Starting on a compact core, microorganisms colonize in a biofilm, which is connected via a slime-like matrix (extracellular polymers, EPS). Biofilm life offers many advantages, especially with regard to protection against inhibitors, stress impacts, and different environmental conditions. The EPS film has a buffering, protective, and balancing effect. The great majority of bacteria are therefore found in a sessile form (not planktonic).
In such a biofilm, very different bacteria can be located and complement each other in their metabolism. Between the individual bacteria, a communication can take place via chemical messengers, whereby e.g. metabolism and population density are regulated.


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