- 200 years
- Study
- International
- Business and employers
- Research
- About us
https://webcdn.mmu.ac.uk/profiles/img/profile-images/kathryn-whitehead-crop-145x145-6078473c3cd43.jpg
Unit Leader for L6 Medical Microbiology
Unit Leader for L7 Human Infectious Diseases
General microbiology
Microbial attachment/adhesion/retention to surfaces
Biofilms
Biomaterial:bacterial interactions
Mycology
Food Microbiology
Medical Microbiology
Antimicrobials
Interactions between bacteria or fungal microorganisms and substrata
Atomic force microscopy and measurement of cell-surface interactions
Detection and characterisation of conditioning films and biochemical molecules at the cell-surface interface
Characterisation of novel antimicrobial, antiadhesive hygienic surfaces
Hygienic status of biomedical implants
Effectiveness of cleaning methods
Production and testing of novel antimicrobials
Hygienic status of food contact surfaces
Biomimetic surfaces
Biofilm characteriation
FH. Rajab, CM. Liauw, PS. Benson, L. Li, KA. Whitehead Picosecond laser treatment production of hierarchical structured stainless steel to reduce bacterial fouling. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 109, pp.29-40.
J. McClements, LC. Gomes, J. Spall, F. Saubade, D. Akhidime, et al. M. Peeters, FJ. Mergulhão, KA. Whitehead. (2021). Celebrating the centenary in polymer science: Drawing inspiration from nature to develop anti-fouling coatings: the development of biomimetic polymer surfaces and their effect on bacterial fouling. Pure and Applied Chemistry. 93(10), pp.1097-1108.
X. Jiang, E. Shekarforoush, MK. Muhammed, K. Whitehead, AC. Simonsen, et al. N. Arneborg, J. Risbo. (2021). Efficient chemical hydrophobization of lactic acid bacteria – one-step formation of double emulsion. Food Research International. 147, pp.110460-110460.
MR. Torres, AJ. Slate, SF. Ryder, M. Akram, CJC. Iruzubieta, et al. KA. Whitehead. (2021). Ionic gold demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains due to cellular ultrastructure damage. Archives of Microbiology. 203(6), pp.3015-3024.
F. Saubade, L. Pilkington, CM. Liauw, LC. Gomes, J. McClements, et al. M. Peeters, M. El Mohtadi, FJ. Mergulhao, KA. Whitehead. (2021). Principal Component Analysis to Determine the Surface Properties That Influence the Self-Cleaning Action of Hydrophobic Plant Leaves. Langmuir: the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids. 37(27), pp.8177-8189.
A. Evans, AJ. Slate, ID. Akhidime, J. Verran, PJ. Kelly, et al. KA. Whitehead. (2021). The removal of meat exudate and escherichia coli from stainless steel and titanium surfaces with irregular and regular linear topographies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18(6),
AJ. Slate, N. Karaky, GS. Crowther, JA. Butler, AJ. McBain, et al. KA. Whitehead. (2021). Graphene matrices as carriers for metal ions against antibiotic susceptible and resistant bacterial pathogens. Coatings. 11(3),
K. Nweze, A. Hart-Pinto, L. Philip, K. Mortimer, KA. Whitehead, et al. K. Shokrollahi. (2021). Recommendations for influenza vaccination in burns patients based on a systematic review of the evidence. Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.
FH. Rajab, T. Tariq A.S., AK. Al-Jumaily, AW. AlShaer, L. Li, et al. KA. Whitehead. (2020). The influence of picosecond laser generated periodic structures on bacterial behaviour. Applied Surface Science. 540, pp.148292-148292.
CM. Liauw, AJ. Slate, JA. Butler, JST. Wilson-Nieuwenhuis, T. Deisenroth, et al. A. Preuss, J. Verran, KA. Whitehead. (2020). The Effect of Surface Hydrophobicity on the Attachment of Fungal Conidia to Substrates of Polyvinyl Acetate and Polyvinyl Alcohol. Journal of Polymers and the Environment. 28, pp.1450-1464.
