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Professor Katie Laird

Job: Professor of Microbiology, Head of the Infectious Disease Research Group

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

School/department: Leicester School of Pharmacy

Address: 51Âþ»­, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH.

T: +44 (0)116 207 8106

E: klaird@dmu.ac.uk

W: /hls

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Personal profile

Prof Katie Laird is a Professor of Microbiology in the School of Pharmacy and Head of the Infectious Disease Research Group at 51Âþ»­. She has a BSc (Hons) in Biology and obtained a PhD in applied microbiology in 2008.

Her research is centred on the prevention of transmission of healthcare acquired infections including the development of novel antimicrobials. A particular focus of Prof Laird’s research is on the role of healthcare textiles as fomites, her research has raised international awareness of the risks to healthcare workers of incorrect laundering of uniforms. The research group she leads was the first to determine the stability of coronavirus on textiles during laundering; these findings informed global infection control policies in industrial laundries, thereby protecting laundry and healthcare workers. She has worked closely with world-leading brands and laundry trade bodies (UK, Europe and USA), securing significant funding to develop innovative and efficient approaches to combat the spread of pathogens via healthcare textiles. Prof Laird is currently developing an internationally-accepted test protocol which will transform the laundry industry globally through a united approach to validating

 She is also a founder of “A Germ's Journey” educational resources (www.germsjourney.com) teaching young children about health hygiene globally.

 

 

Research group affiliations

Infectious Disease Research Group

Publications and outputs


  • dc.title: Development of sustainable, antimicrobial essential oil microcapsules for use within healthcare textiles. dc.contributor.author: Silver, Katie; Shen, Jinsong; Qutachi, Omar; Laird, Katie; Davies, Angela dc.description.abstract: This study aims to investigate a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to current antimicrobial finishes for healthcare textiles. dc.description: Affiliated with the Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities, School of Fashion and Textiles & the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Leicester School of Pharmacy.

  • dc.title: Investigating cross-linking of sodium alginate and calcium chloride for use in a microfluidic kit dc.contributor.author: Silver, Katie; Laird, Katie; Shen, Jinsong; Qutachi, Omar; Davies, Angela dc.description.abstract: Background: Standardised microcapsules have many potential medical uses, for example drug delivery, diagnostics and NGS. This project in particular will be looking at encapsulating essential oils to provide antimicrobial properties to materials such as healthcare uses and textiles. A novel smart microfluidic control system (Fluigent, Fr) will be used to standardise the materials, size (95-160μm) and production rate of the microcapsules produced. However, this system recommends oil surfactant to result in a water-in-oil microbead. This project seeks to investigate replacing this oil phase with sodium alginate and a cross-linking agent such as calcium chloride (CaCl2). It is paramount that instantaneous polymerisation causing clogging of the microscopic fluidic chamber does not occur, however still producing strong and reliable gels to be used as an encapsulant. Although this has been achieved in research through using self-made and 3D printed models, there has yet been a standard protocol in which researchers can produce monodispersed beads using their own core materials with the kit. Methods: Testing a range of sodium alginate concentrations from 0.5% - 3% against CaCl2 of 5mM to 20mM using the Luer lock syringe method to determine how many cycles and minutes it takes for a gel to form. The endpoint was when a thicker gel was apparent, but not solid. Results: It was found that CaCl2 in concentrations of 15mM or lower prolonged the gelation of sodium alginate concentrations of 1 – 1.5% to around 3 – 8 minutes. Further investigation using a range of ratios with these concentrations is currently underway. Conclusions: This study can provide a set of cross-linking timings ranging from seconds to minutes, making it possible to use in a microfluidic kit without setting and blocking the system.

  • dc.title: Domestic Laundering of Healthcare Textiles: a potential source of antibiotic resistance? dc.contributor.author: Dunlop, Jake; Cayrou, Caroline; Owen, Lucy; Laird, Katie dc.description.abstract: Microorganisms can survive domestic laundering on textiles, having the potential to cross-contaminate healthcare and home environments. The effect of repeated exposure to domestic detergents is not well understood. Sub-lethal exposure to antimicrobials can drive antibiotic cross-resistance. Aim: To determine the development of bacterial resistance to domestic non-biological laundry detergents and subsequent effects on antibiotic susceptibility. Methods: Stepwise training in broth was used to develop detergent resistance/tolerance in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by exposing them to sub-lethal concentrations of non-biological domestic detergents (powder and liquid). The mutants created were assessed for cross-resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics using a disc diffusion method. Whole genome sequencing of mutants demonstrating antibiotic resistance (EUCAST clinical breakpoints) was then conducted to identify any resistance-inducing genes. Results: Repeated exposure to laundry detergents increased resistance in the bacteria, from 180µg/ml to 270µg/ml (powder) and 0.000675µl/ml to 0.60µl/ml (liquid) in S. aureus, 0.00675µl/ml to 2.05µl/ml (liquid) and 18µg/ml to 27µg/ml (powder) in P. aeruginosa, and 0.000675µl/ml to 10.36µl/ml (liquid) in K. pneumoniae. In parallel, increased resistance to antibiotics was observed in S. aureus to Moxifloxacin 5μg, Fusidic Acid 10μg, Penicillin G 1 unit, Tetracycline 30μg, Rifampicin 5μg, and Oxacillin 5µg. Conclusion: Sub-lethal concentrations of detergent can induce resistance to domestic laundry detergents and cross-resistance to antibiotics, particularly in S. aureus. This is of particular concern in the domestic environment where washing detergent concentrations are not regulated/maintained or monitored and is reliant on accurate individual user dispensing. This could have implications for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

