Abstract: Methods, kits and reagents are provided for increasing the sensitivity of detecting the presence or absence of endospores by increasing the available protein for detection. The methods are fast and amendable to testing in a non-laboratory setting and use a protein detection reagent and solid microparticles.

Abstract: Methods, kits and reagents are provided for increasing the sensitivity of detecting the presence or absence of endospores by increasing the available protein for detection. The methods are fast and amendable to testing in a non-laboratory setting and use a protein detection reagent and solid microparticles.

Abstract: A method of analyzing tissue sections in a manner that provides information about the presence and expression levels of multiple biomarkers at each location within the tissue section. The method comprises the preparation of membranes having covalently bound oligonucleotides and the use of those membranes for evaluation of various markers in the sample. The membranes may be arranged in stacks, wherein each layer has a different oligonucleotide capture strand. Transfer oligonucleotides complementary to the capture strands are attached through a cleavable bond to antibodies that recognize and bind to specific biomarkers present in the tissue sample. The tissue sample is exposed to the antibody-transfer strand conjugate and then treated with a cleaving reagent. Upon cleavage, the transfer strand migrates through the stack and binds to the capture strand. The level of expression of the biomarker may be determined by measuring expression of a reporter on the transfer strand.