![Katja Hill](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/1651?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Dr Katja Hill
Senior Lecturer in Oral Microbiology
- HillKE1@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 29225 10661
- University Dental Hospital, Room Room 5F.03, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
With a long standing interest in wound healing, my early research focused on wound microbiology and ecology, and defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in impaired wound healing in chronic, non-healing wounds. This research pioneered analysis of the wound microflora using culture-independent 16S rRNA molecular analysis.
My current research involves translation to clinical practice of a novel oligosaccharide antimicrobial derived from seaweed, OligoG (in conjunction with the biopharmaceutical company Algipharma AS, Norway) which offers the opportunity for new approaches to the management of human chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This first oligosaccharide nanomedicine to treat multi-drug resistant gram-negative & biofilm-related infection in man has been patented, seeing translation from the laboratory into patients in less than 10 years. OligoG is safe for human use and is currently in Phase IIb/III clinical studies in cystic fibrosis patients. Work is ongoing to elucidate the mode of action of OligoG.
More recently, in collaboration with the life sciences company Qbiotics Ltd, Queensland, Australia, I have been characterising the antibacterial/antibiofilm properties of a series of natural and semi-synthetic compounds derived from the Queensland rainforest, which have already been shown to have considerable efficacy in wound healing as immunomodulators.
Publication
2024
- Davies-Jones, J., Davies, P. R., Graf, A., Hewes, D., Hill, K. E. and Pascoe, M. 2024. Photoinduced force microscopy as a novel method for the study of microbial nanostructures. Nanoscale 16(1), pp. 223-236. (10.1039/D3NR03499B)
2023
- Sharma, P. et al. 2023. In vitro antibiofilm activity of hexylresorcinol lozenges against oropharyngeal pathogens. Presented at: 2023 ERS International Congress, Milan, Italy, 9-13 September 2023. European Respiratory Society, (10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.PA603)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2023. Structure–activity relationships of low molecular weight alginate oligosaccharide therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biomolecules 13(9), article number: 1366. (10.3390/biom13091366)
- Xue, W. et al. 2023. Defining in vitro topical antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of epoxy-tigliane structures against oral pathogens. Journal of Oral Microbiology 15(1), article number: 2241326. (10.1080/20002297.2023.2241326)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2023. Alginate oligosaccharides enhance the antifungal activity of nystatin against candidal biofilms. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 13, article number: 1122340. (10.3389/fcimb.2023.1122340)
2022
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2022. Topical, immunomodulatory epoxy-tiglianes induce biofilm disruption and healing in acute and chronic skin wounds. Science Translational Medicine 14(662) (10.1126/scitranslmed.abn3758)
- Stokniene, J., Varache, M., Rye, P. D., Hill, K. E., Thomas, D. W. and Ferguson, E. L. 2022. Alginate oligosaccharides enhance diffusion and activity of colistin in a mucin-rich environment. Scientific Reports 12, article number: 4986. (10.1038/s41598-022-08927-1)
2021
- Oakley, J. L. et al. 2021. Phenotypic and genotypic adaptations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms following long-term exposure to an alginate oligomer therapy. mSphere 6(1), pp. e01216-20. (10.1128/mSphere.01216-20)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2021. Quantifying the effects of antibiotic treatment on the extracellular polymer network of antimicrobial resistant and sensitive biofilms using multiple particle tracking. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes 7, article number: 13. (10.1038/s41522-020-00172-6)
- Incledion, A. et al. 2021. A new look at the purported health benefits of commercial and natural clays. Biomolecules 11(1), article number: 58. (10.3390/biom11010058)
2020
- Stokniene, J. et al. 2020. Bi-functional alginate oligosaccharide–polymyxin conjugates for improved treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. Pharmaceutics 12(11), article number: 1080. (10.3390/pharmaceutics12111080)
2019
- Jack, A. A. et al. 2019. Cellulose nanofibril formulations incorporating a low molecular weight alginate oligosaccharide modify bacterial biofilm development. Biomacromolecules 20(8), pp. 2953-2961. (10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00522)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2019. Mucin structural interactions with an alginate oligomer mucolytic in cystic fibrosis sputum. Vibrational Spectroscopy 103, article number: 102932. (10.1016/j.vibspec.2019.102932)
2018
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2018. Targeted disruption of the extracellular polymeric network of pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms by alginate oligosaccharides. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes 4, article number: 13. (10.1038/s41522-018-0056-3)