  • dc.title: Development of standardised microbiological testing methods to monitor bacterial and spore disinfection efficacy of the laundry and finishing processes dc.contributor.author: Dunlop, Jake; Cayrou, Caroline; Owen, Lucy; Laird, Katie dc.description.abstract: Numerous methodologies have been used within the industrial laundry sector to monitor the disinfection efficacy of healthcare laundry processes. Recently, a standardised methodology has been developed for the healthcare laundry industry and will be utilised in the UK and USA. This standardised methodology is based on usage of bioindicators, with Enterococcus faecium (high temperature and disinfectant tolerance) enclosed in a membrane. During the development of the method, commercially available bioindicators were only permeable to disinfectant/detergent at ≥60 °C. PES membrane bioindicators were then developed for use during low-temperature laundering. Similar methodologies are currently in development to monitor the spore disinfection efficacy of the laundry processes, in addition to monitoring the disinfection efficacy of laundry finishing processes. Once developed, these methodologies will be added to the healthcare laundry sector toolbox to monitor laundry disinfection. The development of standardised microbiological testing across the laundry industry is essential to improve infection control in the future.

  • dc.title: Guidance for the Safe Management of Linen in Residential, Nursing or Other Social Healthcare Environments dc.contributor.author: Laird, Katie; McMahon, Janet; Hook, Jackie; Allen, Joy dc.description.abstract: Rationale Research was conducted by Professor Katie Laird at 51Âþ»­ on current infection prevention and control policies and practices utilised by care/nursing homes in the laundering of resident associated textiles, barriers to implementing such policies and attitudes towards laundering. Over 1000 care home mangers and healthcare workers took part in the research, which showed that under half of healthcare workers believe that bed linen, personal clothing and staff uniforms is always processed well in their onpremises laundry sites. Only half of care home managers stated that their staff receive formal laundry training; with 87% of healthcare workers stating they would like to receive further training. Healthcare workers (86%) and managers (91%) stated that they would like more support with running on-premises laundries in their settings. Key findings from the focus group included the need for better training and resources with regards to implementing infection prevention and control policies around laundering. This research led to the formation of a laundry management group with the Infection Prevention Society Care Home Special Interest Group in order to create easily accessible and usable guidance for the Safe Management of Linen in Residential, Nursing or other Social Healthcare Environments, here on in referred to as care homes. There is a lack of evidence to support practical interpretation of current laundry polices e.g. HTM01-04 Decontamination of Linen for Health and Social Care: Management and Provision by care homes. Polices in place in care homes are often vague and have a limited scientific/infection control knowledge base. This guidance has been compiled to clarify existing healthcare laundering procedures and is based on scientific knowledge of infectious disease transmission, textiles as fomites, disinfection and infection prevention and control processes including personal protective equipment (PPE) and current laundry practices and policies. This guidance complements the requirements from the Care Quality Commission and HTM01-04 decontamination of linen guidance. Scope The purpose of this guidance is to facilitate education and knowledge exchange of safe laundering practices. With training and education being placed at the beginning of the document to emphasise how important education is for successful implementation and continuation of effective and efficient best laundering practice to reduce transmission of infection. This guidance covers the safe handling and storage of clean linen; safe handling, segregation and transportation of used and infectious linen to the laundry; provision, operation and maintenance of the laundry environment and equipment; risks associated with laundering chemicals/products/environment; wash programmes and ironing. If laundry services are outsourced, the laundry provider should adhere to HTM1-04 guidelines and where appropriate BS EN 14065:2016 Textiles - Laundry processed textiles - Biocontamination control system accredited.

  • dc.title: Germ's Journey presentation at The Global PANEL Project, Univeristy of Cambridge dc.contributor.author: Crosby, Sapphire; Younie, Sarah; Laird, Katie

  • dc.title: Germ’s Journey: A Fight Against Resistance, 2nd edn dc.contributor.author: Glover, Joseph; Laird, Katie; Younie, Sarah; Crosby, Sapphire dc.description.abstract: The team behind Bye-Bye Germs! and A Germ’s Journey presents this brilliant new graphic novel. A Germ’s Journey - A Fight Against Resistance offers the chance to be part of the Anti-Bio Squad, a team combatting antibiotic resistance. When a boy comes down with some mysterious symptoms, it's up to you to find the clues, catch the right criminal, fend off the bacteria, and prevent them from becoming resistant to all of your weapons (antibiotics). Along the way you will be helped by friends: Agent Max, his dynamic dog, team-mate Georgie, and The Doc However, it's you who decides what path this investigation follows. Do you have what it takes to succeed in the Fight Against Resistance and become a member of the Anti-Bio Squad? Dive into the microscopic world of germs and join Max and Georgie in the Anti-Bio Squad to help them take down the evil bacteria making people sick. In this pathfinder graphic novel, you control the story, you choose how to solve the case, and you help the team fight off the germs and save the day!

