Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
Professor

Yasmina Sultanbawa

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 32471
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52145

Overview

Background

Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa's research is focused within the agribusiness development framework, specifically in the area of food processing, preservation, food safety and nutrition. Her current research includes the minimisation of post harvest losses through value addition and the search for natural preservatives to replace current synthetic chemicals. In addition, her research area also includes the challenge of nutrition security, in particular micronutrient deficiency (hidden hunger), lack of diet diversity and nutritional losses in the food supply chain, which are addressed by her work with underutilized Australian plant species and potential new crops. Her work on Australian native plant foods is focused on incorporation of these plants in mainstream agriculture and diet diversification Working with indigenous communities to develop nutritious and sustainable value added products from native plants for use in the food, feed, cosmetic and health care industries is a key strategy. The creation of employment, economic and social benefits to these remote communities is an anticipated outcome. She considers it a privilege to engage with these communities and is very passionate that her work will have a positive socio-economic impact.

Research Focus

  • Functional ingredients (natural additives)

Functional food/feed/nutraceutical ingredients with enhanced nutritional and phytochemical profiles are obtained from specialty crops (Australian native plant foods) and industry co/by-products. Natural additives are obtained from raw materials of vegetable, fruit, herbs/spices or microbiological origin. An example is plant extracts which can provide e.g. antioxidants, shelf-life extension (natural antimicrobials), trace-nutrients (vitamins/ minerals) and novel flavours. Innovative technology solutions

  • Novel packaging systems

Development of active, biodegradable packaging material with natural additives for shelf life extension, smart packaging with nanosensors for the effective detection of food contaminants, microperforated packaging systems with optimised modified atmospheres for fresh foods and high barrier packaging material for herbs and spices are practical objectives of her research. Engineered nano-delivery systems for plant bioactives Develop nano-platforms for targeted delivery and controlled release of plant bioactives including antioxidant and antimicrobial products, through testing of in vitro activities and shelf life under various conditions.

  • Photodynamic treatment

Photodynamic treatment or photosensitization is a novel light and photo dye based approach which offers promising alternatives to conventional methods for the control of microorganisms. Plant bioactives such as curcumin has been successfully used to control mycrotoxigenic fungi. This technology has potential as a decontamination tool to reduce the microbial load in food and feed.

  • Food safety

Her research focus in this field includes intervention strategies to inhibit and prevent food-borne pathogens and spoilage organisms in fresh food and beverages, elucidating mechanisms of antimicrobial action, shelf-life extension with natural antimicrobials, retaining bioactivity during processing and storage, search for natural inhibitors from Australian native plants, use of bioactive honey from Leptospermum polygalifolium (Jelly bush) in treating microbial wound infections.

Availability

Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Masters (Coursework) of Science, University of Reading
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of British Columbia

Works

Search Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa’s works on UQ eSpace

365 works between 1998 and 2024

1 - 20 of 365 works

2024

Journal Article

Bio‐functional properties of Jilungin (Terminalia canescens)

Akter, Saleha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Adiamo, Oladipupo Q., Bobasa, Eshetu Mulisa, Seididamyeh, Maral, Rajagopal, Gayathri, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Bio‐functional properties of Jilungin (Terminalia canescens). Journal of Food Science. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.17457

Bio‐functional properties of Jilungin (Terminalia canescens)

2024

Journal Article

Indigenous peoples’ rights should be recognized and strengthened to boost food innovation research

Adhikari, Kamalesh, Sherman, Brad, Marrie, Henrietta, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Chen, Gengning (2024). Indigenous peoples’ rights should be recognized and strengthened to boost food innovation research. Nature Food. doi: 10.1038/s43016-024-01051-5

Indigenous peoples’ rights should be recognized and strengthened to boost food innovation research

2024

Journal Article

Storage Effects on the Physicochemical Properties, Phytochemical Composition, and Sugars in Red-Fleshed Cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ Plumcot, and ‘Queen Garnet’ Plum

Kodagoda, Gethmini Kavindya, Hong, Hung Trieu, O’Hare, Tim J., Topp, Bruce, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael Erich (2024). Storage Effects on the Physicochemical Properties, Phytochemical Composition, and Sugars in Red-Fleshed Cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ Plumcot, and ‘Queen Garnet’ Plum. Molecules, 29 (19), 4641. doi: 10.3390/molecules29194641

