Some studies have shown that in the dispersion stage, where the cells return to the planktonic state, the cell population again shows antibiotic susceptibility. This suggests that the resistance acquired in the process of biofilm formation is not obtained through mutations or mobile genetic elements, but rather involves a metabolic or physical-chemical adaptation. An important factor is that these biofilms do not grow in conditions with high concentrations of antibiotics, which suggests that the biofilm does not present widespread antibiotic resistance. Studies indicate that there possibly exists a subpopulation within the biofilm that forms a unique and highly protected phenotypic state. This population is called “persister cells” or cells that persist even to antibiotics.

The experiments carried out by Lewis (2004) have compared populations in logarithmic, steady state and in biofilm. As a result, they found that in the stationary phase, there is more production of persistent cells, contrary to what would have been thought, due to the high resistance that biofilms present. These results have led to the conclusion that, since during the stationary phase there is no growth, the formation of persister cells is, in fact, dependent on the growth state; In the logarithmic state, there is little or no formation of persistent cells. It is presumed that this dependence on the growth state is a phenomenon called quorum sensing.

5 stages have been proposed for biofilm formation:

In the first and second stages, planktonic cells present a slight and weak association with the substrate followed by strong adhesion. The third and fourth stages are characterized by cell aggregation in microcolonies and subsequent maturation of the biofilm. In the fifth and final stage, the cells that make up the biofilm detach from the colony and return to planktonic life temporarily and disperse.

The quorum sensing circuit coordinates a wide variety of physiological functions, among which it is involved in the induction and formation of mature biofilms. For example in Vibrio cholerae, at low cell densities, for adequate biofilm formation, the movement of pili or flagella is necessary, as well as the biosynthesis and expression of exopolysaccharides. PhosfoLuxO and HapR have also been shown to function to activate vps, which is also required for biofilm formation.

The purely mineral origin of oncoliths or ooliths has been the subject of debate. Ooliths usually have a microbial mat on their surface that could help carbonate precipitation; If so, it would be an induced sedimentation (as opposed to controlled sedimentation) similar to that of microbialites, but unlike these on a structure not fixed to the ground.

Some studies have shown that in the dispersion stage, where the cells return to the planktonic state, the cell population again shows antibiotic susceptibility. This suggests that the resistance acquired in the process of biofilm formation is not obtained through mutations or mobile genetic elements, but rather involves a metabolic or physical-chemical adaptation. An important factor is that these biofilms do not grow in conditions with high concentrations of antibiotics, which suggests that the biofilm does not present widespread antibiotic resistance. Studies indicate that there possibly exists a subpopulation within the biofilm that forms a unique and highly protected phenotypic state. This population is called “persister cells” or cells that persist even to antibiotics.

The experiments carried out by Lewis (2004) have compared populations in logarithmic, steady state and in biofilm. As a result, they found that in the stationary phase, there is more production of persistent cells, contrary to what would have been thought, due to the high resistance that biofilms present. These results have led to the conclusion that, since during the stationary phase there is no growth, the formation of persister cells is, in fact, dependent on the growth state; In the logarithmic state, there is little or no formation of persistent cells. It is presumed that this dependence on the growth state is a phenomenon called quorum sensing.

5 stages have been proposed for biofilm formation:

In the first and second stages, planktonic cells present a slight and weak association with the substrate followed by strong adhesion. The third and fourth stages are characterized by cell aggregation in microcolonies and subsequent maturation of the biofilm. In the fifth and final stage, the cells that make up the biofilm detach from the colony and return to planktonic life temporarily and disperse.

The quorum sensing circuit coordinates a wide variety of physiological functions, among which it is involved in the induction and formation of mature biofilms. For example in Vibrio cholerae, at low cell densities, for adequate biofilm formation, the movement of pili or flagella is necessary, as well as the biosynthesis and expression of exopolysaccharides. PhosfoLuxO and HapR have also been shown to function to activate vps, which is also required for biofilm formation.

The purely mineral origin of oncoliths or ooliths has been the subject of debate. Ooliths usually have a microbial mat on their surface that could help carbonate precipitation; If so, it would be an induced sedimentation (as opposed to controlled sedimentation) similar to that of microbialites, but unlike these on a structure not fixed to the ground.