropolymers.

In part 105 of the housing 181, an opening 108 is provided, which may contain a channel 109, for example, an elastic microchannel 109.

Portion 106 of housing 181 comprises an optical connector, or opening 110, which may be sealed with a material permeable to light of a given wavelength λex, such as the fluorescence excitation wavelength.

The opening 110, or the optical connector 110, is preferably shaped such that the passage of light through it results in a spatial beam of light 111 spanning the width of the reaction cell 101. The optical connector 110, or the opening 110, is preferably positioned such that as a result the spatial beam of light 111 is located in close proximity to the gas-permeable membrane 114, preferably at a distance of 0.1 mm or less.

In the frame portions 104 of the housing 181, one or more surface elements 112 are provided, such as guides 112, which enable the sensor chip 100 to be installed in the sensor device and ensure proper orientation and positioning.

The flat rectangular part 107 of the housing 181 comprises a grid 113, for example with a cell size in the range of approximately 0.2-2 mm. Directly under the grid 113 and preferably in connection with the grid 113, a gas-permeable membrane 114 is arranged, so that the membrane 114 is protected.

The membrane 114 has a small thickness, low diffusion resistance and low protein adsorption capacity. The inner side of the permeable membrane 114 directly faces the inner volume of the reaction cell 101.

When the sensor chip 100 is not installed in the sensor device, the grid 113 can be covered and sealed from air with a removable sealed cover (not shown), such as foil. When the sensor chip 100 is next removed from the sensor device, for example, because the sensor chip 100 is temporarily not used, or due to the user's intention to change the type of the sensor chip 100, for example, to focus on another aspect of environmental quality, this sealed cover can be placed again on the grid 113, and it will keep water from evaporating from the reaction cell 101 and the receptor protein complexes 115 from being consumed.

In the reaction cell 101, the receptor protein complexes 115 are immobilized on the gas-permeable membrane 114. The receptor protein complexes 115, in particular, can be immobilized on the functional surface 182 of the reaction cell 101, which in the example according to Fig. 1A-1D is formed by the inner surface of the membrane 114 facing the inside of the reaction cell 101.

Immobilization of receptor protein complexes on the functional surface 182 or the inner surface of the membrane 114 can be achieved using covalently linked molecules known as low-affinity ligands of receptor protein complexes 115.

The reaction unit 101 may contain, preferably, a lyophilized substrate 116, such as a mixture 116 of salts, buffer and optionally proteins that stabilize the receptor protein complexes 115, and/or small amounts of surface-active molecules such as polysorbate 20 or Triton X-100.

The translucent wall 103, or the detection window 103, may optionally be coated with covalently bound molecules, or molecular capture complexes 117, which are known as high-affinity ligands of the receptor protein complexes 115, or as binding a part of the receptor protein complexes 115 with high affinity. These molecular capture complexes 117 may act as a sink for the released receptor protein complexes 115 or parts thereof and reduce the incidence of multiple signals generated by the same released receptor protein complexes 115. The molecular capture complexes 117 may be covalently bound to the inner surface 183 of the reaction cell 101, wherein the inner surface 183 is located toward the functional surface 182 or membrane 114. In the example according to Fig. 1A-1D the inner surface 183 of the reaction cell 101 is located opposite the functional surface 182 and/or the membrane 114.

The molecules or crosslinking agent that bind the molecular trapping complexes 117 to the inner surface of the detection window 103 may not absorb light of a given or predetermined wavelength λem, for example, a fluorescence emission wavelength. Additionally, molecules known to quench fluorescence of a predetermined wavelength λem may be covalently bound to the inner surface of the detection window 103 (not shown).

The water reservoir 102 can have an adjustable volume. For example, the reservoir 102 can contain or be defined by an elastic blister 118 containing deionized water. The elastic blister 118 is connected to the reaction cell 101 through a channel 109, such as an elastic microchannel 109, with a diameter of, for example, 0.1-0.5 mm. The channel 109 is essentially a continuation of the blister 118, passing through the opening 108. The part of the housing 181, in which the elastic blister 118 is contained, contains one or more small openings 119, or apertures 119, through which air or the surrounding medium can enter the chamber or reservoir 102, making it possible for water to flow out of the blister 118 without creating a negative pressure in the chamber or reservoir 102.

The channel 109 can be blocked by a blocking element 120, for example, a movable or removable pin 120. Additionally, the reaction cell 101 and the deionized water are separated by a semipermeable membrane 121, present at the end of the channel 109, for example, facing directly the reaction cell 101, which, in the absence of the removable pin 120, prevents mixing of the water in the blister 118 with the buffer isotonic solution in the reaction cell 101.