- Jack, A. A. et al. 2018. Alginate Oligosaccharide-Induced Modification of the lasI-lasR and rhlI-rhlR Quorum Sensing Systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 62(5), article number: e02318-17. (10.1128/AAC.02318-17)
2017
- Pritchard, M., Jack, A., Powell, L., Sadh, H., Hill, K. E., Thomas, D. W. and Rye, P. D. 2017. Alginate Oligosaccharides modify hyphal infiltration of Candida albicans in an in vitro model of invasive Human Candidosis. Journal of Applied Microbiology 123(3), pp. 625-636. (10.1111/jam.13516)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2017. A low-molecular-weight alginate oligosaccharide disrupts pseudomonal microcolony formation and enhances antibiotic effectiveness. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 61(9), article number: e00762-17. (10.1128/AAC.00762-17)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2017. The antimicrobial effects of the alginate oligomer OligoG CF-5/20 are independent of direct bacterial cell membrane disruption. Scientific Reports 7, article number: 44731. (10.1038/srep44731)
- Jack, A. A. et al. 2017. The interaction of wood nanocellulose dressings and the wound pathogen P. aeruginosa. Carbohydrate Polymers 157, pp. 1955-1962. (10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.11.080)
2016
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2016. A new class of safe oligosaccharide polymer therapy to modify the mucus barrier of chronic respiratory disease. Molecular Pharmaceutics 13(3), pp. 863-872. (10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00794)
- Powell, L. C., Khan, S., Chinga-Carrasco, G., Wright, C. J., Hill, K. E. and Thomas, D. W. 2016. An investigation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth on novel nanocellulose fiber dressings. Carbohydrate Polymers 137, pp. 191-197. (10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.10.024)
2015
- Rees, A., Powell, L. C., Chinga-Carrasco, G., Gethin, D. T., Syverud, K., Hill, K. E. and Thomas, D. W. 2015. 3D bioprinting of carboxymethylated-periodate oxidized nanocellulose constructs for wound dressing applications. BioMedical Research International 2015, pp. 1-7., article number: 925757. (10.1155/2015/925757)
2014
- Tondervik, A. et al. 2014. Alginate oligosaccharides inhibit fungal cell growth and potentiate the activity of anti-fungals against Candida and Aspergillus spp. PLoS ONE, article number: e112518. (10.1371/journal.pone.0112518)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2014. A nanoscale characterization of the interaction of a novel alginate oligomer with the cell surface and motility of pseudomonas aeruginosa. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology 50(3), pp. 483-492. (10.1165/rcmb.2013-0287OC)
- McInnes, R. L. et al. 2014. Contrasting host immuno-inflammatory responses to bacterial challenge within venous and diabetic ulcers. Wound Repair and Regeneration 22(1), pp. 58-69. (10.1111/wrr.12133)
- Gethin, D. T. et al. 2014. Studies on the 3D printing of nanocellulose structures. Advances in Printing and Media Technology XLI(1 A2), pp. 91-95.
2013
- Roberts, J. L. et al. 2013. An in vitro study of alginate oligomer therapies on oral biofilms. Journal of Dentistry 41(10), pp. 892-899. (10.1016/j.jdent.2013.07.011)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2013. The effect of alginate oligosaccharides on the mechanical properties of Gram-negative biofilms. Biofouling 29(4), pp. 413-421. (10.1080/08927014.2013.777954)
2012
- Hooper, S. J., Percival, S. L., Hill, K. E., Thomas, D. W., Hayes, A. J. and Williams, D. W. 2012. The visualisation and speed of kill of wound isolates on a silver alginate dressing. International Wound Journal 9(6), pp. 633-642. (10.1111/j.1742-481X.2012.00927.x)
- Khan, S. et al. 2012. Overcoming drug resistance with alginate oligosaccharides able to potentiate the action of selected antibiotics. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 56(10), pp. 5134-5141. (10.1128/AAC.00525-12)
- Percival, S. L., Hill, K. E., Williams, D. W., Hooper, S. J., Thomas, D. W. and Costerton, J. W. 2012. A review of the scientific evidence for biofilms in wounds. Wound Repair and Regeneration 20(5), pp. 647-657. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2012.00836.x)
- Wildeboer, D. et al. 2012. Specific protease activity indicates the degree of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in chronic infected wounds. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 31(9), pp. 2183-2189. (10.1007/s10096-012-1553-6)
- Wagstaffe, S. J., Hill, K. E., Williams, D. W., Randle, B. J., Thomas, D. W., Stephens, P. and Riley, D. J. 2012. Bispecific antibody-mediated detection of the staphylococcus aureus thermonuclease. Analytical Chemistry 84(14), pp. 5876-5884. (10.1021/ac203403d)
- Hooper, S. J., Williams, D. W., Thomas, D. W., Hill, K. E. and Percival, S. L. 2012. An in vitro comparison of two silver- containing antimicrobial wound dressings. Ostomy Wound Management 58(1), pp. 16-22.
2011
- Percival, S. L., Hill, K. E., Malic, S., Thomas, D. W. and Williams, D. W. 2011. Antimicrobial tolerance and the significance of persister cells in recalcitrant chronic wound biofilms. Wound Repair and Regeneration 19(1), pp. 1-9. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2010.00651.x)
- Malic, S., Hill, K. E., Playle, R. A., Thomas, D. W. and Williams, D. W. 2011. In vitro interaction of chronic wound bacteria in biofilms. Journal of Wound Care 20(12), pp. 569-577.
