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:
Not 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

458 works between 1998 and 2026

361 - 380 of 458 works

2018

Conference Publication

Australian native plants: Food Innovations and Commercial Applications

Sultanbawa, Y. (2018). Australian native plants: Food Innovations and Commercial Applications. Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

Australian native plants: Food Innovations and Commercial Applications

2018

Conference Publication

B12 - Physicochemical characteristics of commercial strawberry cultivars grown in Australia

Sarwar, Shammy, Netzel, Michael E., Meredy, Ram, Trieu, Hung H., Netzel, Gabriele and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). B12 - Physicochemical characteristics of commercial strawberry cultivars grown in Australia. 3rd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2018, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23 November 2018.

B12 - Physicochemical characteristics of commercial strawberry cultivars grown in Australia

2018

Conference Publication

Safety assessment of ellagic acid-rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum)

Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary, Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Safety assessment of ellagic acid-rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum). QACS 2018 - Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium, Brisbane QLD, Australia, 23 November 2018.

Safety assessment of ellagic acid-rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum)

2018

Journal Article

X-ray fluorescence imaging of metals and metalloids in biological systems

Zhang, Run, Li, Li, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Xu, Zhi Ping (2018). X-ray fluorescence imaging of metals and metalloids in biological systems. American Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 8 (3), 169-188.

X-ray fluorescence imaging of metals and metalloids in biological systems

2018

Conference Publication

Cytotoxicity of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts in intestinal and hepatic cancer cell lines

Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary T., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Osborne, Simone A. (2018). Cytotoxicity of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts in intestinal and hepatic cancer cell lines. 10th International Symposium on Poisonous Plants (ISOPP), St George, Utah, United States, 16-20 September 2018.

Cytotoxicity of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts in intestinal and hepatic cancer cell lines

2018

Conference Publication

Kakadu plum: safety assessment

Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary, Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Kakadu plum: safety assessment. Workshop on An Interdisciplinary Dialogue on the Legal, Social and Scientific Uses of the Kakadu plum, Brisbane QLD, Australia, 1 June 2018.

Kakadu plum: safety assessment

2018

Conference Publication

Safety Assessment of Terminalia ferdinandiana Fruits using Four Different Cell Lines

Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary T., Osborne, Simone A. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Safety Assessment of Terminalia ferdinandiana Fruits using Four Different Cell Lines. 4th International Conference on Food Chemistry and Technology (FCT-2018), Berlin, Germany, 5-7 November 2018.

Safety Assessment of Terminalia ferdinandiana Fruits using Four Different Cell Lines

2018

Conference Publication

Sensory vocabulary for five native Australian plant foods and five native Australian leaf teas

Fyfe, S., Sultanbawa, Y. and Smyth, H. (2018). Sensory vocabulary for five native Australian plant foods and five native Australian leaf teas. Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

Sensory vocabulary for five native Australian plant foods and five native Australian leaf teas

2018

Conference Publication

Cytotoxicity of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts in intestinal and hepatic cancer cell lines

Akter, S., Addepalli, R., Netzel, M.E., Tinggi, U., Fletcher, M.T., Sultanbawa, Y. and Osborne, S.A. (2018). Cytotoxicity of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts in intestinal and hepatic cancer cell lines. 10th International Symposium of Poisonous Plants (ISOPP10), St George, Utah, United States, 16-20 September 2018.

Cytotoxicity of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts in intestinal and hepatic cancer cell lines

2017

Journal Article

Deficit irrigation improves phenolic content and antioxidant activity in leafy lettuce varieties

Malejane, Dunsfort N., Tinyani, Peter, Soundy, Puffy, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Sivakumar, Dharini (2017). Deficit irrigation improves phenolic content and antioxidant activity in leafy lettuce varieties. Food Science and Nutrition, 6 (2), 334-341. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.559

Deficit irrigation improves phenolic content and antioxidant activity in leafy lettuce varieties

2017

Journal Article

Extraction and characterization of a novel Terminalia pectin

Chaliha, Mridusmita, Williams, David, Smyth, Heather and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Extraction and characterization of a novel Terminalia pectin. Food Science and Biotechnology, 27 (1), 65-71. doi: 10.1007/s10068-017-0201-4

Extraction and characterization of a novel Terminalia pectin

2017

Journal Article

Near infrared spectrometry for rapid non-invasive modelling of Aspergillus-contaminated maturing kernels of maize