In the unused sensor chip 100, the deionized water contained in the elastic blister 118 is preferably stored under excess pressure relative to the environment. In particular, in the unused state of the chip 100, the elastic blister 118 can be slightly stretched, and when the channel 109 is opened into the reaction cell 101, it actively pushes the original amount of deionized water into the reaction cell 101.

On the side facing the reaction cell 101, the portion 105 of the housing 180 of the sensor chip 100 contains electrodes 122, which provide the ability to measure the conductivity of deionized water in which the substrate 116, or matrix 116, is dissolved, inside the reaction cell 101. Conductivity measurements can provide an effective means of tracking the osmotic concentration of the solution present in the reaction cell 101, which can be an indicator of the presence of protein complexes 115 in their native, functional state.

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a sensor system 500 for detecting one or more biologically active substances. Each of Fig. 2B and 2C shows a sectional view of the sensor system 500 according to Fig. 2A. In particular, Fig. 2A-2C show a sensor system 500 with a sensor device 200 and a sensor chip 100 inserted into the sensor device 200. Unless otherwise indicated, the sensor chip 100 according to Fig. 2A-2C has the same features as the sensor chip 100 described with reference to Fig. 1A-1D.

In particular, Fig. 2A-2C shows a sensor device 200 with a sensor chip 100 installed, connected or mounted thereto. The device 200 comprises a socket 202 into which the sensor chip 100 can be inserted in an axial direction. The socket 202 comprises surface elements 203, such as guides 203, which ensure the proper orientation and positioning of the sensor chip 100, and optionally a sensor (not shown) that detects the insertion of the sensor chip 100 and its proper orientation. The sensor can deactivate the sensor device 200 if the chip is not inserted or is inserted incorrectly.

After insertion, the sensor chip 100 is held in place by a mechanism 204 in the form of a latch, such as a hook, pushed against the sensor chip 100 by a spring. Mechanisms such as magnetic connections may be used instead of or in addition.

In the sensor device 200, a light source 205 is further provided, for example, a laser diode, which, when the device 200 is active, emits light of a given wavelength λex or a wider range of wavelengths covering λex, such as a range of fluorescence excitation wavelengths. The light source 205 is mounted in the housing 206 of the sensor device 200 and is positioned so that it emits light through the optical connector 110, or the opening 110, of the sensor chip 100 into the reaction cell 101 of the sensor chip 100.

The sensor device 200 is further provided with one or more sensors 207 for detecting a change in state caused by the binding of the receptor protein complex 115 to one or more biologically active substances in the reaction cell 101.

In the example shown in Fig. 2A-2C, the sensor device 200 comprises one or more photosensors 207, for example, an array of photosensors 207. They are located below the light-transmitting portion 103, or the detection window 103, of the sensor chip 100 and are optionally protected by a layer 208 of material that is transmissive to light of a given wavelength λem or a range of wavelengths, such as a range of wavelengths of fluorescence emission.

The sensor device 200 further comprises a processing circuit 209 connected to at least one sensor 207, wherein the processing circuit 209 is configured to provide a detection signal indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment, based on determining a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes 115 in the reaction cell 101.

The processing circuit 209 and/or the sensor device 200 may comprise a processor, a memory device, a data storage device, a communication circuit, a Bluetooth receiver and/or transmitter, or other electronic components.

The sensor device 200 further comprises a heating element 210 for heating at least a portion of the sensor chip 100. The heating element 210 may be located below the sensor chip 100, for example, below one or more sensors 207, or in some other position in which the temperature of the reaction cell can be controlled. The sensor device 200 may also comprise one or more temperature sensors for controlling the temperature.

A channel 211 is formed in the housing of the sensor device 200 and extends along the surface of the sensor chip 100, where the grille 113 is located. This channel 211 is connected to the environment by ventilation holes 212, or openings 212. The air flow through this channel 211 can optionally be driven by a ventilation device 213, such as a micro fan 213.

In addition, the sensor device 200 is provided with one or more of an on/off button 214, a speaker 215, a connection for charging batteries 216, one or more batteries, means for securing the device, for example, on a backpack strap 217, an array of diodes 218 that indicate a state of the device 200 and/or the sensor chip 100. Notifications about the state of the device 200 and/or the sensor chip 100 include, but are not limited to, the state of the battery of the device 200, the conductivity of the aqueous solution or substrate 116 present in the reaction chamber of the sensor chip 100, the use of the device 200 or the sensor chip 100, the remaining service life of the sensor chip 100, the predicted depletion of the receptor protein complexes 115 or others.

