Overview
Background
Dr Natasha Hungerford is an organic chemist and has extensive experience in natural products chemistry. She is a Senior Research Fellow leading the Natural Toxin group within the Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agricultural and Food Innovation (QAAFI) and is based at the Health and Food Sciences Precinct (Cooper's Plains). She joined QAAFI in 2016 and specialises in natural plant toxins and their impacts on livestock and human health, including food safety and regulations. Collaborative projects with government/industry have spanned mitigation of toxin impacts on cattle, to evaluation of toxins in honey (and health impacts). Subsequent examinations of stingless bee honey serendipitously led to the ground-breaking discovery of the rare sugar trehalulose as a major component of these honeys. Dr Hungerford continues to lead and manage projects to address agricultural industry challenges, including reducing methane gas emissions for a carbon neutral beef industry and international stingless bee honey development.
Dr Hungerford achieved her PhD in 1998, through the UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, and subsequently conducted postdoctoral research in natural products chemistry and in synthetic organic chemistry, at the University of Oxford, Australian National University, The University of Sydney, Griffith University and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Availability
- Dr Natasha Hungerford is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Natural toxins analysis
Dr Natasha Hungerford's research interests focus on the identification and analysis of natural toxins present in specific plants, with the aim of minimising risks to Australian livestock and to the consumer of certain food products. In particular, the source and identity of pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination has been assessed by the extraction and identification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from various plants. Work to mitigate the Pimelea toxin, simplexin, which causes often fatal cattle poisoning in animals grazing inland areas of Australia, is being undertaken. The level of simplexin is being analysed in in vitro rumen trials to monitor and assess the effects of various strategies to breakdown or remove the toxin in the rumen, including microbial degradation, use of adsorbents or biopolymers.
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Atypical sugars in novel foods
The presence of significant quantities of the sugar trehalulose in stingless bee honey has prompted a study, funded by Queensland Health, into the levels of atypical sugars in other novel and emerging foods. Public health implications of atypical sugars identified will be examined.
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Slowed delivery of bioactive compounds that reduce enteric methane
This project involves an interdisciplinary team of researchers from UQ and DAF with the aim of reducing methane emissions from beef cattle. The developed technology will be assessed for the controlled release of active-agents to provide a sustained reduction in enteric methane, applicable to extensive cattle grazing systems.
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Bioactives in stingless bee honey
A recent focus has been the analysis of the properties of stingless bee honey, particularly the unique sugar content of these honeys, with this work culminating in grants from AgriFutures Australia and the Malaysian Government International Collaborative Fund (led by Universiti Putra Malaysia). LCMS technologies, ion chromatography, and stable isotope MS techniques have been used in collaboration with Queensland Health with the aims of optimising stingless bee honey bioactive content. This work provided the first report of the atypical disaccharide trehalulose as a major component of the honey of stingless bees (Meliponini) from Australia (2 species), Malaysia (2 species) and Brazil (1 species). Our research has shown that the low GI sugar trehalulose, which is not found significantly in regular honey or as a major component in any other food, is produced by the bees themselves from nectar sucrose. Further studies seek to understand the mechanism of this bee catalysed isomerisation of sucrose to trehalulose.
Works
Search Professor Natasha Hungerford’s works on UQ eSpace
2003
Journal Article
Insect chemistry and chirality
Hayes, Patricia Y., Fletcher, Mary T., Chow, Sharon, McGrath, Matthew J., Tu, Yong Q., Zhang, Hesheng, Hungerford, Natasha L., McErlean, Christopher S. P., Stok, Jeannette E., Moore, Christopher J., De Voss, James J. and Kitching, William (2003). Insect chemistry and chirality. Chirality, 15 (S1), S116-S127. doi: 10.1002/chir.10273
2002
Conference Publication
Chemoenzymatic Approaches to Sialic Acids
Banwell, M. G., Hungerford, N. and Jolliffe, K. A. (2002). Chemoenzymatic Approaches to Sialic Acids. IUPAC 14th International Conference on Organic Synthesis, Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch New Zealand, 14-19 July 2002.
