In a new study, scientists have developed a novel, multifunctional temporary tattoo sticker. This amazing device is capable of detecting γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a drug often used to spike alcoholic beverages and facilitate sexual assault. This exciting new technology rapidly and inconspicuously detects GHB in a variety of beverages. It improves safety of people sharing spaces in social environments. These results were just published in the journal ACS Sensors, with the study’s DOI 10.1021/acssensors.4c03737.
The tattoo-like sticker is designed to permanently stick to your skin. It can even detect the presence of GHB and react within one second! This quick reaction time positions it as a superior alternative to current testing methods, which are often conspicuous or take several minutes to provide results. The sticker reliably and dramatically senses GHB, even in low amounts. It has an incredible detection limit of only 0.01 micrograms per milliliter of beverage!
How It Works
The decal works great on many different liquids from whiskey to vodka, from beer to soju and even coffee. Its versatility becomes even more invaluable the more complex or difficult social scenarios become. It protects people who could be targets of drink spiking. Once GHB touches the sticker, the letters change color to red. This modification creates the most distinct, visual cue of cross-contamination.
The tattoo sticker is ecologically sensitive, responding almost instantaneously to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. It indicates a positive result for up to 30 days post-detection! This added persistence helps users to keep understanding the risks, even well after they were first introduced. The development team – Gyeong-Ji Kim, Jai Eun An, Kyong-Cheol Ko, Oh Seok Kwon – has a strong belief in this innovation. They urge that it be deployed now, before it has a chance to save lives.
“This temporary tattoo could detect an unwanted drug in your drink.” – phys.org
Addressing a Critical Need
This tattoo sticker comes at a really important time. While awareness of drink spiking and sexual assault in general is increasing, so is state policy surrounding these acts. Anyone could be made to feel unsafe in a social space where they aren’t able to keep an eye on their drink at all times. At the same time, the researchers want their invention to help any social user edge some control back in favor of safety and/or security.
Existing testing solutions usually require people to leave their beverages unattended. Or conversely, they are dependent on specialized gear, rendering them unfathomable in dozens of situations. This new, community-grounded approach tears down those barriers. It provides a convenient, user-friendly and portable solution with targeted application directly to the skin.
The researchers hope that if these stickers are widely adopted, they can help prevent a substantial number of drug-facilitated sexual assault incidents. This new innovation increases awareness by offering organizations the ability to take proactive actions against emerging threats. Yet it could do so much more to improve personal safety.
Future Implications
The dialogue about safety, respect, and consent is shifting every hour, if not faster. While both technologies, including the temporary tattoo sticker, offer short-term fixes, they pave the way for promising developments in personal safety devices. The development team hopes to keep building on this exciting technology and find new ways to apply it that will be born out of it.