FH. Rajab, CM. Liauw, PS. Benson, L. Li, KA. Whitehead Picosecond laser treatment production of hierarchical structured stainless steel to reduce bacterial fouling. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 109, pp.29-40.
J. Wilson-Nieuwenhuis, M. El-Mohtadi, K. Edwards, K. Whitehead, N. Dempsey-Hibbert (2020). Factors Involved in the onset of infection following bacterially contaminated platelet transfusions. Platelets.
AJ. Slate, KA. Whitehead, DAC. Brownson, CE. Banks (2019). Microbial fuel cells: An overview of current technology. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 101, pp.60-81.
SJ. Davidson, LI. Pilkington, NC. Dempsey-Hibbert, M. El-Mohtadi, S. Tang, et al. T. Wainwright, KA. Whitehead, D. Barker. (2018). Modular Synthesis and Biological Investigation of 5-Hydroxymethyl Dibenzyl Butyrolactones and Related Lignans. Molecules. 23(12),
FJ. Saubade, S. Hughes, DJ. Wickens, J. Wilson-Nieuwenhuis, N. Dempsey-Hibbert, et al. GS. Crowther, G. West, P. Kelly, CE. Banks, KA. Whitehead. (2018). Effectiveness of titanium nitride silver coatings against Staphylococcus spp. in the presence of BSA and whole blood conditioning agents. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation.
A. Slate, D. Wickens, M. El Mohtadi, N. Dempsey-Hibbert, G. West, et al. C. Banks, KA. Vagg-Whitehead. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of Ti-ZrN/Ag coatings for use in biomaterial applications. Scientific Reports. 8,
JST. Wilson-Nieuwenhuis, N. Dempsey-Hibbert, CM. Liauw, KA. Whitehead Surface modification of platelet concentrate bags to reduce biofilm formation and transfusion sepsis. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 160, pp.126-135.
AJ. Sheen, MSB. Zahid, A. Fagbemi, C. Fullwood, KA. Whitehead (2017). ‘Holiday Sickness’ – reported exploratory outcome of over 500 United Kingdom holidaymakers with Travellers diarrhoea. Journal of Travel Medicine. 24(1),
KA. Whitehead, J. Verran (2015). Formation, architecture and functionality of microbial biofilms in the food industry. Current Opinion in Food Science. 2, pp.84-91.
A. Skovager, K. Whitehead, D. Wickens, J. Verran, H. Ingmer, et al. N. Arneborg. (2013). A comparative study of fine polished stainless steel, TiN and TiN/Ag surfaces: Adhesion and attachment strength of Listeria monocytogenes as well as anti-listerial effect. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 109, pp.190-196.
DJ. Wickens, G. West, PJ. Kelly, J. Verran, S. Lynch, et al. KA. Whitehead. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of nanocomposite zirconium nitride/silver coatings to combat external bone fixation pin infections. Int J Artif Organs. 35(10), pp.817-825.
A. Skovager, K. Whitehead, H. Siegumfeldt, H. Ingmer, J. Verran, et al. N. Arneborg. (2012). Influence of flow direction and flow rate on the initial adhesion of seven Listeria monocytogenes strains to fine polished stainless steel. Int J Food Microbiol. 157(2), pp.174-181.
KA. Whitehead, P. Benson, LA. Smith, J. Verran (2012). Erratum to The use of physicochemical methods to detect organic food soils on stainless steel surfaces. Biofouling. 28(8),
J. Szlavik, DS. Paiva, N. Mørk, F. van den Berg, J. Verran, et al. K. Whitehead, S. Knøchel, DS. Nielsen. (2012). Initial adhesion of Listeria monocytogenes to solid surfaces under liquid flow. Int J Food Microbiol. 152(3), pp.181-188.
KA. Whitehead, P. Benson, LA. Smith, J. Verran (2012). The use of physicochemical methods to detect organic food soils on stainless steel surfaces (vol 25, pg 749, 2009). BIOFOULING. 28(8), pp.879-879.
KA. Whitehead, H. Li, PJ. Kelly, J. Verran (2011). The antimicrobial properties of titanium nitride/silver nanocomposite coatings. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology. 25(17), pp.2299-2315.
