A new platinum-based drug-dispensing chip, which is implanted in the body to deliver measured doses of drugs over a specific period of time, is about to undergo full animal trials.

Developed by US firm MicroCHIPS, the device holds drugs in a series of layers each encased by a platinum and titanium sheet.

Small bursts of electricity controlled by a wireless programming device the size of a mobile phone are then used to dissolve the exposed platinum and titanium sheet instantly which releases the drug inside.

If several doses are needed multiple layers can be triggered to dissolve.

John Santini, co-founder of MicroCHIPS, told the Boston Globe that while the use of aluminium was first explored, the firm decided to use a platinum and titanium mix because it is 'more robust, which means the environment it's in is less likely to have an effect on its operation'.

Mr Santini believes the implant will ultimately become part of an intelligent sense-and-respond feedback system that can detect problems in the body and respond automatically to resolve any difficulties.

He envisages it being used to help those suffering from diseases like diabetes or congestive heart failure, and thereby greatly reduce the need for sufferers to spend periods in hospital.

'We'll be breaking some new ground by putting a network inside the body,' Mr Santini commented. 'That's not technology that we can pull off the shelf.'