2010
- Hill, K. E., Malic, S., McKee, R., Rennison, T., Harding, K. G., Williams, D. W. and Thomas, D. W. 2010. An in vitro model of chronic wound biofilms to test wound dressings and assess antimicrobial susceptibilities. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 65(6), pp. 1195-1206. (10.1093/jac/dkq105)
2009
- Malic, S., Hill, K. E., Hayes, A. J., Percival, S. L., Thomas, D. W. and Williams, D. W. 2009. Detection and identification of specific bacteria in wound biofilms using peptide nucleic acid fluorescent in situ hybridization (PNA FISH). Microbiology-Sgm 155, pp. 2603-2611. (10.1099/mic.0.028712-0)
2007
- Malic, S., Hill, K. E., Ralphs, J. R., Hayes, A. J., Thomas, D. W., Potts, A. J. C. and Williams, D. W. 2007. Characterisation of Candida albicans infection of an in vitro oral epithelial model using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Oral Microbiology And Immunolology 22(3), pp. 188-194. (10.1111/j.1399-302X.2007.00344.x)
- Davies, C. E., Hill, K. E., Newcombe, R. G., Stephens, P., Wilson, M., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2007. A prospective study of the microbiology of chronic venous leg ulcers to re-evaluate the clinical predictive value of tissue biopsies and swabs. Wound Repair and Regeneration 15(1), pp. 17-22. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2006.00180.x)
- Andersen, A., Hill, K. E., Stephens, P., Thomas, D. W., Jorgensen, B. and Krogfelt, K. A. 2007. Bacterial profiling using skin grafting, standard culture and molecular bacteriological methods. Journal of Wound Care 16(4), pp. 171-175.
2005
- Howell-Jones, R. S., Wilson, M., Hill, K. E., Howard, A. J., Price, P. E. and Thomas, D. W. 2005. A review of the microbiology, antibiotic usage and resistance in chronic skin wounds. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 55(2), pp. 143-149. (10.1093/jac/dkh513)
2004
- Davies, C. E., Hill, K. E., Wilson, M., Stephens, P., Hill, C. M., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2004. Use of 16S ribosomal DNA PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for analysis of the microfloras of healing and non-healing chronic venous leg ulcers. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 42(8), pp. 3549-3557. (10.1128/JCM.42.8.3549-3557.2004)
2003
- Hill, K. E. and Weightman, A. J. 2003. Horizontal transfer of dehalogenase genes on IncP1[beta] plasmids during bacterial adaptation to degrade [alpha]-halocarboxylic acids. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 45(3), pp. 273-282. (10.1016/S0168-6496(03)00158-2)
- Hill, K. E., Davies, C. E., Wilson, M., Stephens, P., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2003. Molecular analysis of the microflora in chronic venous leg ulceration. Journal of Medical Microbiology 52(4), pp. 365-369. (10.1099/jmm.0.05030-0)
- Stephens, P. et al. 2003. Anaerobic cocci populating the deep tissues of chronic wounds impair cellular wound healing responses in vitro. British Journal Of Dermatology 148(3), pp. 456-466. (10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05232.x)
2002
- Weightman, A. J., Topping, A. W., Hill, K. E., Lee, L. L., Sakai, K., Slater, J. H. and Thomas, A. W. 2002. Transposition of DEH, a broad-host-range transposon flanked by ISPpu12, in Pseudomonas putida is associated with genomic rearrangements and dehalogenase gene silencing. Journal of Bacteriology 184(23), pp. 6581-6591. (10.1128/JB.184.23.6581-6591.2002)
- Hill, K. E. et al. 2002. Heterogeneity within the gram-positive anaerobic cocci demonstrated by analysis of 16S-23S intergenic ribosomal RNA polymorphisms. Journal of Medical Microbiology 51(11), pp. 949-957.
