Escaping the biofilm in more than one way: desorption, detachment or dispersion

- At least three types of “escapes” or ways for bacteria to leave the biofilm are known.
- Types of escapes are referred to as desorption, detachment, and dispersion.
- Dispersion is a highly regulated, active process.
- Dispersion coincides with a physiological change in the dispersing population.
- Dispersed cells demonstrate altered susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.
- Dispersed cells demonstrate altered virulence compared to planktonic and biofilm cells.
- The degree of detachment is impacted by shear forces and modification of the biofilm matrix.
- Reversion of developmental regulatory networks may cause biofilm collapse.