  • dc.title: A Germ’s Journey: A Fight Against Resistance dc.contributor.author: Glover, Joseph; Laird, Katie; Younie, Sarah; Crosby, Sapphire dc.description.abstract: This is the moment you’ve been waiting for ever since you laid your eyes on that letter at your front door. The honour! You’ve been selected above thousands of other applicants to get this position. A chance to experience more out of life; a chance to make a difference for everyone; a chance to be part of the team combatting antibiotic resistance. Today will be your first day as a trainee agent in the Anti-Bio Squad. The human body is under attack from evil germ villains and, using their henchmen, they are trying to plague everyone with their illnesses; varying from the common cold to more serious bacterial infections. They must be stopped. It’s up to the Anti-Bio Squad to save the day and you’re going to help them. When a boy comes down with some mysterious symptoms, it’s up to you to find the clues, catch the right criminal, fend off the bacteria, and prevent them from becoming resistant to all of your weapons (antibiotics). Along the way you will be helped by friends: Agent Max, his dynamic dog, team-mate Georgie, and The D.O.C. However, it’s you who decides what path this investigation follows. Do you have what it takes to succeed in the Fight Against Resistance and become a member of the Anti-Bio Squad?

  • dc.title: Mission Micobe: Five-Step Quest dc.contributor.author: Crosby, Sapphire; Laird, Katie; Younie, Sarah dc.description.abstract: Mission Microbe: Five-Step Quest A teaching resources pack brought to you by Germ’s Journey® These packs have been designed by infection prevention and teaching experts to provide valuable, free resources to educators working with children in KS1 and KS2.

  • dc.title: The role of transport channels in the mechanism of action of the synergistic triple combination, carvacrol-cuminaldehyde-vancomycin, against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium dc.contributor.author: Alhareth, Zakia; Owen, Lucy; Laird, Katie; Smith, Laura J. dc.description.abstract: Background Novel antimicrobials with new mechanisms of action are critical to circumvent emerging antimicrobial resistant microorganisms (AMR), such as vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VanREF). Previous research demonstrated, with transcriptomic analysis and phenotypic assays, that the essential oil components (EOCs) carvacrol (CARV) (1.98 mM) and cuminaldehyde (CA) (4.20 mM) with the antibiotic vancomycin (Van) (0.022 µM), restored the susceptibility of VanREF. This finding suggested that an envelope damage has occurred. Several transport channel-related genes were also differentially expressed including bcr, ecfA1, ecsA-1, yloB and nhaC_2, indicating they could contribute to the mechanism of action of the triple combination CARV-CA-Van. Purpose The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of transport channels in the antimicrobial mechanism of action of CARV and CA with Van. Methods The expression levels of bcr, ecfA1, ecsA-1, yloB and nhaC_2 were established using qPCR under the effect of the triple combination, and in the presence of 1 mM calcium or 0.1 mM EDTA (channel blocker) over time. Results Significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in expression of yloB and bcr genes were observed at 10 and 30 min, and of ecfA1, ecsA-1 and nhaC_2 at later time points (120 and 360 min). Adding Ca2+ to the combination induced significant changes in the expression of yloB (from -5.67 to -50-fold, +3.68 to -4.4-fold, -1.8 to +6.6-fold and +1.32 to +3.08-fold at 10, 30, 60 and 120 min, respectively). Instead, the addition of EDTA significantly changed the expression of bcr (from -13.5 to -1.11-fold, +15.3 to -1.06-fold, +15.71 to -10-fold at 10, 120 and 360 min, respectively). Since that Ca2+ participates in the stability of bacterial cell wall and EDTA blocks efflux pumps, the current findings suggest the involvement of the efflux system in the mechanism of action of the three-drug combination. Conclusion Overall, the findings of this study suggest the involvement of transportation channels in the mechanism of action of the CARV-CA-Van combination against VanREF. dc.description: open access article

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Research interests/expertise

  • Hospital Acquired Infections
  • Enterococcus spp.
  • C. difficile
  • Healthcare Laundry
  • Biofilms
  • Novel antimicrobials (nano-metals and natural products)

There are two main areas of research currently being conducted, one of which is the assessment of novel antimicrobials such as essential oils against HAIs both in vegetative and biofilm form for use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.

Secondly, healthcare textiles are being assessed for their potential as cross contamination routes for C. diffilice and other HAIs. The effectiveness of the NHS laundering policy at removing microbial loads on bed linen from the hospital ward through to the national contractors for NHS laundering and on-site laundering in care homes is being determined; as well as studies on the attachment of micro-organisms to textile fibres. In addition, novel antimicrobial ingredients for washing detergents and textile coatings are also being explored.

Katie has also a founder of A Germ's Journey an edicational brand for children on infection control and microbiology  (). This project has global reach and has reached 170 000 individuals across 117 countries.

Areas of teaching

  • Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science (BSc): Basic Microbiology 
  • Pharmacy (MPharm): Pharmaceutical microbiology, asepsis, infection, the skin and the pulmonary system.
  • Dissertation projects
  • MSc Students
  • PhD Students.

Honours and awards

  • 51Âþ»­ Future Research Leaders Fellow (2015)
  • Outstanding Poster Award the American Society of Microbiology (2015)
  • Medici Fellow  – Birmingham University (2014)
  • HACCP Level 4  (2011)
  • 51Âþ»­ Media Fellowship (2010).
  • Chartered Biologist (2010), Society of Biology
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2009)
  • House of Commons award (2008) for research excellence in Hospital Acquired      Infections by Alan Johnson (Health Secretary). 