- Wall, I. B., Davies, C. E., Hill, K. E., Wilson, M. J., Stephens, P., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2002. Potential role of anaerobic cocci in impaired human wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration 10(6), pp. 346-353. (10.1046/j.1524-475X.2002.t01-1-10602.x)
2001
- Davies, C. E., Wilson, M. J., Hill, K. E., Stephens, P., Hill, C. M., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2001. Use of molecular techniques to study microbial diversity in the skin: Chronic wounds reevaluated. Wound Repair and Regeneration 9(5), pp. 332-340. (10.1046/j.1524-475x.2001.00332.x)
1999
- Hill, K. E., Marchesi, J. R. and Weightman, A. J. 1999. Investigation of two evolutionarily unrelated halocarboxylic acid dehalogenase gene families. Journal of Bacteriology 181(9), pp. 2535-2547. (10.1128/JB.181.8.2535-2547.1999)
1998
- Hill, K. E. and Top, E. M. 1998. Gene transfer in soil systems using microcosms. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 25(4), pp. 319-329. (10.1111/j.1574-6941.1998.tb00483.x)
1997
- Ashelford, K. E. et al. 1997. Using microcosms to study gene transfer in aquatic habitats. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 23(2), pp. 81-94. (10.1111/j.1574-6941.1997.tb00393.x)
1996
- Hill, K. E., Marchesi, J. R. and Fry, J. C. 1996. Conjugation in the epilithon. In: Akkermans, A. D. L., Van Elsas, J. D. and de Bruijn, F. J. eds. Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dortrecht, The Netherlands, pp. 125-152., (10.1007/978-94-009-0215-2_9)
1995
- Hill, K. E., Fry, J. C., Weightman, A. J., Day, M. J., Bradley, D. J. and Cousland, B. 1995. Retrotransfer of IncP1-like plasmids from aquatic bacteria. Letters in Applied Microbiology 20(5), pp. 317-322. (10.1111/j.1472-765X.1995.tb00454.x)
1994
- Hill, K. E., Fry, J. C. and Weightman, A. J. 1994. Gene transfer in the aquatic environment: persistence and mobilization of the catabolic recombinant plasmid pD10 in the epilithon. Microbiology 140(7), pp. 1555-1563. (10.1099/13500872-140-7-1555)
1992
- Hill, K. E., Weightman, A. J. and Fry, J. C. 1992. Isolation and screening of plasmids from the epilithon which mobilize recombinant plasmid pD10. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, pp. 1292-1300.
1988
- Glenister, D. A., Salamon, K. E., Smith, K., Beighton, D. and Keevil, C. W. 1988. Enhanced growth of complex communities of dental plaque bacteria in mucin-limited continuous culture. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 1(1), pp. 31-38. (10.3109/08910608809140176)
Adrannau llyfrau
- Hill, K. E., Marchesi, J. R. and Fry, J. C. 1996. Conjugation in the epilithon. In: Akkermans, A. D. L., Van Elsas, J. D. and de Bruijn, F. J. eds. Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dortrecht, The Netherlands, pp. 125-152., (10.1007/978-94-009-0215-2_9)
Cynadleddau
- Sharma, P. et al. 2023. In vitro antibiofilm activity of hexylresorcinol lozenges against oropharyngeal pathogens. Presented at: 2023 ERS International Congress, Milan, Italy, 9-13 September 2023. European Respiratory Society, (10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.PA603)
Erthyglau
- Davies-Jones, J., Davies, P. R., Graf, A., Hewes, D., Hill, K. E. and Pascoe, M. 2024. Photoinduced force microscopy as a novel method for the study of microbial nanostructures. Nanoscale 16(1), pp. 223-236. (10.1039/D3NR03499B)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2023. Structure–activity relationships of low molecular weight alginate oligosaccharide therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biomolecules 13(9), article number: 1366. (10.3390/biom13091366)
- Xue, W. et al. 2023. Defining in vitro topical antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of epoxy-tigliane structures against oral pathogens. Journal of Oral Microbiology 15(1), article number: 2241326. (10.1080/20002297.2023.2241326)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2023. Alginate oligosaccharides enhance the antifungal activity of nystatin against candidal biofilms. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 13, article number: 1122340. (10.3389/fcimb.2023.1122340)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2022. Topical, immunomodulatory epoxy-tiglianes induce biofilm disruption and healing in acute and chronic skin wounds. Science Translational Medicine 14(662) (10.1126/scitranslmed.abn3758)
- Stokniene, J., Varache, M., Rye, P. D., Hill, K. E., Thomas, D. W. and Ferguson, E. L. 2022. Alginate oligosaccharides enhance diffusion and activity of colistin in a mucin-rich environment. Scientific Reports 12, article number: 4986. (10.1038/s41598-022-08927-1)
- Oakley, J. L. et al. 2021. Phenotypic and genotypic adaptations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms following long-term exposure to an alginate oligomer therapy. mSphere 6(1), pp. e01216-20. (10.1128/mSphere.01216-20)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2021. Quantifying the effects of antibiotic treatment on the extracellular polymer network of antimicrobial resistant and sensitive biofilms using multiple particle tracking. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes 7, article number: 13. (10.1038/s41522-020-00172-6)
- Incledion, A. et al. 2021. A new look at the purported health benefits of commercial and natural clays. Biomolecules 11(1), article number: 58. (10.3390/biom11010058)
- Stokniene, J. et al. 2020. Bi-functional alginate oligosaccharide–polymyxin conjugates for improved treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. Pharmaceutics 12(11), article number: 1080. (10.3390/pharmaceutics12111080)