In addition, the sensor device 200 comprises a user interface 219, such as a small screen 219, providing information about the current air quality. In addition, other information may be displayed.

The operating principle and operation of the sensor system 500, the sensor device 200 and/or the sensor chip 100 are summarized below according to Figs. 1A-2C.

The sensor chip 100 can be removed from its packaging (not shown) and, to operate the sensor chip 100, the locking element 120, or pin 120, and the sealing cap (not shown) can be removed. When the pin 120 is removed, the channel 109 passing through the opening 108 is opened and water from the reservoir 102 will reach the semipermeable membrane 121 and, ultimately, the reaction cell 101 containing a preferably lyophilized substrate 116 containing salts, a buffer and optionally proteins that stabilize the receptor protein complexes 115, and optionally small amounts of surface-active molecules. The osmotic concentration of the resulting solution will cause water to be drawn from the reservoir 102 or blister 118 into the reaction cell until the reaction cell 101 is completely filled and the osmotic pressure is balanced by the rigid body of the reaction cell 101 or sensor chip 100.

The sensor chip 100 can then be inserted into the sensor device 200 secured by a latch mechanism 204 present on the device 200, and the device 200 can be activated. When fixed in the sensor device 200, a contact is established between the electrodes 122 present in the chip 100 and the corresponding connections located in the sensor device 200, and the optical connector 110, or the opening 110 present in the wall of the chip 100, is positioned in front of the light source 205 of the sensor device 200. Optionally, the heating element 210 can be activated. When the sensor chip 100 reaches its functional state, for example, the target osmotic concentration in the reaction cell 101 and the target minimum temperature, the ventilation device 213 and the light source 205 can be activated either automatically or by the user, for example, using an application installed on the user device, which can be wirelessly connected to the sensor device 200.

The ventilation device 213 collects ambient air and pushes it through the channel 211 in which the grid 113 and the gas-permeable membrane 114 of the sensor chip 100 are located. Molecules and biologically active substances present in the ambient air will diffuse through the membrane 114 and trigger sensory responses as described above in this document and also with reference to Figs. 3A-3C.

Each of Figs. 3A-3C shows a sectional view of a reaction cell 101 of a sensor chip 100 to illustrate a possible operating principle of the sensor chip 100.

The receptor protein complexes 115 are immobilized on the functional surface 182 of the reaction cell, for example, on the inner surface of the gas-permeable membrane 114, using a low-affinity ligand 301 covalently bound to the gas-permeable membrane 114. The receptor protein complexes 115 contain at least one ligand-binding domain 302 of the receptor protein, configured with the possibility of binding to one or more biologically active substances entering the reaction cell 101. The receptor protein complexes 115 additionally contain at least one fluorescent label 303, which is also referred to as a fluorophore hereinafter, and an affinity label 304.

The receptor protein complexes 115 or the ligand binding domains 302 of the receptor proteins may be full-length receptor proteins or only one or more domains of the receptor proteins, for example, only the ligand binding domain 302. The receptor protein complexes 115 or the ligand binding domains 302 may include, for example, a human xenosensor, a hormone receptor protein, or an aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

Fluorophore 303 may, for example, be green fluorescent protein, in which case receptor protein complexes 115 are a fusion protein, or a covalently linked fluorescent dye, such as DAPI (4′,6-diamidine-2-phenylindole).

The affinity label 304 has a high affinity for the component 305 of the coating present on the translucent wall 103, or the detection window 103. The component 305 refers to or denotes the molecular capture complexes 117 described with reference to Fig. 1A-1D. The affinity label 304 can, for example, be biotin, in which case the coating on the translucent wall 103, or the detection window 103, of the reaction cell 101 will contain streptavidin. Alternatively, the affinity label 304 can be a histidine tag, in which case the coating on the translucent wall 103 of the reaction cell 101 will contain chelated nickel ions.

The composition of the receptor protein complexes 115 can be adapted to the requirements for a certain spectrum of detectable biologically active substances of the environment and target sensitivity. For example, more than one fluorophore 303 can be present in one receptor protein complex 115, i.e. different fluorophores and/or several units of one fluorophore can be associated with one receptor protein complex 115. Additionally, more than one type of receptor protein complexes 115 can be present in a given sensor chip 100. For example, different receptor proteins and/or different domains of one receptor protein can be used, and/or receptor proteins of different recombinant nature, and/or receptor protein complexes of different composition, for example, carrying different fluorophores.