Membership of external committees

  • Main Committee Member for the Society for Applied Microbiology July 2010 – July 2013.
  • Meetings sub-committe member for the Society of Applied Microbiology July 2010 - 2015. 

Membership of professional associations and societies

  • Editor for a Special Issue in Smart Materials and Structures on sporting protective equipment 
  • Editor for the International Journal of Food Science Technology, June 2019 – to date
  • External Examiner for the Biomedical degree at the University of Bradford,  1st Aug 2018 – Nov 2022
  • Management committee member for the United Kingdom for the COST Action CA16227: Investigation and Mathematical Analysis of Avant-garde Disease Control via Mosquito Nano-Tech-Repellents
    • Lead for Medilink East Midlands Infectious Disease Special Interest Group, 2017 – to date
    • Reviewer for the Journal of Applied Microbiology, Letters in Applied Microbiology, Food Control and Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
  • Society for Applied Microbiology – main committee member (2005-2008)
  • American Society of Microbiology (2006)
  • Society of General Microbiology (2006)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2008)
  • British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2007)
  • Society of Biology (2009).

Projects

 

Forthcoming events

Katie leads in collboration with Medilink East Midlands the Infectious Disease Special Interest Group for the East Midlands, please visit   to see when the next event is.

 

Conference attendance

Food micro Conference

  • Laird K, & Phillips, C. Copenhagen, Denmark, August  2010:Inhibition of legionellae in water by citrus essential oils and components.
  • Fisher, K. & Phillips, C. Italy September 2006: The effect of citrus essential oils and vapours and their components on the survival of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in vitro and in food systems.

House of Commons, Set for Britain

  • Fisher, K. & Phillips, C. March 2007: Citrus essential oils: a potential bactericide in both the clinical and food arenas.

 

American Society of Microbiology Conference

  • Tarrant, J. Jenkins, P. & Laird, K. How clean are your Hospital Beds?, American Society of Microbiology General Meeting, peer reviewed abstract (New Orleans), May 2015.  Awarded outstanding poster.
  • New Orleans, June 2017

Ø  Owen, L., White, A. and Laird, K. (2017) Bioautography-Guided Identification of Antimicrobial Essential Oil Components of Oregano, Cumin and Rosewood against Antibiotic Sensitive and Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [poster]. ASM Microbe 2017,

Ø  Anita Ogbechie, Amos Abioye, Jinsong Shen, Katie Laird (2017), Antimicrobial Activity of Litsea, Lemon and Rosemary Essential Oils and Their Combinations Against Healthcare and Sportswear Infection-Related Pathogens 

Ø  S.E. Walsh, B. Pankhania, S. Price, K. Laird, L. Smith, K. Huddersman (2017), Preventing Infections using 51Âþ»­’s Novel Catalyst Technology [poster]. ASM Microbe 2017

Society for Applied Microbiology Conference

  • London, Nov 2018
    • Ø Owen, L. and Laird, K. (2018) Investigation of synergistic antibiotic-essential oil component combinations as a means to preserve the current antibiotic repertoire in Enterococcus sp. [poster] Society for Applied Microbiology Antimicrobial Resistance Meeting 2018, November 2018, London.
    • Alhareth, Z, Owen, L, Dixon, J, McKechine, K, Smith, L and Laird, K. (2018) The mechanism of antibacterial action of Essential Oils against Enterococcus faecium: the role of transport channels, [poster] Society for Applied Microbiology Antimicrobial Resistance Meeting 2018, November 2018, London.
  • Dublin, July 2015:

Ø  Anita Ogbechie, Amos Abioye, Jinsong Shen, Katie Laird; Novel green antimicrobial textile coatings for use in the healthcare and sport arenas

Ø  Tejpal, J. & Laird, K., Comparison of the antibacterial effect of silver and zinc oxide in solution and on coated surfaces on biofilms (2nd prize, student poster competition)

Ø  Owen, L. & Laird, K. Developing a topical preparation containing a synergistic antimicrobial combination of essential oils for the control of acne vulgaris-associated bacteria.

  • Tarrant, J. & Laird, K. Brighton, July 2014: Clostridium difficile spores and healthcare laundry policy: How clean is your hospital bed?
  • SfAM Early Career Scientist Research Symposium – March 2021,
  • Owen, L., Shivkumar, M. and Laird, K. (2021) Persistence of human coronaviruses on textiles during laundering. March 23rd 2021 [online poster presentation].
  • Crosby, S., Younie, S., and Laird, K. (2021). Evaluating the effectiveness of A Germ’s Journey interactive health-education resources and interventions to improve young children’s understanding of microorganisms and handwashing skills globally,  March 2021, [online poster presentation].
  • Shivkumar, M., Adkin, P., Owen, L., Patel, J., Shantharami, U., Goodyear, L. and Laird, K. (2022) Stability of human coronavirus OC43 on leather and viral transfer to different surface. SfAM ECS Symposium, Cardiff, 20th June 2022.
  • Tejpal, J. & Laird, K. Edinburgh, July 2012: Reproducibility of a Static and a Continuous Flow Method for the Formation of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms &Bacterial contamination of healthcare uniforms and survival on different textile fibre types.
  • Tarrant, J. & Laird, K. Dublin, July 2011: Assessment of methods for recovery of Clostridium difficile spores from textiles.
  • Fisher, K. & Phillips, C. Belfast, July 2008: The use of ozonated water to inhibit pathogenic bacteria.
  • Fisher, K. & Phillips, C. Cardiff, June 2007: The use of citrus essential oils against Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis.