- Jack, A. A. et al. 2019. Cellulose nanofibril formulations incorporating a low molecular weight alginate oligosaccharide modify bacterial biofilm development. Biomacromolecules 20(8), pp. 2953-2961. (10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00522)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2019. Mucin structural interactions with an alginate oligomer mucolytic in cystic fibrosis sputum. Vibrational Spectroscopy 103, article number: 102932. (10.1016/j.vibspec.2019.102932)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2018. Targeted disruption of the extracellular polymeric network of pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms by alginate oligosaccharides. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes 4, article number: 13. (10.1038/s41522-018-0056-3)
- Jack, A. A. et al. 2018. Alginate Oligosaccharide-Induced Modification of the lasI-lasR and rhlI-rhlR Quorum Sensing Systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 62(5), article number: e02318-17. (10.1128/AAC.02318-17)
- Pritchard, M., Jack, A., Powell, L., Sadh, H., Hill, K. E., Thomas, D. W. and Rye, P. D. 2017. Alginate Oligosaccharides modify hyphal infiltration of Candida albicans in an in vitro model of invasive Human Candidosis. Journal of Applied Microbiology 123(3), pp. 625-636. (10.1111/jam.13516)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2017. A low-molecular-weight alginate oligosaccharide disrupts pseudomonal microcolony formation and enhances antibiotic effectiveness. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 61(9), article number: e00762-17. (10.1128/AAC.00762-17)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2017. The antimicrobial effects of the alginate oligomer OligoG CF-5/20 are independent of direct bacterial cell membrane disruption. Scientific Reports 7, article number: 44731. (10.1038/srep44731)
- Jack, A. A. et al. 2017. The interaction of wood nanocellulose dressings and the wound pathogen P. aeruginosa. Carbohydrate Polymers 157, pp. 1955-1962. (10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.11.080)
- Pritchard, M. F. et al. 2016. A new class of safe oligosaccharide polymer therapy to modify the mucus barrier of chronic respiratory disease. Molecular Pharmaceutics 13(3), pp. 863-872. (10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00794)
- Powell, L. C., Khan, S., Chinga-Carrasco, G., Wright, C. J., Hill, K. E. and Thomas, D. W. 2016. An investigation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth on novel nanocellulose fiber dressings. Carbohydrate Polymers 137, pp. 191-197. (10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.10.024)
- Rees, A., Powell, L. C., Chinga-Carrasco, G., Gethin, D. T., Syverud, K., Hill, K. E. and Thomas, D. W. 2015. 3D bioprinting of carboxymethylated-periodate oxidized nanocellulose constructs for wound dressing applications. BioMedical Research International 2015, pp. 1-7., article number: 925757. (10.1155/2015/925757)
- Tondervik, A. et al. 2014. Alginate oligosaccharides inhibit fungal cell growth and potentiate the activity of anti-fungals against Candida and Aspergillus spp. PLoS ONE, article number: e112518. (10.1371/journal.pone.0112518)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2014. A nanoscale characterization of the interaction of a novel alginate oligomer with the cell surface and motility of pseudomonas aeruginosa. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology 50(3), pp. 483-492. (10.1165/rcmb.2013-0287OC)
- McInnes, R. L. et al. 2014. Contrasting host immuno-inflammatory responses to bacterial challenge within venous and diabetic ulcers. Wound Repair and Regeneration 22(1), pp. 58-69. (10.1111/wrr.12133)
- Gethin, D. T. et al. 2014. Studies on the 3D printing of nanocellulose structures. Advances in Printing and Media Technology XLI(1 A2), pp. 91-95.
- Roberts, J. L. et al. 2013. An in vitro study of alginate oligomer therapies on oral biofilms. Journal of Dentistry 41(10), pp. 892-899. (10.1016/j.jdent.2013.07.011)
- Powell, L. C. et al. 2013. The effect of alginate oligosaccharides on the mechanical properties of Gram-negative biofilms. Biofouling 29(4), pp. 413-421. (10.1080/08927014.2013.777954)
- Hooper, S. J., Percival, S. L., Hill, K. E., Thomas, D. W., Hayes, A. J. and Williams, D. W. 2012. The visualisation and speed of kill of wound isolates on a silver alginate dressing. International Wound Journal 9(6), pp. 633-642. (10.1111/j.1742-481X.2012.00927.x)
- Khan, S. et al. 2012. Overcoming drug resistance with alginate oligosaccharides able to potentiate the action of selected antibiotics. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 56(10), pp. 5134-5141. (10.1128/AAC.00525-12)
- Percival, S. L., Hill, K. E., Williams, D. W., Hooper, S. J., Thomas, D. W. and Costerton, J. W. 2012. A review of the scientific evidence for biofilms in wounds. Wound Repair and Regeneration 20(5), pp. 647-657. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2012.00836.x)
- Wildeboer, D. et al. 2012. Specific protease activity indicates the degree of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in chronic infected wounds. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 31(9), pp. 2183-2189. (10.1007/s10096-012-1553-6)
- Wagstaffe, S. J., Hill, K. E., Williams, D. W., Randle, B. J., Thomas, D. W., Stephens, P. and Riley, D. J. 2012. Bispecific antibody-mediated detection of the staphylococcus aureus thermonuclease. Analytical Chemistry 84(14), pp. 5876-5884. (10.1021/ac203403d)
- Hooper, S. J., Williams, D. W., Thomas, D. W., Hill, K. E. and Percival, S. L. 2012. An in vitro comparison of two silver- containing antimicrobial wound dressings. Ostomy Wound Management 58(1), pp. 16-22.
