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The biofilm formation is split into several steps, including the initiation, the maturation, the maintenance, and the dispersion of the biofilm [2] (Fig. 1). Microorganisms undergo a transition from a free-floating, planktonic microorganism to a sessile, surface-attached one. They must be able to attach to surfaces, to move on them, and to form a three-dimensional structure [2].

Environmental signals such as pH, nutrients, temperature, oxygen, and others trigger the early attachment of microorganisms to surfaces [2]. In that process, many bacterial structures, like pili or lipopolysaccharides, are involved [2]. Contact with the surface may induce changes in the bacteria gene expression, for example the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides is upregulated [2]. Also, within minutes microorganisms upregulate the secretion of intercellular signaling molecules; however, a strong attachment of microcolonies occurs only after a few hours [3].

The maturation of a biofilm is associated with the complex process of matrix formation and is dependent on nutrient availability, shear forces, and the influence of other microorganisms [4]. The maturation is complete only after 2–4 days following the initial attachment [3].

In the maintenance phase, there is relative stability within the community. However, several activities exist. For example, the biofilms continuously respond to desiccation by synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides molecules [4], and microorganisms (planktonic or microcolonies) are also shed into the environment [3]. The dispersion of biofilms might be mediated by ending the synthesis of matrix production, matrix degradation, and disruption of interactions between matric components [5].