2001
Journal Article
Cis- and trans-3-Azido-oxetane-2-carboxylate scaffolds: Hexamers of oxetane cis-β-amino acids
Barker S.F., Angus D., Taillefumier C., Probert M.R., Watkin D.J., Watterson M.P., Claridge T.D.W., Hungerford N.L. and Fleet G.W.J. (2001). Cis- and trans-3-Azido-oxetane-2-carboxylate scaffolds: Hexamers of oxetane cis-β-amino acids. Tetrahedron Letters, 42 (25), 4247-4250. doi: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)00660-8
2001
Conference Publication
Tetrahydrofuran amino acids: Secondary structure in tetrameric and octameric w-amino acid carbopeptoids
Hungerford, N., Claridge, T. D. W., Watterson, M. P., Aplin, R. T., Moreno, A. and Fleet, G. W. J. (2001). Tetrahydrofuran amino acids: Secondary structure in tetrameric and octameric w-amino acid carbopeptoids. IUPAC World Chemistry Congress, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia, 1-6 July 2001.
2000
Journal Article
Tetrahydrofuran amino acids: secondary structure in tetrameric and octameric carbopeptoids derived from a D-allo 5-(aminomethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid
Hungerford, Natasha L., Claridge, Timothy D. W., Watterson, Mark P., Aplin, Robin T., Moreno, Andres and Fleet, George W. J. (2000). Tetrahydrofuran amino acids: secondary structure in tetrameric and octameric carbopeptoids derived from a D-allo 5-(aminomethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid. Journal of the Chemical Society-Perkin Transactions 1 (21), 3666-3679. doi: 10.1039/b002996n
2000
Journal Article
Tetrahydrofuran amino acids: beta- and gamma-azidotetrahydrofurancarboxylic acid monomers derived from D-glucoheptonolactone as building blocks for beta- and gamma-oligopeptides
Hungerford, NL and Fleet, GWJ (2000). Tetrahydrofuran amino acids: beta- and gamma-azidotetrahydrofurancarboxylic acid monomers derived from D-glucoheptonolactone as building blocks for beta- and gamma-oligopeptides. Journal of the Chemical Society-Perkin Transactions 1 (21), 3680-3685. doi: 10.1039/b002997l
1999
Journal Article
From sequencamers to foldamers? Tetrameric furanose carbopeptoids from cis- and trans-5-aminomethyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylates
Long, DD, Hungerford, NL, Smith, MD, Brittain, DEA, Marquess, DG, Claridge, TDW and Fleet, GWJ (1999). From sequencamers to foldamers? Tetrameric furanose carbopeptoids from cis- and trans-5-aminomethyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylates. Tetrahedron Letters, 40 (11), 2195-2198. doi: 10.1016/S0040-4039(99)00110-0
1999
Journal Article
An octameric carbopeptoid; secondary structure in octameric and tetrameric 5-aminomethyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylates
Claridge, TDW, Long, DD, Hungerford, NL, Aplin, RT, Smith, MD, Marquess, DG and Fleet, GWJ (1999). An octameric carbopeptoid; secondary structure in octameric and tetrameric 5-aminomethyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylates. Tetrahedron Letters, 40 (11), 2199-2202. doi: 10.1016/S0040-4039(99)00111-2
1999
Journal Article
Efficient palladium(II)-mediated construction of functionalized plakortone cores
Paddon-Jones, G. C., Hungerford, N. L., Hayes, P. and Kitching, W. (1999). Efficient palladium(II)-mediated construction of functionalized plakortone cores. Organic Letters, 1 (12), 1905-1907. doi: 10.1021/ol991055c
1999
Conference Publication
Synthesis of oxygen-heterocycles from a bug and a sponge
Moore, C. J., Possner, S., Hayes, P., Paddon-Jones, G. C., Hungerford, N. L. and Kitching, W. (1999). Synthesis of oxygen-heterocycles from a bug and a sponge. 1st Asia-Pacific Conference on Chemical Ecology, Shanghai, China, 1 -4 November 1999. Shanghai, China: Chinese Academy of Science.