KA. Whitehead, PS. Benson, J. Verran (2011). The detection of food soils on stainless steel using energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Biofouling. 27(8), pp.907-917.
PJ. Kelly, KA. Whitehead, H. Li, J. Verran, RD. Arnell (2011). The influence of silver content on the tribological and antimicrobial properties of ZrN/Ag nanocomposite coatings. J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 11(6), pp.5383-5387.
KA. Whitehead, T. Deisenroth, A. Preuss, CM. Liauw, J. Verran (2011). The effect of surface properties on the strength of attachment of fungal spores using AFM perpendicular force measurements. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 82(2), pp.483-489.
J. Verran, . J.redfern, LA. Smith, KA. Whitehead (2010). A critical evaluation of sampling methods used for assessing microorganisms on surfaces. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 88(4), pp.335-340.
PJ. Kelly, H. Li, PS. Benson, KA. Whitehead, J. Verran, et al. RD. Arnell, I. Iordanova. (2010). Comparison of the tribological and antimicrobial properties of CrN/Ag, ZrN/Ag, TiN/Ag, and TiN/Cu nanocomposite coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology. 205(5), pp.1606-1610.
J. Verran, A. Packer, PJ. Kelly, KA. Whitehead (2010). Use of the atomic force microscope to determine the strength of bacterial attachment to grooved surface features. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology. 24(13-14), pp.2271-2285.
J. Verran, A. Packer, P. Kelly, KA. Whitehead (2010). Titanium-coating of stainless steel as an aid to improved cleanability. Int J Food Microbiol. 141 Suppl 1, pp.S134-S139.
KA. Whitehead, LA. Smith, J. Verran (2010). The detection and influence of food soils on microorganisms on stainless steel using scanning electron microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy. Int J Food Microbiol. 141 Suppl 1, pp.S125-S133.
L. Caballero, KA. Whitehead, NS. Allen, J. Verran (2010). Photoinactivation of Escherichia coli on acrylic paint formulations using fluorescent light. Dyes and Pigments. 86(1), pp.56-62.
J. Verran, A. Packer, P. Kelly, KA. Whitehead (2010). The retention of bacteria on hygienic surfaces presenting scratches of microbial dimensions. Lett Appl Microbiol. 50(3), pp.258-263.
K. Whitehead, P. Kelly, H. Li, J. Verran (2010). Surface topography and physicochemistry of silver containing titanium nitride nanocomposite coatings. Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B. 28(1), pp.180-187.
PJ. Kelly, H. Li, KA. Whitehead, J. Verran, RD. Arnell, et al. I. Iordanova. (2009). A study of the antimicrobial and tribological properties of TiN/Ag nanocomposite coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology. 204(6-7), pp.1137-1140.
KA. Whitehead, P. Benson, LA. Smith, J. Verran (2009). The use of physicochemical methods to detect organic food soils on stainless steel surfaces. Biofouling. 25(8), pp.749-756.
KA. Whitehead, P. Benson, J. Verran (2009). Differential fluorescent staining of Listeria monocytogenes and a whey food soil for quantitative analysis of surface hygiene. Int J Food Microbiol. 135(1), pp.75-80.
FC. Gray, KA. Whitehead, SA. MacNeill (2009). Inactivating pentapeptide insertions in the fission yeast replication factor C subunit Rfc2 cluster near the ATP-binding site and arginine finger motif. FEBS Journal. 276(17), pp.4803-4813.
L. Caballero, KA. Whitehead, NS. Allen, J. Verran (2009). Inactivation of Escherichia coli on immobilized TiO
KA. Whitehead, LA. Smith, J. Verran (2008). The detection of food soils and cells on stainless steel using industrial methods: UV illumination and ATP bioluminescence. Int J Food Microbiol. 127(1-2), pp.121-128.
J. Verran, P. Airey, A. Packer, KA. Whitehead (2008). Chapter 8 Microbial Retention on Open Food Contact Surfaces and Implications for Food Contamination. Advances in Applied Microbiology. 64, pp.223-246.