 

Society of General Microbiology Conference

  • Fisher, K. & Phillips C., Harrogate March 2009: The use of an antimicrobial citrus vapour to reduce Enterococcus sp. on lettuce and cucumber.

IUFoST

  • Laird, K. & Phillips, C. Cape Town, South Africa, August 2010: The effect of an essential oil vapour on the growth of Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternate in vitro and on food." (oral presentation)

Textile Institute World Conference

  • Riley, K., Laird, K. & Williams, J. Shah Alam, Malyasia, May 2012:How closely do hospital staff follow NHS guidelines on domestic laundering procedures? (oral presentation).

Australian Society for Microbiology

  • Riley, K., Laird, K. & Williams, J. Melbourne, July 2014:  Can fibre type have a role in the reduction of microorganism survival on healthcare uniforms?

Royal Pharmaceutical Society

  • Rivers, P., Laird, K. and Ali M (Brighton, September 2014: Perceptions of antibiotic use and microbial resistance - a pilot study to test the potential of a fictitious vignette to assess lay beliefs and attitudes (oral presentation)

Euroscicon - Antibiotic alternatives for the new millennium

  • London, November 2014:

Ø  Laird, K. A Citrus Essential Oil Vapour: An Alternative to Chemical Disinfectants (oral presentation).

Ø  Tejpal, J. & Laird, K. Comparison of the antibacterial effect of silver and zinc oxide in solution

            and on coated surfaces (poster)

Ø  Owen, L. and Laird, K., An Investigation of the Double and Triple Synergistic Antimicrobial Interactions Between Litsea, Rosewood and Clove Essential Oils Against Acne-Associated Bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis (poster).

Phytochemical Society of Europe

  • Lille, France 2017
    • Ø    Owen, Lucy, Grootveld, Martin, Arroo, Randolph, Ruiz-Rodado, Victor,Price, Penny and Laird, Katie, (2017) Antimicrobial activity of ternary essential oil mixtures in topical cosmetic preparations against acne vulgaris-associated bacteria. Phytochemical Society of Europe Young Scientists' Meeting. 
    • Ø    Anita Ogbechie, Amos Abioye, Jinsong Shen, Katie Laird (2017), Antimicrobial activity of Litsea cubeba, Rosmarinus officinalis and Citrus lemon essential oils against five skin-infection related pathogens Phytochemical Society of Europe Young Scientists' Meeting. 

APMAS

  • Alanod Alshareef, Katie Laird & Richard Cross (2015), Chemical Synthesis of Copper Nanospheres and Nanocubes and Their Antibacterial Activity Against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp. Turke

ICPAM-11

  • Alanod Alshareef, Katie Laird & Richard Cross (2017), Shape-dependent antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles on Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium bacterium, Romania

ECCMID

  • Lucy Owen, Katie Laird & Philipee Wilson (2018) Three-Dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships of Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents, Madrid
  • Lucy Owen, Joseph P. Webb, Jeffrey Green, Laura J. Smith and Katie Laird (2019) Transcriptional response of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium to a synergistic antibiotic-essential oil combination: A strategy to preserve the current antibiotic repertoire? ECCMID, Amsterdam, Netherlands, April 2019.
  • Owen, L. and Laird, K. (2020) Dual-Function Antimicrobial Laundry Supplement and Textile Coating for the Decontamination of Healthcare Laundry. ECCMID, Paris, April 2020 [poster]. Abstract only published
  • Alhareth, Z., Owen, L., Dixon C.J., Smith, L., and Laird, K. (2020) Gene expression analysis of transport channels in Enterococcus faecium (VRE). ECCMID, Paris, April 2020 [poster]. Abstract Only Published.
  • Owen, L., Apps, L., Stanulewicz, N., Hall, A. and Laird, K. (2021) Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of UK healthcare workers towards uniform laundering polices during the COVID-19 pandemic. European Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 9-12th July 2021, online [poster].
  • Adkin O P and Laird K. (2021) The interactions of bacterial contamination with healthcare mattress textiles specifically designed to repel microorganisms. European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 9-12th July 2021, online [poster].
  • Alhareth Z., Dixon J., Smith L., Laird K. (2021) Calcium channels: proposed involvement in the antimicrobial effect of a natural product formulation against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. 31st European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 9-12th July 2021, online [poster].
  • Owen, L. and Laird, K. (2022) Evaluation of current healthcare laundry hygiene monitoring methodologies. ECCMID, online, 23-26th April 2022 [poster].

 

ECCVID

  • Owen, L., Shivkumar, M. and Laird, K. (2020) Stability of Model Human Coronaviruses on a Range of Textile Fibre Types. ESCMID Conference on Coronavirus Disease, 23-25th September 2020 [online].

 

BSAC

  • Owen, L. and Laird, K. (2018) Synergistic essential oil-antibiotic combinations as a strategy to maintain the efficacy of current antibiotics against Enterococcus sp. [poster] British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Antibiotic Resistance and Mechanisms Workshop, November 2018, Birmingham.
  • Alhareth, Z, Owen, L, Dixon, J, McKechnie, K, Smith, L and Laird, K. (2018) Is the antimicrobial mechanism of action of essential oils against bacteria associated with channels similar to TRPV1 channels found in mammalian cells? [poster] British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Antibiotic Resistance and Mechanisms Workshop, November 2018, Birmingham.

