These exopolymers include the biofilms produced by bacteria to anchor them and protect them from environmental conditions.
[2] Their free-floating characteristic sets TEPs aside from other extracellular polymeric substance subgroups where exopolymers exists as cell coating, dissolved slime or as part of biofilm matrices.
[3] The formation of Transparent Exopolymer Particles (TEP) is mainly due to the abiotic coagulation of dissolved carbohydrates, which are secreted by phytoplankton communities.
TEP have the ability to form larger aggregates because of their strong surface active properties or “stickiness”.
This particular property of TEP allows them to perform as a glue matrix for other solid particles including detritus.