Biologically active substances 307, or molecules 307, which are ligands of receptor protein complexes 115, will diffuse through gas-permeable membrane 114 and, when in solution in reaction cell 101, will compete with low-affinity ligand 301 covalently bound to gas-permeable membrane 114. Depending on the relative affinities of low-affinity ligand 301 and biologically active substance 307, this competitive binding will, with a certain probability, release receptor protein complex 115 from membrane 114. The released receptor protein complex 308, according to Fig. 3B, freely diffuses in reaction cell 101.

The light source 205 present in the sensor device 200 emits a beam or preferably a spatial beam of light 309 of wavelength λex into the reaction chamber, where λex is the excitation wavelength of the fluorophores 303 present in the receptor protein complexes 115. Upon diffusion of the released receptor protein complex 308 into the light path, the fluorophore 303 is excited and emits fluorescent light of wavelength λem, as shown in Fig. 3B.

The light-transmitting wall 103, or the detection window 103, of the sensor chip 100 and optionally the wall 208 separating the photodetectors 207 from the sensor chip 100 are transparent to light of wavelength λem. Due to the geometry of the reaction cell 101 and the position of the light spatial beam 309, approximately half of the light emitted by the fluorophores 303 reaches the shell of the photosensor 207 surrounding the reaction cell (the other half passes to the impermeable walls of the reaction cell or to the gas-permeable membrane, and it will not be detected).

Depending on the bandwidth of the photosensors 207, light of wavelength λex, which can be scattered by proteins or impurity particles in the liquid matrix or substrate 116 in the reaction cell 101, can also trigger a detection signal. To avoid this, the detection window 103 of the reaction cell 101 is preferably opaque to light of wavelength λex.

Since the diffusion movement is random, the receptor protein complexes 115 can remain in the path of light or leave and re-enter it, giving several signals over time. After a long period of operation or exposure to the sensor chip 100, a large part of the receptor protein complexes 115 is released from the gas-permeable membrane 114, which can make proper detection of additional fluorescence inaccurate. Therefore, the light-permeable wall 103, or detection window 103, of the reaction cell 101 acts as a sink for the receptor protein complexes 115, since it is coated with molecular capture complexes 117, 305, which bind the affinity label 304 on the receptor protein complexes 115 with high affinity.

With the exception of the light-transmitting wall 103, or detection window 103, of the reaction cell 101, all of the internal surfaces of the reaction cell may be coated with a coating having low protein adsorption capacity, and, due to the internal geometry of the reaction cell 101, most of the released receptor protein complexes 115 will eventually pass through the light path and reach the light-transmitting portion 103, or detection window 103, of the cell 101, where they will be removed from solution.

Based on the mass and size of the receptor protein complexes 115, the viscosity of the solution in the reaction cell and the temperature in the cell 101, such operating parameters as the average residence time of the receptor protein complex 115 in the solution or its half-life can be calculated. Said average residence time can be used to correct the detection signal reported by the sensor device 200 for a plurality of excitation and emission events, and thus increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor device 200.

When scattered, for example, by proteins or small particles of impurities present in the solution inside the cell, the light of wavelength λex can reach immobilized receptor protein complexes 115 present on the gas-permeable membrane 114 or on the detection window 103 of the reaction cell, which are receptor protein complexes 115 already released by biologically active substances 307 entering the reaction cell 101 and diffused through the cell 101. This scattered light can excite fluorophores 303 of the receptor protein complexes 115 and cause the emission of photons of wavelength λem, which can reach the photodetector 207 and thus generate signals not associated with the presence of air pollution at the moment. Therefore, the coating on the light-permeable wall 103, or the detection window 103, of the reaction cell 101 and/or on the gas-permeable membrane 114 may comprise molecules known to quench the fluorescence of the fluorophore 303 by electron transfer (not shown). Quenching the scattered light will reduce and/or eliminate such extraneous excitation events and, thus, reduce and/or eliminate noise generated due to light scattering. Alternatively, the fluorescence intensity detected by the photosensors 207 may be corrected for the effects of scattering. For example, the intensity of fluorescence emanating from receptor proteins captured on the light-permeable wall 103 or on the gas-permeable membrane 114 can be predicted based on the experimentally determined amount of scattered light reaching them, the stability of the fluorophores 303, and the number of receptor protein complexes 115 that are expected to be present there, which can be determined, for example, based on the cumulative fluorescence signals detected by the photosensors 207.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a sensor chip 400 for detecting one or more biologically active substances. Each of Fig. 4B and 4C shows a sectional view of the sensor chip 400 according to Fig. 4A. Unless otherwise indicated, the sensor chip 100 according to Fig. 4A and 4B has the same features as the sensor chip 100 described with reference to any of Fig. 1A-3C.

