Thioflavin-T excimer formation upon interaction with amyloid fibers

The molecular mechanism of the Thioflavin-T (Th-T) binding to amyloids remains unknown. By combining experimental analysis of Th-T excitation and emission spectra with theoretical calculations we suggest that Th-T fluorescence changes upon interaction with amyloids may arise from the formation of an excimer with an oblique angle of ~120 degrees.