KA. Whitehead, J. Verran (2007). The effect of surface properties and application method on the retention of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on uncoated and titanium-coated stainless steel. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation. 60(2), pp.74-80.
KA. Whitehead, D. Rogers, J. Colligon, C. Wright, J. Verran (2006). Use of the atomic force microscope to determine the effect of substratum surface topography on the ease of bacterial removal. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 51(1), pp.44-53.
J. Verran, KA. Whitehead (2006). Assessment of organic materials and microbial components on hygienic surfaces. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 84(4 C), pp.260-264.
KA. Whitehead, J. Verran (2006). The effect of surface topography on the retention of microorganisms. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 84(4 C), pp.253-259.
J. Verran, K. Whitehead (2005). Factors affecting microbial adhesion to stainless steel and other materials used in medical devices. Int J Artif Organs. 28(11), pp.1138-1145.
KA. Whitehead, J. Colligon, J. Verran (2005). Retention of microbial cells in substratum surface features of micrometer and sub-micrometer dimensions. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 41(2-3), pp.129-138.
KA. Whitehead, JS. Colligon, J. Verran (2004). The production of surfaces of defined topography and chemistry for microbial retention studies, using ion beam sputtering technology. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation. 54(2-3), pp.143-151.
K. Whitehead (1998). Accumulation of ppGpp in Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus rattus following amino acid starvation. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 159(1), pp.21-26.
KE. Whitehead, GM. Webber, RR. England (1998). Accumulation of ppGpp in Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus rattus following amino acid starvation. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 159(1), pp.21-26.
J. Verran, A. Packer, PJ. Kelly, KA. Whitehead (2011). Use of the atomic force microscope to determine the strength of bacterial attachment to grooved surface features. A. Carre. In: Surface and Interfacial Aspects of Cell Adhesion. Leiden: Koninklijke Brill NV, pp.225-239.
KA. Whitehead, J. Verran (2008). The effect of substratum properties on the survival of attached microorganisms on inert surfaces. H-C. Flemming, PS. Murthy, R. Venkatesan, KE. Cooksey. In: Marine and Industrial Biofouling. Springer,
KA. Whitehead, J. Verran (2008). Biomedical devices: microbiological aspects. W. Ahmed, N. Ali, A. Oeschner. In: Biomaterials and biomedical engineering. Zurich: Transtech,
J. Verran, P. Airey, A. Packer, KA. Whitehead (2008). Microbial retention on open food contact surfaces and implications for food contamination. pp.223-246.
L. Patinglag, LM. Melling, KA. Whitehead, D. Sawtell, A. Iles, et al. KJ. Shaw. (2021). NON-THERMAL PLASMA-BASED INACTIVATION OF BACTERIA IN WATER USING A MICROFLUIDIC REACTOR. In: MicroTAS 2021 - 25th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences. pp.1683-1684.
A. Iduma, F. Saubade, P. Benson, J. Butler, S. Olivier, et al. P. Kelly, J. Verran, K. Vagg-Whitehead. (2018). THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF METAL SUBSTRATES ON FOOD PATHOGENS.
L. Patinglag, D. Sawtell, A. Iles, L. Melling, K. Whitehead, et al. KJ. Shaw. (2018). Microfluidic atmospheric-pressure plasma reactor for water treatment. In: 22nd International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, MicroTAS 2018. pp.2271-2272.
KA. Whitehead, PS. Benson, J. Verran Application and detection methods of Listeria monocytogenes and fish soil on open surfaces in order to optimize cleaning protocols. Cambridge, 31/3/2014. pp.149-156.
J. Verran, S. Ostovarpour, L. Fisher, KA. Whitehead, P. Kelly, et al. E. Storgards. Investigating the potential for the use of photocatalytic surfaces in process hygiene in the brewing industry. Cambridge, UK, 31/3/2014. pp.136-143.
J. Verran, J. Redfern, LA. Smith, KA. Whitehead A critical evaluation of sampling methods used for assessing microorganisms on surfaces. Cambridge UK, 22/3/2010. pp.49-55.