- Percival, S. L., Hill, K. E., Malic, S., Thomas, D. W. and Williams, D. W. 2011. Antimicrobial tolerance and the significance of persister cells in recalcitrant chronic wound biofilms. Wound Repair and Regeneration 19(1), pp. 1-9. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2010.00651.x)
- Malic, S., Hill, K. E., Playle, R. A., Thomas, D. W. and Williams, D. W. 2011. In vitro interaction of chronic wound bacteria in biofilms. Journal of Wound Care 20(12), pp. 569-577.
- Hill, K. E., Malic, S., McKee, R., Rennison, T., Harding, K. G., Williams, D. W. and Thomas, D. W. 2010. An in vitro model of chronic wound biofilms to test wound dressings and assess antimicrobial susceptibilities. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 65(6), pp. 1195-1206. (10.1093/jac/dkq105)
- Malic, S., Hill, K. E., Hayes, A. J., Percival, S. L., Thomas, D. W. and Williams, D. W. 2009. Detection and identification of specific bacteria in wound biofilms using peptide nucleic acid fluorescent in situ hybridization (PNA FISH). Microbiology-Sgm 155, pp. 2603-2611. (10.1099/mic.0.028712-0)
- Malic, S., Hill, K. E., Ralphs, J. R., Hayes, A. J., Thomas, D. W., Potts, A. J. C. and Williams, D. W. 2007. Characterisation of Candida albicans infection of an in vitro oral epithelial model using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Oral Microbiology And Immunolology 22(3), pp. 188-194. (10.1111/j.1399-302X.2007.00344.x)
- Davies, C. E., Hill, K. E., Newcombe, R. G., Stephens, P., Wilson, M., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2007. A prospective study of the microbiology of chronic venous leg ulcers to re-evaluate the clinical predictive value of tissue biopsies and swabs. Wound Repair and Regeneration 15(1), pp. 17-22. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2006.00180.x)
- Andersen, A., Hill, K. E., Stephens, P., Thomas, D. W., Jorgensen, B. and Krogfelt, K. A. 2007. Bacterial profiling using skin grafting, standard culture and molecular bacteriological methods. Journal of Wound Care 16(4), pp. 171-175.
- Howell-Jones, R. S., Wilson, M., Hill, K. E., Howard, A. J., Price, P. E. and Thomas, D. W. 2005. A review of the microbiology, antibiotic usage and resistance in chronic skin wounds. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 55(2), pp. 143-149. (10.1093/jac/dkh513)
- Davies, C. E., Hill, K. E., Wilson, M., Stephens, P., Hill, C. M., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2004. Use of 16S ribosomal DNA PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for analysis of the microfloras of healing and non-healing chronic venous leg ulcers. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 42(8), pp. 3549-3557. (10.1128/JCM.42.8.3549-3557.2004)
- Hill, K. E. and Weightman, A. J. 2003. Horizontal transfer of dehalogenase genes on IncP1[beta] plasmids during bacterial adaptation to degrade [alpha]-halocarboxylic acids. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 45(3), pp. 273-282. (10.1016/S0168-6496(03)00158-2)
- Hill, K. E., Davies, C. E., Wilson, M., Stephens, P., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2003. Molecular analysis of the microflora in chronic venous leg ulceration. Journal of Medical Microbiology 52(4), pp. 365-369. (10.1099/jmm.0.05030-0)
- Stephens, P. et al. 2003. Anaerobic cocci populating the deep tissues of chronic wounds impair cellular wound healing responses in vitro. British Journal Of Dermatology 148(3), pp. 456-466. (10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05232.x)
- Weightman, A. J., Topping, A. W., Hill, K. E., Lee, L. L., Sakai, K., Slater, J. H. and Thomas, A. W. 2002. Transposition of DEH, a broad-host-range transposon flanked by ISPpu12, in Pseudomonas putida is associated with genomic rearrangements and dehalogenase gene silencing. Journal of Bacteriology 184(23), pp. 6581-6591. (10.1128/JB.184.23.6581-6591.2002)
- Hill, K. E. et al. 2002. Heterogeneity within the gram-positive anaerobic cocci demonstrated by analysis of 16S-23S intergenic ribosomal RNA polymorphisms. Journal of Medical Microbiology 51(11), pp. 949-957.
