Figure 5,

Inclusive model showing the three main events in biofilm formation encompassing in vitro, in situ and in vivo systems. Aggregation and attachment: In this event bacteria aggregate to each other or attach to surfaces, being both biotic and abiotic. Growth and accumulation: In this event, aggregated and attached bacterial colonies expand by growth and recruitment of surrounding cells. Disaggregation and detachment: In this event bacteria can leave the biofilm as aggregates and as single cells depending on the mechanism. These three events characterize and represent most if not all biofilm scenarios independently of time and maturity.