The vast majority of microorganisms live in complex societies. These associations of microorganisms in biofilms have advantages for their survival and reproduction. The protective and nutrient storgage effect in biofilms is based on properties of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).
Various studies confirm the protective properties of biofilm systems to planktonic bacteria.
"The concentration of antimicrobial agents can be tolerated by microorganisms in biofilms up to 1000-fold or higher than compared to planktonic systems (Martienssen 2000, Flemming and Schaule, 1996a, Costerton et al., 1995).


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