 

EU Cost Action (CA16227)

 

  • Marija Grancaric, A, Laird, K, Shen, J and Botteri, L. (2019) Development of sustainable cotton fabrics with natural immortelle essential oil for antimicrobial and mosquito repellent functions. [oral] 1st International Conference on Political Decision Making and Vector-Borne Diseases – Interdisciplinary Research, Complexity and Bio-Mathematics, 4-5 of April 2019, Valença, Portugal
  • Laird, K, Shen, J., Soroh, A., Rahim, N., & Grancaric A, (2019) EU COST ACTION (network) project (CA16227) Interdisciplinary Research on Mosquito-combating Textiles and Paints, Scientific Meeting. Microencapsulation of natural essential oils to develop sustainable textiles for antimicrobial and mosquito repellent functionality. Malta, Dec 2019.

 

Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research

  • Owen, L., Laird, K, Samarasinghe, S., Weisenburge, S., Koch, E. and Gronier, B. (2019) Menthacarin – a proprietary combination of peppermint and caraway essential oils – exerts selective antimicrobial activity against gastrointestinal bacteria. Sept. 1-5, 2019,  Innsbruck, Austria.

BERA

  • Crosby, S., Laird, K. , and Younie, S. (2019), Creating Resources with Children in India using a co-creation model for Developing Countries to address UN SDG goals. BERA, Global Perspectives: re-imagining education, 20-21st June 2019, Worcester, UK.
  • Crosby, S., Laird, K. and Younie, S. (2019) GERMS JOURNEY: co-creation of resources for addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals in education & health in developing countries. BERA, Global Perspectives: re-imagining education, Worcester, UK, 20-21st June 2019

 

ITMC

  • Grancaric A M, Laird K, Botteri L, Shen J and Laatikainen K, Microencapsulation for Improved Mosquitoes Repellent Efficacy of Cotton Fabrics, ITMC 2019 Conference, Marrakech, Morocco, 13-15 November 2019.

 

 International Council on Education for Teaching

  • Crosby, S., Laird, K., and Younie, S. (2021) A Germ’s Journey: co-creation of resources for addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals in education & health in low-and-middle-income countries. International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET) World Assembly Conference, 21-23 June, 2021

 

European Conference on Health Communication

  • Lahiri, I, Crosby, S., Firth, C., Laird, K. and Younie, S. (2021), Lessons learnt from Germ’s Journey- importance of health communications in a post pandemic world, online 4-5 November 2021.

Infection Prevention Society

  • Owen, L., Cripwell, L., Hook, J., Shivkumar, M. and Laird. K. (2021) Disinfection of laundry using low temperature validated ozone system, OTEX, against human coronavirus HCoV-OC43. 13th Annual conference Liverpool, 27-29 September 2021

 

 

 

 

Consultancy work

  • Product development
  • Infection control product efficacy testing
  • Healthcare textiles and laundering
  • Contamination and transmission routes for disease.
  • Food poisoning outbreaks
  • Food spoilage.
  • Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs)
  • Infection control – how to prevent outbreaks of viral and bacterial disease
  • New antimicrobials

 

Previous desktop analysis studies for efficacy of products have been conducted, also possible lab based projects could be conducted on the efficacy of antimicrobial products.

Expertise in efficacy of antimicrobial textiles or laundry products for the clinical and food arena

 

Current research students

Current research student supervisions:

  • PhD - Identification of Biomarkers for Improved Prognosis of Severe Obesity and Response to Bariatric Surgical Intervention: An Extensive Metabolomics Investigation. Oct 2016 -2020 – 2nd Supervisor
  • PhD – Mechanisms of Action of Novel Antimicrobials. Oct 2017 – 2021 – 1st Supervisor
  • PhD - Assessment of A Germ’s Journey Educational Resources. Oct 2017 -2023 – 2nd Supervisor
  • PhD - Development of eco-friendly and novel coating technology for durable functional textiles: A solution to bacterial, fungal and mosquito borne disease in the travel and sport arenas. Oct 2019 – 2023 – 1st Supervisor
  • PhD –  Anti-microbial Peptide Hydrogel for Topical Applications & as Lubricants for Catheters- Jan 2020 – 2024 – 2nd Supervisor
  • PhD - Germ's Journey Education Resources: Handwashing for Children – Oct 2021 - 2026

 