Storage Effects on the Physicochemical Properties, Phytochemical Composition, and Sugars in Red-Fleshed Cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ Plumcot, and ‘Queen Garnet’ Plum

2024

Journal Article

Nutritional and functional properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruits wild harvested from Western Australia

Bobasa, Eshetu M., Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E., Akter, Saleha, Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Nutritional and functional properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruits wild harvested from Western Australia. Foods, 13 (18) 2888, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/foods13182888

Nutritional and functional properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruits wild harvested from Western Australia

2024

Conference Publication

Sublime Citrus: the nutritional value of native Australian limes

Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Sublime Citrus: the nutritional value of native Australian limes. NextGen Ag Symposium, St Lucia, QLD Australia, 6 September 2024.

Sublime Citrus: the nutritional value of native Australian limes

2024

Journal Article

Curcumin‐mediated photodynamic treatment to extend the postharvest shelf‐life of strawberries

Seididamyeh, Maral, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Curcumin‐mediated photodynamic treatment to extend the postharvest shelf‐life of strawberries. Journal of Food Science, 89 (10), 6616-6627. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.17341

Curcumin‐mediated photodynamic treatment to extend the postharvest shelf‐life of strawberries

2024

Journal Article

Blockchain-enabled provenance and supply chain governance for Indigenous foods and botanicals: a design approach study

Powell, Warwick, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Thomson, Madonna, Sivakumar, Dharini, Dipu, Mokaddes Ahmed, Williams, Luke, Turner-Morris, Charles, Sigley, Gary and He, Shan (2024). Blockchain-enabled provenance and supply chain governance for Indigenous foods and botanicals: a design approach study. Sustainability, 16 (16) 7084, 7084. doi: 10.3390/su16167084

Blockchain-enabled provenance and supply chain governance for Indigenous foods and botanicals: a design approach study

2024

Journal Article

In-vitro colonic fermentation of Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) fruit powder: microbial biotransformation of phenolic compounds and cytotoxicity

Adiamo, Oladipupo Q., Bobasa, Eshetu M., Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Akter, Saleha, Seididamyeh, Maral, Dayananda, Buddhi, Gaisawat, Mohd Baasir, Kubow, Stan, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). In-vitro colonic fermentation of Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) fruit powder: microbial biotransformation of phenolic compounds and cytotoxicity. Food Chemistry, 448 139057, 139057. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139057

In-vitro colonic fermentation of Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) fruit powder: microbial biotransformation of phenolic compounds and cytotoxicity

2024

Journal Article

Australian native lemongrass (Cymbopogon ambiguus A. Camus): an underestimated herbal plant

Zhou, Yuntao, Akter, Saleha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Bobasa, Eshetu Mulisa, Seididamyeh, Maral, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Australian native lemongrass (Cymbopogon ambiguus A. Camus): an underestimated herbal plant. AppliedChem, 4 (2), 212-223. doi: 10.3390/appliedchem4020014

Australian native lemongrass (Cymbopogon ambiguus A. Camus): an underestimated herbal plant

2024

Journal Article

A ratiometric fluorescence probe for bisulfite detection in live cells and meat samples

Tian, Dihua, Qi, Xin, Seididamyeh, Maral, Zhang, Huayue, Phan, Anh, Zhang, Zexi, Geng, Xuhui, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Zhang, Run (2024). A ratiometric fluorescence probe for bisulfite detection in live cells and meat samples. Methods, 225, 100-105. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.03.010

A ratiometric fluorescence probe for bisulfite detection in live cells and meat samples

2024

Journal Article

Gum Arabic edible coating embedded aqueous plant extracts: Interactive effects of partaking components and its effectiveness on cold storage of fresh-cut capsicum

Seididamyeh, Maral, Mantilla, Sandra Milena Olarte, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Gum Arabic edible coating embedded aqueous plant extracts: Interactive effects of partaking components and its effectiveness on cold storage of fresh-cut capsicum. Food Control, 159 110267, 110267. doi: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.110267

Gum Arabic edible coating embedded aqueous plant extracts: Interactive effects of partaking components and its effectiveness on cold storage of fresh-cut capsicum

