Chemistry team develops world’s first fluorescent date-rape drug sensor

Club-goers will soon be able to detect within 30 seconds if their drinks have been spiked, with the world’s first GHB fluorescent sensor developed by NUS researchers. GHB or Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid is a central nervous system depressant, which has been used in medical settings as a general anaesthetic. Today, it is most commonly used as a date-rape drug, which renders victims incapacitated and vulnerable to sexual assault. The breakthrough method to detect the presence of GHB contributes therefore towards the prevention of drug-facilitated sexual assault. “We wanted to develop something that would give results within several seconds, so you can check whether it is a safe drink or whether you should stop and think again,” said NUS Chemistry Professor Chang Young-Tae, who supervised the team that discovered the sensor.
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