The sensor chip 400 according to Fig. 4A-4C is a two-layer structure with a cylindrical cross-section. Other cross-sections are also possible, such as a rectangular cross-section. The outer layer of the structure, or sensor chip 400, contains a rigid grid 401, through which the surrounding air can pass, entering the air chamber 402. The air chamber 402 is functionally similar to the air channel 211 described above.

The inner layer of the structure of the sensor chip 400 contains a grid 403 through which the components present in the air of the air chamber 402 can access the gas-permeable membrane 404. The inner grid 403 and the gas-permeable membrane 404 are functionally similar to the grid 113 and the gas-permeable membrane 114 described above.

The reaction cell 405 of the sensor chip 400 is defined by a volume that is limited by a cylinder formed by a gas-permeable membrane 404. It is functionally similar to the reaction cell 101 described above.

Similar to the above-described illustrative embodiment of sensor chip 100, the inner surface of gas-permeable membrane 404 is coated with immobilized receptor protein complexes (not shown in Figs. 4A-4C).

In the reaction cell 405, one, two or a plurality of optical waveguides 406 are located. They can be present in the form of fibers or in the form of a flat optical waveguide, or in any other suitable form.

The optical waveguides 406 may be coated with covalently linked molecular capture complexes that are known to bind one or more components of the receptor protein complexes 115 with high affinity (not shown in Fig. 4). The distance between the gas-permeable membrane 404 and the surface of the optical waveguides 406 is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm or less.

The chemical nature, the biological origin of the molecules or molecular complexes, and the means of immobilization on the optical waveguides 406 are similar to those described for the molecules or molecular complexes 117 covalently bonded to the translucent wall 103 of the reaction cell 101 described with reference to the previous figures.

Alternatively, the arrangement of immobilized receptor proteins and high-affinity complexes can be reversed, i.e., receptor proteins can be immobilized on optical waveguides 406, and high-affinity complexes can be immobilized on gas-permeable membrane 404.

Preferably, the absorption spectra and other optical properties of immobilized molecules or molecular complexes, as well as the absorption spectra of the covalent bond, do not overlap or only overlap to a limited extent with the absorption spectra or other optical properties of the receptor protein complexes 115.

One end of the sensor chip 407 comprises a water reservoir 408, which is functionally similar to the above-described water reservoir 102. The connection of the water reservoir 408 to the reaction cell 405 and the operating principle of the water reservoir 408 may be identical to those described above. The locking element 409, or the removable pin 409, may seal the elastic blister 410 located in the reservoir 408 or forming it from the lyophilized content (not shown) of the reaction cell 405. The semipermeable membrane 411 separates the substrate present in the reaction cell 405 from free mixing with the water in the blister 410 when the pin 409 is removed.

In addition, at the indicated end of the sensor chip 400, a reflective element may be provided, for example, an optical mirror, or an optical waveguide 412, which is capable of reflecting light passing through one optical waveguide 406, and/or connects pairs of two optical waveguides 406.

The other end of the sensor chip 400 comprises a structure 413, or part 413, with one, two or a plurality of optical connectors 414, or openings 414, aligned with optical waveguides 406 located in the reaction cell 405 of the chip 400, and forming their extensions.

In addition, the portion of the structure 413, or part 413, of the sensor chip 400 contains electrical contacts or connectors 415, electrically connecting the chip 400 to the sensor device when inserted into it. These contacts 415 are functionally similar to the electrical contacts 122 described above.

In operation, that is, when installed in an activated sensor device, light 416 emitted by the optical system of the sensor device, for example, one or more light sources, passes longitudinally through optical waveguides 406 laid in the reaction cell 405 from one end of the chip 400 to the other end of the chip 400 along the longitudinal axis of the chip 400. The light is reflected or deflected by the reflective element 412, or the optical structure 412, passes back through the optical waveguide 406 to the end, or part 413, of the sensor chip 400 and eventually leaves the chip 400 in the direction of the optical system of the sensor device, as shown by the reference number 417 in Fig. 4B.

Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a sensor system 500 for detecting one or more biologically active substances. In particular, Fig. 5 shows a sensor system 500 with a sensor device 550 and a sensor chip 400 inserted into the sensor device 550. Unless otherwise indicated, the sensor chip 400 according to Fig. 5 has the same features as the sensor chips 100, 400 described with reference to Figs. 1A-4C. Similarly, the sensor device 550 according to Fig. 5 has the same features as the sensor device 200 described with reference to Figs. 2A-4C.