KA. Whitehead, PJ. Kelly, H. Li, . Benson PS, J. Verran, et al. RD. Arnell, I. Iordanova. Comparison of Tribological and Anti-Microbial Properties of CrN/Ag, ZrN/Ag, TiN/Ag, and TiN/Cu Nanocomposite Coatings. San Diego, USA, 2010.
KA. Whitehead, LA. Smith, PS. Benson, J. Verran (2010). Industrial and analytical methods for the detection of industrial fouling. In: Fouling and Cleaning in Food Processing Conference Proceedings. Cambridge, UK, pp.34-41.
J. Verran, A. Packer, P. Kelly, KA. Whitehead Surface topography and organic soil factors affecting the hygienic status of open food contact surfaces. In: Fouling and Cleaning in Food Processing Conference Proceedings. Cambridge, UK, 2010. pp.1-6.
J. Szlavik, DS. Paiva, N. Mork, F. van den Berg, J. Verran, et al. K. Whitehead, S. Knochel. Initial adhesion of Listeria monocytogenes to solid surfaces under liquid flow. Copenhagen, Denmark, 2010.
P. Kelly, H. Li, KA. Whitehead, J. Verran Comparison of tribiological and antimicrobial properties of TiN/Ag and ZrN/Ag nanocomposite coatings. In: Fouling and Cleaning in Food Processing Conference Proceedings. Cambridge, UK, 2010. pp.16-23.
K. Whitehead (2009). Industrial and analytical methods for the detection of industrial food fouling. In: VTT Symposium (Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus). pp.13-16.
PJ. Kelly, H. Li, KA. Whitehead, PS. Benson, J. Verran The influence of silver content on the tribological and antimicrobial properties of TiN/Ag ZrN/Ag nanocomposite coatings. Manchester, United Kingdom, 21/7/2009.
KA. Whitehead, A. Packer, P. Kelly, J. Verran Use of the Atomic Force Microscope to Determine the Effect of Defined Linear Features on the Adhesion of Bacteria. Santa Clara, California, 11/5/2009.
KA. Whitehead, PJ. Kelly, J. Verran, RD. Arnell, I. Iordnova A Study of the Anti-Microbial and Tribological Properties of TiN/Ag. San Diego, USA, 2009.
A. Packer, P. Kelly, KA. Whitehead, J. Verran Influence of Varied Defined Linear Features on the Retention of Microorganisms. Chicago, 2008. pp.243-246.
A. Packer, P. Kelly, KA. Whitehead, J. Verran (2007). Effects of Defined Linear Features on Surface Hygiene and Cleanability.
J. Verran, P. Airey, KA. Whitehead (2006). Assessment of organic material and microbial components on hygienic surfaces. In: Verran, J, Airey, P. and Whitehead, K. A. Assessment of organic material and microbial components on hygienic surfaces. In D. I. Wilson et al, eds. Fouling, cleaning and disinfection in food processing. pp.proceedings of a conference held at Jesus College, Cambridge, 20-proceedi22 March 2006. Cambridge: University of Cambridge, 2006..
KA. Whitehead, P. Airey, J. Verran (2005). Organic soil and hygiene surfaces: significance, consequences and measurement.
J. Verran, RD. Boyd, KA. Whitehead, K. Hall (2004). Surface topography and the retention of organic soil and microorganisms on hygienic surfaces.
J. Verran, K. Bayley, G. Sandoval, KA. Whitehead (2003). Modifying surfaces to reduce microbial retention and colonisation.
2019 Consultancy, industrial
2018 Independent Research Fund Denmark grant
2018 Clinical PhD studentship
2018 Academic PhD studentship
2018 Industrial PhD studentship
2018 Collaborative grant
2017 3 year KTP
2016 Match funded PhD
2015 BBSRC / InnovateUK
2014 Sir Halley Research Grant
2014 3 year KTP Grant
2014 FP7 European Commission, Royal Society New Zealand: FRIENZ Inbound Study Group Tour - Food Processing Principal Investigator
Involved with public engagement events to promote microbiology from primary schools through to industry
Food Bioproducts Processing Journal
Hospital Infection Society