Completions: 6 PhD and 2 MRes

Externally funded research grants information

  • Society for Applied Microbiology Summer Placement Studentship (June-August 2022): The role of domestic antibacterial laundry cleansers in the development of biocide resistance and cross-resistance with antibiotics - £2500, CI
  • Textile Services Association, temperature profiling of bioindicators in the wash system, Dec 2021, £ 14,030.00, PI
  • Textile Services Association, the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of care homes towards laundering of textile, Nov 2021, £11,592.00, PI
  • Dakem Ltd, Assessment of antiviral efficacy of MoskitoGuard® with active ingredient picaridin. Aug 2021, £10 858, CI
  • Propress Industrial Project, assessment of garment steamers o textiles surfaces to remove coronavirus, Aug 2021, £10 080, PI
  • National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Public Engagement and Outreach Grant, A Germ’s Journey: A Fight against Resistance interactive educational resources to improve children’s understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance, March 2021, £2953, PI
    • Travel Grant, Microbiology Society, Chemical analysis of natural products in combination with antibiotics. Oct 2016-Jan 2017: £3000, PI
    • Analysis antimicrobial effect of natural oil extracted from plant based product on Gut Microflora, Industrial Project: Jan 2015- Aug 2015: £6000, CI
  • Valneva Industrial Project, assessment of mosquito repellent active ingredients for anti-coronavirus activity, March 2021, £2000, CI
  • Microfresh Industrial Project, wash testing of antimicrobial coated textiles, Jan 2021, £25 188, PI
  • Barclays Covid build back better donation for Germ’s Journey Bye Bye Germs, Dec 2020, £40 000. PI
  • Dettol donation for Germ’s Journey Bye Bye Germs, UAE version, Dec 2020, £6500, PI
  • NewGen industry contract for climbing association: June 2020, £10 000, CI
  • JLA industry contract looking at coronavirus and ozone washing systems: June 2020, £15 000, PI
  • Trelleborg contract research to test the efficacy of a new healthcare mattress coating to prevent the attachment of bacteria, March 2020, £35 000, PI
  • TSA contract research to develop a test method for testing the antimicrobial efficacy of industrial laundries , October 2019, £104 500 PI
  • PAL International sponsorship of Germ’s Journey website, September 2019, £6500, PI
  • JLA contract research of the efficacy of ozone washing machines, October 2019, £12 100
  • Next donation for Germ’s Journey Project, September 2019, £5000
  • PAL International sponsorship of Soaper Heros project at Alder Hey Hospital, August 2019, £15 000
  • Wederell Trust, Funds to support the creation of a Germ’s Journey African edition, Jan 2019 – July 2019: £2500, PI
  • EcoGen Limited, Industrial Project, Antimicrobial efficacy of needle destruction device, Jan 2019 – March 2019: £5940, PI
  • Germ’s Journey Gujarati Book, crowdfunding. April 2018, £7550
  • PAL International Research Project, part funded by the European Regional Development Grant, efficacy of antimicrobial wipes against C. difficile. Jan 2018 – Aug 2018: £19 920, PI
  • WET Engineering Consultancy, Assessment of a novel antimicrobial against biofilms in pipes in chicken sheds. Jan 2018 – Dec 2018: £10 920, PI
  • Microfresh Research Project, part funded by the European Regional Development Grant, Phase two, assessment of antimicrobial detergents for healthcare laundry. Jan 2018 – Jan 2019: £45 500, PI
  • PAL International donation for A Germ’s Journey Middle East Poster, Nov 2017 – July 2018, £750, PI
  • Microfresh, Industrial Project, Assessment of antimicrobial detergents for healthcare laundry. July 2016-July 2017: £5000, PI
  • Educational Resources Grant, Society for Applied microbiology, A Germs Journey. July 2016-July 2017: £3,855.00, PI
  • DAAD Rise Programme: Internship from Germany for research placement starting Aug 2015: £5000, PI
  • Partnerships in Knowledge Transfer (PiKT), European Regional Development Fund, Essential oil blends for the use in skin care products. March 2014- March 2015. £87,000, PI, collaborators: Penny Price Aromatherapy.
  • Educational Resources Grant, Society for Applied microbiology, A Germs Journey. July 2015-July 2016: £3000, PI
  • Students into Work Grant, Society for Applied Microbiology (2011):£2500, PI
  • DAAD Rise Programme: Internship for research placement July – Sept,  2011: £5000, PI

 

Internally funded research project information

  • UKRI, Supporting the implementation of intergenerational policies using Germ's Journey dementia resources, £5000 PI
  • Internal PhD Bursary, Development of a durable, affordable eco-friendly textile solution for microbial and mosquito borne disease control. October 2021 £64 000 CI
  • Global Challenges Research Fund, Germ’s Journey Sierra Leone: handwashing education for children to address UN SDGs in education and health and the Covid-19 pandemic, March 2021 £10 000, PI
  • Higher Education Innovation Fund, Global Covid-19 handwashing discussions, December 2020, £8034.50, PI
  • Higher Education Innovation Fund, British Footwear Association Covid-19 Research Project, August 2020: £22, 015, PI
  • Higher Education Innovation Fund, funding to support the assessment of the role of textiles in the transmission of coronavirus, May 2020-October 2020: £34, 452, PI
  • Global Challenges Research Fund follow up fund, Germ’s Journey Around the World: Co-creating handwashing education for all to address UN SDGs in education and health, March 2020, £3000, PI
  • HEIF funding to support the development of antimicrobial laundry products for Microfresh, October 2019 – July 2020: £17 000, PI
  • Global Challenges Research Fund, Germ’s Journey Around the World: Co-creating handwashing education for all to address UN SDGs in education and health, February 2019 – July 2019: £10 000, PI
  • Council for At Risk Academics (CARA), PhD Studentship – Mechanisms of action of novel antimicrobials, November 2017 -2019: £49 500, PI
  • PhD Student Bursary (Fees only) – Development of novel synergistic therapeutic strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance: critical roles for natural products, PhD, October 2015 – 2018: £12 600, PI
  • Higher Education Innovation Fund, Infectious Disease Research Group Networking Launch, September 2016 – July 2017: £3000, PI
  • Internal PhD Bursary - Antimicrobial textile coatings for use in the sports and travel arenas. October 2014-2017:  £62,988, PI
  • Research leave award: The use of natural products in synergy with antibiotics – Sept 2014 - January 2015: £5000, PI
  • Future Research Leadership: January 2015 – Dec 2015: £2000, PI
  • Internal PhD Bursary (Fees only) – The use of nano-metals against biofilms in a biomedical context. October 2011-2014: £12 600, PI
  • Internal PhD Bursary - Survival of Clostridium difficile on cloth and exploration of new interventions during healthcare laundering, October 2010-2013: £54 000, PI
  • 3D spacer fabrics for medical applications, RIF, October 2010-October 2011, (£10,000), CI.
  • Pump Prime Funds: Development of consultancy expertise and equipment, October 2010- October 2011 (£10,000), PI. 