Fig. 5 shows a sensor chip 400 inserted into a sensor device 550. A structure 413 forming one end of the sensor chip 400 is inserted into the sensor device 550 and establishes contact with electronic and optical connections located in the device 550. In particular, optical waveguides 406 present in the sensor chip 400 are connected via optical connectors 414, or openings 414, to an optical system 503 located in the sensor device 550. The optical system 503 comprises one or more light sources 504 and one or more light detectors 505, such as photosensors 505.

In the socket present on the device 550 and the final structure of the chip 400, additional guides (not shown) are provided, which ensure the proper orientation of the chip 400 in the device 550, as described above. The fastening of the chip 400 in the socket can be performed using, for example, a mechanism in the form of a latch, a magnetic connection or a screw.

In addition, device 550 includes a battery, a microprocessor, and potentially other electronic components as described with reference to the preceding figures.

The ambient air passively enters the air chamber 402 through the rigid grid 401 of the sensor chip 400. The driving force may be the movement of the ambient air relative to the sensor chip 400 and/or Brownian motion.

Alternatively, the socket on the device 550 may have the same length as the entire sensor chip 400, or a length greater than the sensor chip. In this case, the chip 400 is completely inserted into the device 550, and the device 550 may contain additional features, such as a ventilation device, for taking ambient air and supplying it to the air chamber 402 of the sensor chip 500.

The features present on the surface of the device 550, such as diodes, a screen, or means for attaching the device to clothing, bicycles, or backpack straps, are similar to those described with reference to Figs. 2A-2C.

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the reaction cell 405 of the sensor chip 400 to illustrate a possible operating principle of the sensor chip 400 according to Fig. 4A-5.

Similar to the example described with reference to Fig. 1A-3C, the receptor protein complexes 115 are immobilized on the gas-permeable membrane 404 by binding to covalently linked molecules 301, known as low-affinity ligands of the ligand-binding domain 302 of the receptor protein complexes 115 used.

The receptor protein complexes 115 consist of at least the ligand binding domain 302 of the receptor protein. Optionally, additional components are present, such as an affinity tag 304. The features of the components of the receptor protein complexes 115, such as biological origin or recombinant nature, are the same as described above with reference to the previous figures.

Molecules or biologically active substances 307 of the environment present in the air chamber 402 diffuse through the grid 403 and the gas-permeable membrane 404 and enter the reaction cell 405.

Once in the reaction cell 405, biologically active substances 307 compete for binding to the ligand-binding domain 302 of receptor protein complexes 115 and, ultimately, release receptor protein complexes 115 from membrane 404.

The released receptor protein complexes 308 move freely in the reaction cell 405 and eventually reach the optical waveguides 406 present in its center and bind to the molecules or molecular trapping complexes 117 present on the surface of the optical waveguides 406. This binding will change the properties of the boundary layer between the substrate or liquid matrix present in the reaction cell 405 and the surface of the optical waveguides 406.

Light 611 passing through optical waveguide 406 is not completely confined by optical waveguide 406, but will to some extent penetrate into the substrate or liquid matrix present in reaction cell 405, forming a penetrating field that interacts with the immediate environment of optical waveguide 406.

For example, the sensor device 550 or one or more sensors 505 can measure the absorption of this penetrating field. The light source present in the sensor device emits light with a specific spectrum, for example, with a narrow window of wavelength λem. The absorption spectrum of one or more components of the receptor protein complexes 115 exhibits a maximum at a wavelength λabs. If λabs ≈ λem, the presence of the receptor protein complexes 115 in close proximity to the surface of the optical waveguide 406 results in a decrease in the intensity of the light reaching the photosensor 505 in the sensor device 550. This decrease in the intensity of the light can be quantified. The decrease per unit time provides a direct measurement of the amount of receptor protein complexes 115 binding to the optical waveguide 406 per unit time, which in turn correlates with the amount of biologically active substances 307 entering the reaction cell 405 and, thus, with their concentration in the surrounding air. In alternative embodiments, it is possible to use, for example, a waveguide connection, surface plasmon resonance or excitation of fluorescence of components of receptor protein complexes 115 by a penetrating field.

Alternatively, the detection principle may be the opposite. The receptor protein complexes 115 may be immobilized on the optical waveguides 406, and upon binding of biologically active substances that have entered the reaction cell 405 from the environment, they are released from the optical waveguides. The presence of ligands of the receptor protein complexes 115 in this embodiment weakens the interaction between the complexes 115 and the penetrating field. For example, the presence of ligands of the receptor protein complexes 115 in the environment will reduce the absorption of penetrating light and, thus, increase the intensity of the light reaching the photodetectors 505 in the sensor device 550.

