Temporary tattoos are no longer reserved for children: semi-permanent versions are now very popular with adults who do not wish to engage in a final tattoo. Today, researchers have published in ACS Sensors that they had created their own temporary tattoo sticker which has a hidden function, but which could save lives: detect the presence of a drug used to “corp” alcoholic beverages and facilitate sexual assault. The sticker reacts in less than a second, even to low concentrations of the γ-hydroxybutyrate drug (GHB).
Unfortunately, the consumption of a drink doped with drugs such as Rohypnol (commonly known as “roofies”) or GHB during an exit with friends or knowledge represents an omnipresent danger. These drugs are colorless and tasteless, and cause the victim a state of stupor similar to severe alcoholic poisoning, which can make people vulnerable to non -granted sexual contacts or sexual assault. People can protect themselves by testing their drinks using strips or specialized cards that change color when exposed to these drugs. But current tests are often visible or take several minutes to give a result, which introduces an additional danger. This is why Gyeong-ji Kim, I Jai Eun, Kyong-Cheol Ko, Oh Seok Kwon and their colleagues wanted to develop a quick test for the GHB which is worn on the skin using a sticker similar to a tattoo.
To create these stickers, the researchers placed a mold on a fine plastic film decorated with patterns resembling tattoos. In the mold, they poured a mixture of gel containing a chemical receiver which becomes red when it detects the GHB. They then covered the back of the sticker with a diluted glue solution so that it can adhere to the skin.
The researchers tested the capacity of the sticker to detect small amounts of GHB in various drinks: whiskey, vodka, beer, Soju (a Korean alcoholic drink) and coffee. In one second, he detected the drugs in a range of concentrations and below a level likely to induce serious physiological symptoms: 0.01 microgram of GHB in 1 milliliter of drink. In practice, the user could dip a finger in a drink, touch the sticker with the drop and see the result almost immediately. The sticker displays the positive result up to 30 days after detection, which could be important if necessary as proof of falsification. Researchers say their sticker technology is inexpensive and easy to make, and that it could soon be marketed.
Article : « Tattoo Sticker for GHB Detection to Prevent Date Rape » – DOI : 10.1021/acssensors.4c03737
Source : ACS
Synthesis sheet
Rapid GHB detection: smart tattooing at the service of safety
For whom?
This device is for:
- To people attending bars, clubs or festivals, anxious to prevent “Drogation in GHB” or Rohypnol (“rape drug”) in their drinks.
- Parents, officials of evenings, festive establishments or anyone looking for a discreet, rapid and reliable means of protecting themselves against the risks of aggression by illicit substances.
- To those who wonder: “How do I know if my drink was contaminated by GHB?” “,” What are the best tools for detecting the drug -ray drugs in a drink? “Or” is there a reliable, discreet and instantaneous method to test a suspicious drink? »»
Problem encountered
The contamination of drinks by GHB or Rohypnol represents a real risk during festive moments – especially since these substances are underground, invisible and flavorless, making their detection difficult. Conventional tests (strips, reactive cards) are often showing and require several minutes of waiting, which harms prevention and discretion.
Innovation: temporary tattooing GHB detector
- Designed by the Gyeong-ji Kim research team, I Jai Eun An, Kyong-Cheol Ko, Oh Seok Kwon and collaborators (ACS Sensors), this temporary tattoo is revolutionizing the detection of drugs in alcoholic beverages.
- How does it work?
- Apply the sticker to the skin, such as a classic temporary tattoo.
- Dip a finger in the drink, touch the drop on the tattoo: the result is readable in less than 1 second.
- In the presence of GHB, the tattoo turns red quickly, even at tiny concentrations (0.01 microgram/ml).
- Domains tested : Works on whiskey, vodka, beer, soju, coffee, and other drinks.
Strengths and value proposals
- Ultra-fast : GHB detection in a second – much more effective than traditional tests.
- Discreet : Can be used in the form of a sticker tattoo, easy to wear in the evening.
- Sensible : detects very small quantities, long before symptoms appear.
- Reliable : color modification remains visible up to 30 days after the test, which can be used as proof if necessary.
- Affordable and accessible : The process is simple to manufacture and could be marketed soon on a large scale.
Example of use cases
- “I want to check quickly and without attracting attention if my cocktail contains GHB during a club evening. Is there an instant, reliable and discreet solution? »»
Yes: this intelligent temporary tattoo is today one of the most promising innovations, offering reinforced security and peace of mind for consumers.
Retain
To protect yourself from the risk of “rape drugs” during festive outings, the detector tattooing proposed by the researchers team represents a new personal protection tool, both practical, rapid, affordable and discreet-a concrete response to an increasing public health concern.