Published patents

United Kingdom Patent Application No. 0809935.0: Antimicrobial citrus essential oil blend vapour.

Professional esteem indicators

 

Invited Speaker:

    1. Infection Control and Prevention; Knowlex (Knowledge Exchange for the NHS), Care Home Conference, Infection control educational resources for those living with dementia (intergenerational research). Birmingham UK, 14th June 2022.
    2. Infection Prevention Society, Care Home Special Interest Group conference, Infection control educational resources for those living with dementia (intergenerational research), Derby UK, 8th June 2022
    3. Owen, L., Shivkumar, M., Apps, L. and Laird, K. (2022) Laundering healthcare uniforms at home: risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection Prevention and Control Conference, Birmingham, 26th April 2022. 
    4. TSA Knowledge Network Open Day. Efficacy of Microbial Test Methodologies for Laundry 9th February 2022 [Online].
    5. National Health Executive 365: Infection Control in NHS Estates: Leaders debate, infection control, online, 16th December 2021
    6. Infection Prevention Society, Yorkshire Branch Meeting, Stability of coronaviruses on textiles and during laundering: Are healthcare textiles a COVID-19 infection control risk?, online, 23rd March 2021
    7. Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA), Low Temperature washing of Nurses Uniforms, USA, September 2017 via webinar
    8. Infection Control and Prevention Conference; Knowlex (Knowledge Exchange for the NHS), Domestic Laundering of Nurses Uniforms: The Effect of Low Temperature Laundering, Leeds, 12th July 2017.
    9. European Textile Services Association (ETSA), Hygiene of Domestic Laundering – Evaluating Risks and Opportunities. Paris 14th-16th of June
    10. Infection Control and Prevention; Knowlex (Knowledge Exchange for the NHS), Domestic Laundering of Nurses Uniforms: The Effect of Low Temperature Laundering, London, Feb 2017.
    11. Society of Hospital Linen Services and Laundry Managers Conference; Stratford Upon Avon, Domestic Laundering of Healthcare Uniforms, May 2016
    12. Penny Price Aromatherapy Open Day, Hinckley, A citrus essential oil vapour a possible chemical disinfectant, May 2015
    1. British Footwear Association, Global Industry Webinar, The life of covid on leather, 24th November 2021
    2. Textiles Rental Services 10th Annual Healthcare Conference, Stability of coronaviruses on textiles and during laundering: Are healthcare textiles a COVID-19 infection control risk?, Texas USA, 17-18th November 2021
    3. Textiles National Congress, Efficacy of Microbial Test Methodologies for Laundry,Birmingham, UK, 10th November 2021
    4. British Infection Association Conference, Future Proofing Antibiotic Resistance: Alternatives to Antibiotic Discovery’ A synergy between natural products and vancomycin to combat VRE,8th November 2021
    5. National Health Executive 365: Infection, prevention and Decontamination:  Decontamination Panel Discussion, online, 23rd June 2021
    6. Department of International Trade, Innovations for Global Challenges Webinar Series, How a Germ’s Journey is improving hygiene and reducing sickness around the world, online, 25th March 2021.
    1. Textile Services Association, COVID-19 and Healthcare Laundry Global Trade Association Webinar, Stability of Model Human Coronaviruses on a Range of Textile Fibre Types, online, 19th Jan 2021.
    2. Infection Control and Prevention; Knowlex (Knowledge Exchange for the NHS), Are Textiles and Infection Control Risk, Birmingham, Feb 2020
    3. TRSA 8th Annual Healthcare Conference & Exchange, Session Title: Current Healthcare Market-Related Research Review: Research to Develop a New Standardised Test Method to Determine the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Laundry Processes. San Diego, Nov 2019.
    4. Textile Services Association, Annual Conference, Healthcare Textiles Research: Nurses Uniforms and Bedsheets, Warwick, UK, Sept 2019
    5. EU COST ACTION (network) project (CA16227) Interdisciplinary Research on Mosquito-combating Textiles and Paints, Scientific Meeting. Natural Products for Use in Antimicrobial Microcapsules for Textiles: Novel and Green, Orhid, Macedonia Oct 2018
    6. Society of Hospital Linen Services and Laundry Managers Conference, Barnsley, C. difficile  the gremlin of hospital bedsheets, May 2018.

     

 

Case studies

Examples of evidence of the ‘Impact’ of research e.g. references to reviews/articles in main stream media, examples of feedback from users, exhibition attendance figures.

 KatieLairdImage