Another detection principle potentially used in the sensor chip 400 is based on piezoelectric detection of deposition and/or release of receptor protein complexes. This operating principle may be identical to that described with reference to Fig. 6, but detection of binding of released receptor protein complexes 115 to high-affinity ligands on the receiving surface is achieved by determining the mass of the material binding to the surface, rather than changes in the optical properties of the surface.

In such embodiments, the optical waveguides 406 can be replaced by one or more piezoelectric elements capable of detecting changes in the mass adsorbed on their surface with high sensitivity. Thus, at least one piezoelectric element can be present in the center of the reaction cell 405 or include one or more walls of the reaction cell.

Alternatively, piezoelectric sensor chips can be based on the reverse principle. Receptor protein complexes 115 can be immobilized on piezoelectric elements and released from them upon binding to biologically active substances that have entered the reaction cell 405. The result will be the detection of a decrease in the mass associated with the piezoelectric elements.

Although sensors for detecting environmental substances using piezoelectric elements have been described, the solution proposed here offers significantly higher sensitivity. The sensors based on the piezoelectric effect described in the prior art rely on measuring the increase in mass introduced by binding a substance from the environment, for example, to receptor proteins immobilized on the surface of a piezoelectric element. In contrast, the indirect detection method described herein relies on binding receptor protein complexes 115 as a whole. These typically have orders of magnitude greater mass and can be more effectively detected by piezoelectric elements.

Illustrative materials for the sensor chip are described below, but are not limiting. The inner surface of the reaction cell, containing the gas-permeable membrane, can be coated with materials or made of materials that do not absorb (water-soluble) proteins. Examples include fluoropolymers such as Teflon or coatings with high hydrophobicity. Alternatively, pre-coating of the surfaces with proteins such as ovalbumin or bovine serum albumin can be provided. The opening through which the light emitted by the light source enters the reaction cell can be permeable to light with at least a wavelength of λex.

Suitable materials for the gas permeable membrane may include, but are not limited to, hydrophobic membranes with micron-sized perforations made from, for example, fluoropolymers, porous PET membranes, carbon paper, preferably with a hydrophobic coating, and porous silicone-PDMS membranes.

The material of the detection window, or the translucent wall, of the reaction cell may be translucent for light of wavelength λem and preferably impermeable for light of wavelength λex. Suitable materials are known from applications in photospectrometric instruments and are specific for the fluorophores used in the reaction cell. The material of the detection window, or the translucent wall, of the reaction cell may additionally be resistant to the action of aqueous solutions of salts with neutral pH. If such materials with additional spectroscopic properties are not available, a coated or bilayer wall may be used. The coating or protective layer may be translucent at least for light of wavelength λem. To increase the robustness of the detection window, a layered design may be used: a material translucent for light of wavelength λem but impermeable for wavelength λex, for example, may be located between two layers of robust material translucent at least for light of wavelength λem. Alternatively, a robust material that is transparent to at least light of wavelength λem may be coated with a suitable coating that is transparent to light of wavelength λem but not to light of wavelength λex.

The optical system of the sensor device may comprise a light source, preferably emitting light in a narrow frequency band with a wavelength in the range of λex or λabs, as described above, and the opening in the wall of the reaction cell may be permeable to light at least in this wavelength range. Alternatively, the light source may emit light in a wide range of wavelengths, and in this case the opening in the wall of the reaction cell is preferably permeable to light in a narrow frequency band only in the range of λex or λabs.

For optical waveguides, the material must have a refractive index relative to the substrate or liquid matrix inside the reaction cell that is suitable for optimizing the intensity of the penetrating field. The exact values will depend on the wavelength used, which in turn depends on the absorption spectrum of the receptor protein complexes.

For the sensor device, one or more layers may be used to cover and protect sensors, such as photo sensors. The requirements and technical solutions are identical to those described above in this document for the translucent wall, or detection window.

The following are generalized illustrative and non-limiting dimensions of the sensor device and sensor chip.

For a stationary device, the sensor device may have a volume of up to about 1000 cm3. The sensor chip may have a length of about 1-10 cm, a width of 5-10 cm and a thickness of 2-3 cm, and the reaction cell may have a diffusion distance of preferably less than 0.5 mm.