Falade, Titilayo D. O., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Fletcher, Mary T. and Fox, Glen (2017). Near infrared spectrometry for rapid non-invasive modelling of Aspergillus-contaminated maturing kernels of maize. Agriculture, 7 (9) 77, 77. doi: 10.3390/agriculture7090077

Near infrared spectrometry for rapid non-invasive modelling of Aspergillus-contaminated maturing kernels of maize

2017

Journal Article

A novel photosensitization treatment for the inactivation of fungal spores and cells mediated by curcumin

Al-Asmari, Fahad, Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). A novel photosensitization treatment for the inactivation of fungal spores and cells mediated by curcumin. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 173, 301-306. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.06.009

A novel photosensitization treatment for the inactivation of fungal spores and cells mediated by curcumin

2017

Journal Article

Physico-chemical characteristics and fungal profile of four Saudi fresh date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars

Al-Asmari, Fahad, Nirmal, Nilesh, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Williams, David, Mereddy, Ram, Shelat, Kinnari and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Physico-chemical characteristics and fungal profile of four Saudi fresh date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars. Food Chemistry, 221, 644-649. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.11.125

Physico-chemical characteristics and fungal profile of four Saudi fresh date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars

2017

Journal Article

Bioactive rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana by enzyme-assisted extraction: a simple food safe extraction method

Chaliha, Mridusmita, Williams, David, Edwards, David, Pun, Sharon, Smyth, Heather and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Bioactive rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana by enzyme-assisted extraction: a simple food safe extraction method. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 11 (5), 96-106. doi: 10.5897/JMPR2016.6285

Bioactive rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana by enzyme-assisted extraction: a simple food safe extraction method

2017

Journal Article

Betalain rich functional extract with reduced salts and nitrate content from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) using membrane separation technology

Mereddy, Ram, Chan, Adeline, Fanning, Kent, Nirmal, Nilesh and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Betalain rich functional extract with reduced salts and nitrate content from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) using membrane separation technology. Food Chemistry, 215, 311-317. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.07.132

Betalain rich functional extract with reduced salts and nitrate content from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) using membrane separation technology

2017

Conference Publication

Assessing important polyphenols and organo-sulfur compounds in selected varieties of Australian grown onions using Orbitrap LC-ESI-MS analysis

Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Gabriele, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2017). Assessing important polyphenols and organo-sulfur compounds in selected varieties of Australian grown onions using Orbitrap LC-ESI-MS analysis. 2nd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2017, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 November 2017.

Assessing important polyphenols and organo-sulfur compounds in selected varieties of Australian grown onions using Orbitrap LC-ESI-MS analysis

2017

Conference Publication

Quality of Melaleuca citrolens (gulban) leaves from different regions of Australian Northern Territory

Nirmal, N., Webber, D., Mereddy, R. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2017). Quality of Melaleuca citrolens (gulban) leaves from different regions of Australian Northern Territory. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 20-22 November 2017. Lausanne, Switzerland: Frontiers.

Quality of Melaleuca citrolens (gulban) leaves from different regions of Australian Northern Territory

2017

Conference Publication

Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) kernels: A novel nutrition source

Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) kernels: A novel nutrition source. AIFST 50th Anniversary Convention, Sydney, Australia, 17-18 July 2017.

Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) kernels: A novel nutrition source

2017

Book Chapter

Australian native plants: Anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties

Williams, David J., Chaliha, Mridusmita and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Australian native plants: Anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties. Australian Native Plants: Cultivation and Uses in the Health and Food Industries. (pp. 237-250) CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/b20635

Australian native plants: Anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties

Funding

Current funding

  • 2026 - 2027
    Portable and Affordable Paper-based Sensor Platform for Wine Quality Control
    Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite Grants
    Open grant
  • 2026 - 2027
    Smart Photodynamic Technology for Postharvest Decay Management
    Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite Grants
    Open grant
  • 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
  • 2018 - 2028
    Fight Food Waste CRC - Transform Program
    Fight Food Waste CRC
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Assessing the safety of Jilungin by using in vitro techniques and gut health properties by using in vitro dynamic gut model
    Roogenic Pty Ltd
    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 - 2024
    Assessing the quality and safety of herbal beverages for market access
    Roogenic Pty Ltd
    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 - 2025
    ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    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:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

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