Method and kit for processing wax-embedded biological samples

A method for processing a wax-embedded biological sample that comprises a biological sample and wax as an embedding medium, comprising:

• (1) liquefying the embedding medium by exposing the embedded biological sample to a de-waxing agent to obtain a de-waxed sample and a liquefied embedded medium, wherein the de-waxing agent comprises a poly(organosiloxane) or a mixture of poly(organosiloxane)s.

A kit for processing a wax-embedded biological sample, comprising:

• (1) a de-waxing agent that comprises a poly(organosiloxane) or a mixture of poly(organosiloxane)s, and
• (2) at least one further component selected from the group consisting of (a) an aqueous solution for partitioning a de-waxed sample and a liquefied embedding medium, (b) a chromatographic device and/or a solid phase for isolating at least one class of biomolecules, and (c) instructions for using the kit.