Figure 1.

Schematic representation of the biofilm development stages. (a) The first step involves planktonic cells reversible attachment to surfaces; (b) the adhered cells begin to form a monolayer and to produce extracellular matrix; (c) the cells within the self-produced extrapolymeric matrix continue to grow and form multilayered microcolonies; (d) cells are irreversibly attached to the surface and embedded in the matrix: the biofilm is mature; (e) in the last stage of biofilm formation, cells are able to detach from the biofilm and to return in planktonic form, ready to colonize new surfaces. Adapted from [24].