Planktonic cells, cells that are free-floating in an aquatic environment, begin biofilm formation when they attach to a surface, reversibly, also known as becoming sessile. 

Stage 1: Attachment of Planktonic Cells 

During the colonizer attachment stage, the pioneer cells become fixed to the surface and coated with a film of organic material. 

Stage 2: Colonizer Attachment 

The pioneer cells begin to grow and divide, increasing the population and size of the biofilm.

Stage 3: Biofilm Microbial Growth

In order to facilitate production of an EPS, cells begin to express new phenotypes, which in turn produces the matrix and water channels. Interactions with bacterial structures like fimbriae, pili, and flagella are essential for the formation of a mature biofilm. 

Stage 4: EPS Production and Formation

After the biofilm becomes mature, the outermost cells revert back to planktonic, allowing them to come off the original structure and disperse to colonize new areas. 

Stage 5: Secondary Colonizer Attachment and Dispersion 

Biofilm formation occurs in five stages:
1) Attachment of Planktonic Cells 
2) Colonizer Attachment
3) Microbial Growth
4) EPS Production and Formation
5) Secondary Colonizer Attachment and Microbial Dispersion

Biofilms are complex populations composed of many different types of microorganisms in a structured ecosystem. Biofilms provide the microbes with an advantageous growth circumstances where the waste product from one organism may be the nutrients for another. They can be found in various environments stuck to surfaces.

Biofilms

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The structure of biofilms are dependent on the environment in which they exist and nutrient availability. The collection of microorganisms within a biofilm are all embedded in an extracellular matrix with water channels. 

Structure of Biofilms

Quorum sensing is how different cell species in biofilms can communicate with one another, specifically about cell density. This is an essential response to environmental stimuli facilitated by autoinducers. 

Quorum Sensing

Biofilms are prevalent inside of human bodies and on many of the devices we use. While few biofilms are helpful for example in our intestinal and respiratory tracts, many can be harmful to our health.

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