2024

Journal Article

Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: from wild to plate

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Wright, Olivia R. L., Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: from wild to plate. Journal of Food Science, 89 (5), 2991-3005. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.17034

Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: from wild to plate

2024

Conference Publication

Minerals and trace elements in broad-leaved Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), an underutilised native Australian fruit

Zhang, J., Sivakumar, D., Netzel, M.E. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2024). Minerals and trace elements in broad-leaved Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), an underutilised native Australian fruit. 57th Nutrition Society of New Zealand and 47th Nutrition Society of Australia Joint Annual Scientific Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand, 28 November – 1 December 2023. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665124000740

Minerals and trace elements in broad-leaved Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), an underutilised native Australian fruit

2024

Conference Publication

Rare earth elements in rice samples in Australian market from different origins

Imran, M., Nguyen, A. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2024). Rare earth elements in rice samples in Australian market from different origins. 57th Nutrition Society of New Zealand and 47th Nutrition Society of Australia Joint Annual Scientific Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand, 28 November – 1 December 2023. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665124002003

Rare earth elements in rice samples in Australian market from different origins

2024

Journal Article

Physicochemical, antioxidant and microbial stability of Burdekin plum leathers

Chen, Gengning, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Physicochemical, antioxidant and microbial stability of Burdekin plum leathers. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 59 (4), 2716-2726. doi: 10.1111/ijfs.17023

Physicochemical, antioxidant and microbial stability of Burdekin plum leathers

2024

Journal Article

Utilizing Xanthan Gum Coatings as Probiotic Bacteria Carriers to Enhance Postharvest Quality and Antioxidants in Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe and Honeydew (Cucumis melo L.) Melons

Chikhala, Tshudufhadzo, Seke, Faith, Slabbert, Retha M., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Sivakumar, Dharini (2024). Utilizing Xanthan Gum Coatings as Probiotic Bacteria Carriers to Enhance Postharvest Quality and Antioxidants in Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe and Honeydew (Cucumis melo L.) Melons. Foods, 13 (6) 940, 940. doi: 10.3390/foods13060940

Utilizing Xanthan Gum Coatings as Probiotic Bacteria Carriers to Enhance Postharvest Quality and Antioxidants in Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe and Honeydew (Cucumis melo L.) Melons

2024

Conference Publication

Exploring the chemistry and nutritional properties of native Australian citrus

Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Exploring the chemistry and nutritional properties of native Australian citrus. Australian Citrus Congress, Sunshine Coast, QLD Australia, 6-7 March 2024.

Exploring the chemistry and nutritional properties of native Australian citrus

2024

Conference Publication

Burdekin plum fruit leather processing and storage

Chen, Gengning, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Netzel, Michael, Cozzolino, Daniel, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra and Sivakumar, Dharini (2024). Burdekin plum fruit leather processing and storage. Joint virtual workshop between the Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS), Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Australia and the Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, Promoting Health and Food Security with Indigenous Crops, Virtual, 5-6 March 2024.

Burdekin plum fruit leather processing and storage

2024

Journal Article

Geographical origin discrimination of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaf powder using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging

Seididamyeh, Maral, Tahmasbian, Iman, Phan, Anh Dao Thi and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Geographical origin discrimination of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaf powder using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging. Food Bioscience, 59 103946, 103946. doi: 10.1016/j.fbio.2024.103946

Geographical origin discrimination of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaf powder using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging

2024

Journal Article

Exploring the potential of Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens): A promising indigenous edible fruit as biopreservative in raw processed meat products

Beya, Michel M., Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E. and Hoffman, Louwrens C. (2024). Exploring the potential of Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens): A promising indigenous edible fruit as biopreservative in raw processed meat products. LWT- Food Science and Technology, 194 115827, 115827. doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2024.115827

Exploring the potential of Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens): A promising indigenous edible fruit as biopreservative in raw processed meat products

