Disclosed are miniaturized, wearable microneedle
biosensor devices, systems, and methods for measuring intradermal concentrations of various metabolites (including but not limited to lactate, pyruvate, and / or glucose) in order to directly assess the viability of living tissue (e.g., human or other mammalian
soft tissue). In a variety of implementations, for example, the disclosed microneedle
biosensor devices are self-contained in terms of power source, sample acquisition, measurement, and
data transmission capabilities, e.g., allowing it to function autonomously once placed. In some implementations, for example, the disclosed microneedle
biosensor devices can assess the viability of
soft tissue (e.g.,
skin with or without fat,
fascia, or
muscle) during and after
reconstructive surgery in which
soft tissue is repositioned, rotated, or transferred to another site in the body (including but not limited to both microvascular free tissue transfer and regional pedicled flaps).