Boosting the inactivation of bacterial biofilms by photodynamic targeting of matrix structures with Thioflavin T

We report that Thioflavin T (ThT), the reference fluorogenic probe for amyloid detection, displays photodynamic activity against bacterial biofilms. ThT recognizes key structures of the biofilm matrix, disrupting the complex architecture and efficiently inactivating bacterial cells. We also show that ThT phototherapy synergistically boosts the activity of conventional antimicrobials.

Automated summary

Thioflavin T (ThT), commonly used as a fluorescent probe for amyloid detection, has been discovered to exhibit photodynamic activity against bacterial biofilms. It disrupts the complex architecture of biofilm matrix and efficiently inactivates bacterial cells, while also synergistically enhancing the activity of conventional antimicrobials.