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2026
    MyINDAH Diet - Inclusive Digital Solutions for Healthy and Sustainable Diets and Food Security in Java's Urban and Peri-Urban Food Systems
    Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) - KONEKSI / Knowledge Partnership Platform (KPP)
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Bio-based solutions for a sustainable agriculture
    Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience in the smallholder value chains of Java's peri-urban food supply systems
    Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) - KONEKSI / Knowledge Partnership Platform (KPP)
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Ecological Traceability as a Public Commons - New Models of Indigenous Supply Chain Data Governance
    National Agriculture Traceability Grants - Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    The past, present and future of Indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge
    ARC Discovery Indigenous
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2024
    ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2028
    Fight Food Waste CRC - Transform Program
    Fight Food Waste CRC
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    Assessing the quality and safety of herbal beverages for market access
    Roogenic Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Improving the efficiency of Kakadu Plum value chains to grow a robust and sustainable industry
    CRC for Developing Northern Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Nanoparticle, Colloid and Microparticle Characterisation and Precision Engineering Nanosystems Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Scoping study on Boonjie tamarind and Cape York lilly pilly - nutritional and bioactive properties
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Scoping Study on potential functional compounds in native Australian tree Pittosporum Angustifolium (Gumby Gumby)
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Scoping study on Feijoa - bioactive compounds and in vitro bioactivity
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    High value natural nutritional supplements
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Value added bakery products using native plants as functional ingredients
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2021
    Naturally Nutritious
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Functional ingredients from onion and garlic grown in Australia
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Potential food sweeteners sourced from Aboriginal traditional knowledge - Phase 0
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Natural additives to improve quality and shelf life of animal feeds (Research Connections grant with Cobbett Pty Ltd)
    Research Connections
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Australian native foods as natural additives to improve quality and shelf life of frozen meals
    Research Connections
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Nano-encapsulation of plant extracts for targeted delivery in animal healthcare
    Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Lemon and anise myrtle: unique functional ingredients in cross industry applications
    Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Native plant extracts for extended shelf life in corn
    Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2018
    Monitoring quality and bioactivity of kakadu plum in the Northern Territory
    Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Value addition to mushroom by-products
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Use of nano-emulsions with natural antimicrobials to reduce campylobacter-contamination from the chicken intestinal tract (Poultry CRC Scholarship Project)
    Poultry CRC
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Elucidating mechanisms of antibacterial action of Leptospermum polygalifolium honey
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Changes in quality (bioactivity) of native foods during storage
    Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring traditional Aboriginal knowledge and potential enterprise development of fungi in Northern Australia.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Elizabeth Aitken, Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Sharlene Leroy-Dyer

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timorense)

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring the Nutritional quality and Food Functionality of Salt Bush (Atriplex semibaccata) - an Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Dharini Sivakumar

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Quality of Australian Indigenous Yam

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Femi Akinsanmi, Dr Michael Netzel

  • Doctor Philosophy

    occurrence of rare earth elements in food

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Upconversion-encoded microspheres for glucocorticoids detection as food hazards or health markers

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Kayvan Etebari, Dr Zeinab Khalil, Dr Run Zhang

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Assessing the effect of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on human gut microbiota and metabolite production: an in vitro fermentation study

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Loan Nguyen

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring a framework for the Gamilaraay peoples governance of research and development on their traditional foods: a case study exploring functional ingredients in a culturally significant native grain

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Modelling interactive effects of environment and physicochemical properties of Persoonia spp.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Dharini Sivakumar

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The efficacy of nanoencapsulation as a delivery system of Terminalia ferdinandiana extract for periodontal disease therapy

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Run Zhang

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Women in shift work - nutrition and menopause

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Olivia Wright

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Sensitive Detection of Antibiotics with Nanoprobes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Run Zhang

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Empowering Indigenous communities to improve their health through science and nutrition

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Olivia Wright

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Using marks and designations to build and sustain local food and agriculture

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Brad Sherman, Dr Allison Fish

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Perinatal strategies to improve birthweight, growth, and gut health in pre-weaned piglets

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring and understanding the nutritional quality and functional properties of wild harvested Australian grown elderberries (native elderberries)

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright, Professor Heather Smyth, Dr Michael Netzel

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Use of ICT in agriculture marketing to connect smallholder farmers to dynamic markets in the developing countries: A case of the dairy industry in Bangladesh

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Natalie Jones, Associate Professor Ammar Abdul Aziz

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Strengthening Indigenous Community Capability: Uniquely Australian Foods

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Janeen Baxter

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, Dr Michael Netzel

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Following the Tracks: Bringing traditional knowledge and food science together to improve health outcomes in Central Australia

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Olivia Wright

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au