Biofilm, the survival strategy of microorganisms

Biofilm development
Biofilm development is a common way of the growth of bacteria in nature. It is currently considered that under suitable environmental conditions, most microorganisms can form it.

The process of biofilm formation, adherence, maturation, dispersion and recovery, barely develops in 5 days

• Phase 1

Reversible adherence of bacteria to the surface. A weak union of the bacteria with the substrate occurs in just 1 minute.

• Phases 2 and 3

Irreversible adhesion to the surface, with an initial stage of maturation with growth and division of the microorganism, a subsequent stage of production of the exopolymer -EPS- and the final development of the colony with a dispersion of colonizing cells. Irreversible bonds need to form between 20 minutes and 4 hours.

• Phase 4

Growth and maturation. After adhesion and the initial maturation stage with growth and division, the resulting bacterial cells develop around the attachment site, forming a microcolony. An organized colony will grow if conditions are suitable for sufficient biofilm growth. It adapts to nutrients, oxygen, and population changes throughout its maturation stage. It is estimated that the development of this phase is 2 to 4 days.

• Phase 5

Spread of colonizing cells. Finally, some bacteria from the biofilm matrix are released from it to be able to colonize new surfaces, closing or starting the cycle.

Survival strategy

The formation of biofilms is an adaptive