- Wall, I. B., Davies, C. E., Hill, K. E., Wilson, M. J., Stephens, P., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2002. Potential role of anaerobic cocci in impaired human wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration 10(6), pp. 346-353. (10.1046/j.1524-475X.2002.t01-1-10602.x)
- Davies, C. E., Wilson, M. J., Hill, K. E., Stephens, P., Hill, C. M., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2001. Use of molecular techniques to study microbial diversity in the skin: Chronic wounds reevaluated. Wound Repair and Regeneration 9(5), pp. 332-340. (10.1046/j.1524-475x.2001.00332.x)
- Hill, K. E., Marchesi, J. R. and Weightman, A. J. 1999. Investigation of two evolutionarily unrelated halocarboxylic acid dehalogenase gene families. Journal of Bacteriology 181(9), pp. 2535-2547. (10.1128/JB.181.8.2535-2547.1999)
- Hill, K. E. and Top, E. M. 1998. Gene transfer in soil systems using microcosms. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 25(4), pp. 319-329. (10.1111/j.1574-6941.1998.tb00483.x)
- Ashelford, K. E. et al. 1997. Using microcosms to study gene transfer in aquatic habitats. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 23(2), pp. 81-94. (10.1111/j.1574-6941.1997.tb00393.x)
- Hill, K. E., Fry, J. C., Weightman, A. J., Day, M. J., Bradley, D. J. and Cousland, B. 1995. Retrotransfer of IncP1-like plasmids from aquatic bacteria. Letters in Applied Microbiology 20(5), pp. 317-322. (10.1111/j.1472-765X.1995.tb00454.x)
- Hill, K. E., Fry, J. C. and Weightman, A. J. 1994. Gene transfer in the aquatic environment: persistence and mobilization of the catabolic recombinant plasmid pD10 in the epilithon. Microbiology 140(7), pp. 1555-1563. (10.1099/13500872-140-7-1555)
- Hill, K. E., Weightman, A. J. and Fry, J. C. 1992. Isolation and screening of plasmids from the epilithon which mobilize recombinant plasmid pD10. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, pp. 1292-1300.
- Glenister, D. A., Salamon, K. E., Smith, K., Beighton, D. and Keevil, C. W. 1988. Enhanced growth of complex communities of dental plaque bacteria in mucin-limited continuous culture. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 1(1), pp. 31-38. (10.3109/08910608809140176)
- Khan, S. et al. 2012. Overcoming drug resistance with alginate oligosaccharides able to potentiate the action of selected antibiotics. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 56(10), pp. 5134-5141. (10.1128/AAC.00525-12)
- Wagstaffe, S. J., Hill, K. E., Williams, D. W., Randle, B. J., Thomas, D. W., Stephens, P. and Riley, D. J. 2012. Bispecific antibody-mediated detection of the staphylococcus aureus thermonuclease. Analytical Chemistry 84(14), pp. 5876-5884. (10.1021/ac203403d)
- Hill, K. E., Malic, S., McKee, R., Rennison, T., Harding, K. G., Williams, D. W. and Thomas, D. W. 2010. An in vitro model of chronic wound biofilms to test wound dressings and assess antimicrobial susceptibilities. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 65(6), pp. 1195-1206. (10.1093/jac/dkq105)
- Malic, S., Hill, K. E., Hayes, A. J., Percival, S. L., Thomas, D. W. and Williams, D. W. 2009. Detection and identification of specific bacteria in wound biofilms using peptide nucleic acid fluorescent in situ hybridization (PNA FISH). Microbiology-Sgm 155, pp. 2603-2611. (10.1099/mic.0.028712-0)
- Howell-Jones, R. S., Wilson, M., Hill, K. E., Howard, A. J., Price, P. E. and Thomas, D. W. 2005. A review of the microbiology, antibiotic usage and resistance in chronic skin wounds. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 55(2), pp. 143-149. (10.1093/jac/dkh513)
- Davies, C. E., Hill, K. E., Wilson, M., Stephens, P., Hill, C. M., Harding, K. G. and Thomas, D. W. 2004. Use of 16S ribosomal DNA PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for analysis of the microfloras of healing and non-healing chronic venous leg ulcers. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 42(8), pp. 3549-3557. (10.1128/JCM.42.8.3549-3557.2004)
Research
Current Research Projects
- Reckitt-Benckiser (2022) Documenting the antimicrobial and antiviral effects of hexylresorcinol (Co-Investigator; £190,000).
- Research Council of Norway (RCN)/AlgiPharma AS, Sandvika, Norway (2018-2023) Alginate oligomers: overcoming obstacles in drug delivery and antibiotic resistance (Mucos-Alg). (Co-Investigator; £297,397).
- Welsh European Funding Office (KESSII)/ AlgiPharma AS, Sandvika, Norway (2019-2022) Developing novel technologies to model the effects of therapies on bacterial biofilms. (Co-Investigator; £39,911).
- Qbiotics Ltd, Queensland, Australia (2019-2022) Characterisation of novel epoxy-tigliane therapeutics in treatment of multi-drug resistant (MDR) wound and implant infections (Co-Investigator; £151,978).
Previous Research
- Welsh European Funding Office (KESSII)/Cultech Ltd, Port Talbot (2018-2019) Harnessing antimicrobial bacteriocin production of probiotic bacteria. (Principal Investigator; £14,596).
