"'Detection of GHB takes just 1 second'… Expectation for the prevention of sexual crimes using GHB

Commonly referred to as 'liquid ecstasy,' GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a central nervous system depressant that can quickly induce loss of consciousness or memory.

GHB is colorless and odorless, making it difficult for victims to notice when it is mixed into drinks. Additionally, it is eliminated from the body within 6 hours of ingestion, complicating the process of revealing the crime.

In this context, domestic researchers have developed a tattoo sticker that can detect the commonly used drug GHB in just 1 second, attracting attention.

On the 23rd, research results on the 'GHB detection tattoo sticker' developed by a joint research team led by Ko Kyung-cheol, head of the National Preclinical Test Center at the Korea Biotechnology Research Institute, and Kwon Oh-seok, professor of Nano Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University, were published in the 'ACS Sensors' journal.

The researchers created a thin tattoo sticker using a highly stretchable silicone rubber known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a water-soluble coating material called polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and agarose gel, which resembles jelly.

The reason for the color change of the tattoo sticker from yellow to red upon contact with GHB is due to the presence of functional components within the agarose gel.

Securing evidence was difficult due to lack of detection… "Results last for 30 days"

In experimental results, the tattoo sticker detected a GHB solution mixed at a concentration of 0.01 mg per 1 mL of water, as well as GHB solutions mixed at a concentration of 0.1 mg in various beverages, including whiskey, vodka, beer, soju, and coffee.

It took less than 1 second to detect GHB by dipping a finger in a liquid and applying it to the sticker to observe the color change.

Moreover, the tattoo sticker that turned red upon detecting GHB is expected to last up to 30 days, aiding in proving the occurrence of the crime.

The researchers stated, "This will serve as an important tool to provide a proactive solution for detecting GHB and support potential victims in protecting themselves."

They also added, "The technology for manufacturing the tattoo sticker is relatively inexpensive and straightforward, and it can be commercially available soon."

Meanwhile, a similar round sticker with the same function was released last year, but it required the protective film to be removed before use.

Most notably, this method took about 1 minute to detect GHB, with an accuracy of only 70-80%, which brings attention to the development of this GHB detection tattoo sticker.

Image source: acs sensors, unrelated material photo / gettyimagesbank