The Science Behind the Drink-Spiking-Detecting Temporary Tattoo
Checking your drink for drugs no longer needs to feel like a science experiment. Scientists in South Korea have created a new solution, a temporary tattoo sticker that instantly detects tampering.
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A new temporary tattoo-like sticker developed by South Korean scientists could make it easier and more discreet to check for spiked drinks. This innovative solution instantly detects the presence of GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), a common date-rape drug, offering a simple and subtle way to enhance safety in social settings.
The sticker, which looks like ordinary skin art, functions as a chemical sensor. Users apply the sticker to their hand, arm, or wrist before heading out. If they suspect their drink has been tampered with, they simply dip a finger in the drink and then touch the sticker. If the drink contains GHB, even in minute quantities, the sticker's design changes from yellow to red in just one second.
Unlike traditional testing methods that can be slow and conspicuous, this temporary tattoo is fast and low-profile. The color change is triggered by a chemical reaction within the sticker's gels, which contain a substance called BHEI. The sticker is made from a flexible material called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and has been tested successfully on various drinks, including beer, whiskey, vodka, and coffee. Its detection limit is incredibly sensitive, catching as little as 0.01 micrograms of GHB per milliliter.
An additional benefit is that if the sticker changes color, the red result remains visible for up to 30 days after the sticker is removed, potentially serving as evidence if needed. This new technology, detailed in the journal ACS Sensors, could soon offer a quick and accessible layer of protection against drink spiking without the need for lab equipment or technical skills. Future versions may even be developed to detect other drugs like ketamine or Rohypnol.
Key Features of the Drink-Spiking-Detecting Sticker:
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Fast: Changes color from yellow to red in just one second when GHB is detected.
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Discreet: Looks like a simple temporary tattoo and is easy to use in public.
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Sensitive: Detects as little as 0.01 micrograms of GHB per milliliter.
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Durable: Maintains its function even when stretched, twisted, or exposed to water.
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Long-Lasting Evidence: The color change remains visible for up to 30 days after the sticker is removed.