- British Skin Foundation (2018-2019) Oral exosomes as a novel treatment for chronic skin wound infections (Co-Investigator; £40,323).
- Research Council of Norway (RCN)/AlgiPharma AS, Sandvika, Norway (2015-2019) BIA formulations: Developing the “second generation” of our polymer therapeutics, for use in wound healing and medical device coatings to Phase 1 studies. (Co-Investigator; £393,521).
- Qbiotics Ltd, Queensland, Australia (2016-2018) Translational research characterising and testing novel and semi-synthetic antimicrobial compounds from the Australian rainforest. (Co-Investigator; £283,627).
- Research Council of Norway (RCN)/AlgiPharma AS, Sandvika, Norway (2013-2017) Tailored OligoG: Characterising structure/activity relationships of the oligosaccharide nanomedicines; from molecular modelling to designing candidate structures through large-scale synthesis and pre-clinical testing. (Co-Investigator; £787,819).
- Research Council of Norway (RCN)/Paper & Fibre Institute (PFI), Trondheim, Norway (2012-2016) Nanoheal: Bio-compatible cellulose nanostructures for advanced wound healing applications. (Co-Investigator; £130,755).
- Algipharma AS, Sandvika, Norway (2007-2014) Antimicrobial testing of Pseudomonas biofilms (Principal Investigator; £674,102).
- Royal College of Surgeons (2011-2013) The ability of a novel oligosaccharide polymer therapy to modulate the viability adhesion and biofilm formation of oral bacteria on dental material substrates in vitro. (Co-Investigator; £9,900).
Total award value of funding KE Hill as PI or Co-I (2006-2019) £5,959,694
Teaching
Current Teaching
MSc Implantology
- Module lead for DET028 (Cellular and Molecular Biology)
- Teaching DET028 Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Summative assessment Oral presentations, Exam setting and marking, MSc Project supervision
MSc Oral Biology
- Teaching DET035 Microorganisms in Oral Diseases
- Summative assessment Exam setting and marking
Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Summative assessment Poster oral presentations, Extended essays (setting and marking), Final Year Project supervision, Final Year Project marking
Qualifications
2014 Post-graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE [PCET])
Biography
Recent Biography
- (2019) Senior Lecturer (Oral microbiology), Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, U.K
- (2017) Lecturer (Oral Microbiology), Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, U.K
- (2006 - 2017) Senior Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Independent Researcher)
Honours and awards
- MediWales Award for Innovation, 2018.
- Cardiff University Innovation and Impact Award in Medicine, 2017
Professional memberships
- American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Academic positions
Senior Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
- (2006 - 2009) EPSRC: Development of an intelligent wound dressing to measure bacterial numbers and diversity in chronic wounds in real time. Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, U.K.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
- (2003 - 2005) Johnson & Johnson: Investigating the role of bacterial biofilms in chronic wounds using in vitro modelling. Wound Healing Research Unit, UWCM, Cardiff, U.K.
- (1999 - 2003) Research into Ageing: A prospective characterisation of the microflora in chronic wounds using both cultural & molecular techniques. Oral Surgery Medicine and Pathology, Dental School, UWCM, Cardiff, U.K.
- (1996 – 1999) European Union Grant: Microbial adaptation to degradation of natural and synthetic organohalogens. School of Biosciences, University of Wales College Cardiff, U.K.
- (1993 – 1996) European Union Grant: The plasmid carrying and gene mobilising capacity of different European soils. School of Biosciences, University of Wales College Cardiff, U.K.
Higher Education Qualifications
- 2014 PGCE(PCET) Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Cardiff University) Distinction
- 1992 Ph.D. Microbiology (University of Wales College Cardiff)
- 1987 B.Sc (Hons) Applied Biology (UWIST) Class 2.1
Committees and reviewing
- (2019) Dental School Research Ethics Committee (DSREC)
- (2019) GW4 Crucible Selection Panel
- (2018) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDI)
- Grant Reviewer, MRC, Italian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation
- Journal Reviewer, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Microbiology, Journal of Wound Care, Archives of Microbiology, British Journal of Dermatology, Wound Repair and Regeneration, Veterinary Dermatology, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.
Supervisions
I am interested in supervising PhD students in the areas of:
- Microbiology
- Wound healing
- Antibiofilm therapeutics
- Antimicrobial resistance
Current PGR students
Jennifer Adams
- PROJECT: Developing Novel Technologies to Model the Effects of Antimicrobial Therapies on Bacterial Biofilms
- FUNDING: The Research Council of Norway, the Welsh Assembly Government and Algipharma AS
- https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/research-students/view/1768270-Adams-Jennifer
JingXiang Wu
- PROJECT: Dissecting the mechanobiology of bacteria and biofilms in colistin resistance
- FUNDING: China Scholarship Council-Cardiff University (CSC-CU) Joint Scholarship with QBiotics Ltd