Fig. 2.

Stages present during the development of a biofilm on a substrate. The formation of biofilms occurs as a series of sequential events that depend on the interaction of microorganisms on inert or living surfaces, overcoming the forces of repulsion until achieving irreversible adsorption followed by the formation of a microcolony. When reaching a certain population density, the synthesis of secondary metabolites (quorum sensing) is induced, which produces the formation of an exopolysaccharide until the maturation of the biofilm is achieved. Disintegration allows the formation of a new colony or its elimination.