For a portable sensor device, the sensor device may have a volume of up to about 200 cm3. The sensor chip may have a length of about 1-5 cm, a width of 0.5-1 cm and a thickness of 0.5-1 cm, and the reaction cell may have a diffusion distance of preferably less than 0.5 mm.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a method for detecting one or more biologically active substances in an environment, for example using the sensor system, sensor device and/or sensor chip described with reference to the previous figures.

At step S1, one or more biologically active substances pass through the membrane 114 of the sensor chip 100 into the reaction cell 101 of the sensor chip 100.

In step S2, one or more biologically active substances bind to one or more receptor protein complexes 115, thereby causing a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes 115.

At step S3, the induced change in the state of said at least part of the receptor protein complexes 115 is detected.

At step S4, based on the determined change in the state of said at least part of the receptor protein complexes 115, a detection signal is generated indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment.

For the purposes of the present specification and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween that may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 20% of A. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within the common standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances, when used in the appended claims, may vary by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A varies does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween that may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such showing and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. After studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art practicing the claimed invention may understand and apply other variations of the disclosed embodiments.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and singular forms do not exclude the plural. The fact that certain measures are mentioned in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. A sensor chip for detecting one or more biologically active substances in an environment, wherein the environment includes ambient air, wherein the sensor chip is designed to be functionally connected to a sensor device and comprises: a reaction cell containing a plurality of receptor protein complexes; and a membrane separating the reaction cell from the environment and permeable to one or more biologically active substances; wherein the receptor protein complexes are designed with the possibility of binding to one or more biologically active substances in the reaction cell, which thus causes a detectable change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes; wherein the sensor chip is designed with a shape and size for at least partial insertion in a removable manner into a socket of a sensor device for detecting one or more biologically active substances. 2. The sensor chip according to claim 1, wherein the detectable change in the state of said at least part of the receptor protein complexes indicates the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment. 3. The sensor chip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes is associated with one or more of a change in the conformational state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in the localization of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell, a change in the position of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell, a change in the composition of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in the mass of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in the mass of at least a portion of the reaction cell, a change in a physical property of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in a physical property of at least a portion of the reaction cell, a change in an optical property of at least a portion of the reaction cell, a change in a chemical property of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes, a change in a chemical property of the substrate contained in the reaction cell, a change in the conductivity of the substrate contained in the reaction cell, and a change in the concentration of free fluorescent or light-absorbing molecules in at least a portion of the reaction cell. 4. A sensor chip according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the receptor protein complexes are designed with the ability to change position in the reaction cell upon binding to one or more biologically active substances. 5. The sensor chip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surrounding medium comprises water. 6. A sensor chip according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane is permeable to gases and/or the membrane is impermeable to water or an aqueous liquid. 7. A sensor chip according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more connectors for operatively connecting the sensor chip to a sensor device. 8. A sensor chip according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more electrodes at least partially located in the reaction cell and configured to determine the conductivity of the substrate or composition in the reaction cell. 9. A sensor chip according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one detection window transparent to electromagnetic radiation emitted and/or scattered by at least one or more components of the receptor protein complexes. 10. A sensor chip according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one reservoir configured to be fluidly connected to the reaction cell, wherein the at least one reservoir is configured to supply deionized water to the reaction cell. 11. A sensor chip according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein each of the receptor protein complexes comprises at least one ligand-binding domain of the receptor protein, configured to bind to one or more biologically active substances and configured to change conformation upon binding to one of the biologically active substances. 12. The sensor chip of claim 11, wherein the receptor protein is a xenosensor protein or a hormone receptor protein. 13. A sensor device for detecting one or more biologically active substances in an environment, wherein the environment comprises ambient air, wherein the sensor device is configured to be operatively connected to at least one sensor chip according to any one of claims 1-12 and comprises: at least one socket for at least partially accommodating at least one sensor chip; at least one sensor configured to detect a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes in the reaction cell of at least one sensor chip, wherein the change in state is caused by the binding of one or more receptor protein complexes with one or more biologically active substances entering from the environment through the membrane of the sensor chip into the reaction cell of the sensor chip; and a processing circuit connected to at least one sensor, wherein the processing circuit is configured to provide a detection signal indicating the presence of one or more biologically active substances in the environment, based on determining a change in the state of at least a portion of the receptor protein complexes. 14. The sensor device of claim 13, wherein the detection signal indicates the amount of one or more biologically active substances in a unit volume of the environment, the mass of the biologically active substance in a unit volume of the environment, the concentration of the biologically active substance in the environment, the activation potential of a receptor protein of the environment, and the biological activity of the environment. 15. A sensor system for detecting one or more biologically active substances in the environment, comprising: at least one sensor chip according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and a sensor device according to item 13 or 14.