Planktonic cells
Definition
Free-floating microbial cells in the bulk water that test surfaces for attachment before forming a biofilm.
They are the pioneers that probe warm, wet surfaces and initiate colonization. Once attached they begin laying down extracellular polymer and transition to the sessile biofilm state. They represent the mobile, vulnerable phase of microbial life before the protective city is built. Controlling them early is easier than removing an established biofilm.
Related concepts
Oxidizing biocides · Sessile bacterium · Heterotrophic plate count (HPC)
Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🦠 biology