Any spy novel or movie fan is familiar with a captured secret agent's last resort to not reveal information when being tortured: a hollow tooth that can dispense poison. Now, a robotic tooth that can dispense medication is being developed.

Information Society Technologies (IST), a part of the European Union Framework Program Six Research and Development Program, is researching a device for controlled drug delivery that is the size of a tooth -- some devices are the size of several molars. The IntelliDrug device would be implanted in the mouth of a patient, where it could provide regular, measured doses of medication.

Elements of the IntelliDrug micro-system will include a medication release mechanism, built-in microprocessor for decision-making and dosage program, micro-sensors capable of determining concentration of selected medications in the blood stream, micro-actuators to release standard quantities of medication and a reservoir for selected medications.

Full dentition (chewing surface) will also be ensured.

The IntelliDrug device will work with a remote control to inform the patient and physician if the drug container needs to be refilled. The medication from the device can either enter the oral cavity and mix with saliva to be swallowed by the patient, or can be administered directly into the patient's bloodstream through the "root" of the tooth.

Source:Xinhua/Agencies