1998
Journal Article
Titanium(II)-based Z-reduction of alkynes. Syntheses of deuterium labelled linolenic and oleic acids and (3E,8Z,11Z)-tetradeca-3,8,11-trienyl acetate, the sex pheromone of a tomato pest, Scrobipalpuloides absoluta
Hungerford, N. L. and Kitching, W. (1998). Titanium(II)-based Z-reduction of alkynes. Syntheses of deuterium labelled linolenic and oleic acids and (3E,8Z,11Z)-tetradeca-3,8,11-trienyl acetate, the sex pheromone of a tomato pest, Scrobipalpuloides absoluta. Journal of the Chemical Society - Perkin Transactions 1, 29 (11), 1839-1858. doi: 10.1039/a800674a
1998
Journal Article
Isolation and structure of some constituents of the Australian medicinal plant Tinospora smilacina ('snakevine')
Hungerford, NL, Sands, DPA and Kitching, W (1998). Isolation and structure of some constituents of the Australian medicinal plant Tinospora smilacina ('snakevine'). Australian Journal of Chemistry, 51 (12), 1103-1111. doi: 10.1071/C98034
1998
Journal Article
Biogenesis of sex pheromones in the female olive fruit-fly
Hungerford, Natasha L., Mazomenos, Basilis E., Konstantopoulou, Maria A., Krokos, Fragoulis D., Haniotakis, George E., Hubener, Achim, Fletcher, Mary T., Moore, Christopher J., DeVoss, James J. and Kitching, William (1998). Biogenesis of sex pheromones in the female olive fruit-fly. Chemical Communications, 29 (8), 863-864. doi: 10.1039/a800691a
1997
Journal Article
Conformational analysis of the cis- and trans-1,2-bis(trimethylsilyl)cyclohexanes (BTMSC): Molecular mechanics calculations and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A preferred diaxial conformation for the trans-isomer
Nunez, R, Unwalla, RJ, Cartledge, FK, Cho, SG, Riches, BH, Glenn, MP, Hungerford, NL, Lambert, LK, Brecknell, DJ and Kitching, W (1997). Conformational analysis of the cis- and trans-1,2-bis(trimethylsilyl)cyclohexanes (BTMSC): Molecular mechanics calculations and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A preferred diaxial conformation for the trans-isomer. Journal of the Chemical Society-Perkin Transactions 2, 1997 (7), 1365-1368. doi: 10.1039/a607563k
1997
Other Outputs
Natural products chemistry : structure, synthesis and biosynthesis
Hungerford, Natasha Lynn (1997). Natural products chemistry : structure, synthesis and biosynthesis. PhD Thesis, School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/365846
1996
Journal Article
Titanium(II)-based Z-reduction of alkynes: Stereo- and regio-specific Z-dideuteriation of conjugated and methylene-skipped ynes
Hungerford, Natasha L. and Kitching, William (1996). Titanium(II)-based Z-reduction of alkynes: Stereo- and regio-specific Z-dideuteriation of conjugated and methylene-skipped ynes. Chemical Communications (14), 1697-1698. doi: 10.1039/CC9960001697
1995
Conference Publication
Titanium (II) Based Cis-Reduction of Alkynes: Stereo- and Regiospecific Cis-Deuteriation of Methylene-Skipped Ynes
Hungerford, N. and Kitching, W. (1995). Titanium (II) Based Cis-Reduction of Alkynes: Stereo- and Regiospecific Cis-Deuteriation of Methylene-Skipped Ynes. RACI 9th Brisbane Organic Chemistry Symposium, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, November 1995.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Natasha Hungerford is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Slow-release rumen inserts to deliver bioactive compounds that reduce enteric methane
Methane emissions could be substantially cut through a $7.5-million project to develop slow-release rumen insert technology for cattle containing a gas-reducing bioactive.
The University of Queensland and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) collaboration is being funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the MLA Donor Company Limited, to help producers meet the CN30 target to make the meat industry carbon neutral by 2030. The ability to ensure each animal receives a sustained dose of a methane-reducing active agent over an extended timeframe would be a fantastic win for the beef cattle industry, helping it achieve its goal to reduce methane emissions – particularly in cattle grazing extensive pastures.
This is a large multdisciplinary project and there is opportunity for PhD candidates with either an animal science or analytical chemistry background to be part of this biotechnology project.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Stingless bee enzymes for biotransformation of cane sugar to a low GI sugar
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss, Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Dr Loan Nguyen
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Doctor Philosophy
Atypical saccharides in emerging and novel foods
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Dr Viviene Santiago
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Doctor Philosophy
Stingless bee enzymes for biotransformation of cane sugar to a low GI sugar
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss, Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Dr Loan Nguyen
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Doctor Philosophy
Computer-guided characterisation of molecules to reduce methane emission in ruminants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Elizabeth Krenske
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Michael Netzel
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Mitigation of Pimelea poisoning of livestock using adsorbents
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Mitigating the effects of the toxin simplexin in Pimelea poisoning of cattle by development of a microbial probiotic
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher
Media
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