Patent ID: 7713694

Claim:
A method of enhancing the fluorescence of a fluorescent dye, said method comprising combining or contacting the dye with a base and/or a detergent, wherein the dye is of formula (Ia), including isomers thereof: wherein X is O, NR 4 or C, R 1 is a straight or branched chain C 1-20 conjugated alkenyl group optionally substituted 1-6 groups independently selected from hydroxy or oxo groups, R 2 is a straight or branched chain C 1-20 alkyl group, R 3 is a straight or branched chain C 1-20 alkyl group, optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, R 4 is N, O, straight or branched chain C 1-20 alkyl and/or aryl group, optionally substituted with a hydroxyl, halide, amine, carboxyl, carboxyl related or heteroaryl group or groups.