Yasmina Sultanbawa
- Email:
- y.sultanbawa@uq.edu.au
- 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
Fields of research
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
2025
Journal Article
Sensory profiling of Burdekin plum leathers and consumer acceptability of its combination with trail mix
Chen, Gengning, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Sensory profiling of Burdekin plum leathers and consumer acceptability of its combination with trail mix. Food Science and Nutrition, 13 (5) e70277, 1-15. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70277
2025
Journal Article
Assessment of the ability of Lactococcus lactis 537 to bind aflatoxin M1 in the presence of inulin and Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum)
Almutairi, Batlah, Fletcher, Mary T., Hong, Hung Trieu, Dong, Anran, Turner, Mark S. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Assessment of the ability of Lactococcus lactis 537 to bind aflatoxin M1 in the presence of inulin and Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum). Food Microbiology, 127 104682, 104682-127. doi: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104682
2025
Conference Publication
Alternative Smoothies – ‘Plants’ vs. ‘Dairy’
Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Anuruddhika, Netzel, Michael E., Smyth, Heather, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia (2025). Alternative Smoothies – ‘Plants’ vs. ‘Dairy’. QAAFI 2025 Research Meeting, Herston, QLD Australia, 19 March 2025.
2025
Journal Article
Effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants in poultry feed during different storage temperatures
Nirmal, Nilesh, Shelat, Kinnari, Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants in poultry feed during different storage temperatures. Discover Food, 5 (1) 59. doi: 10.1007/s44187-025-00330-9
2025
Conference Publication
Colour disparities between commercial plant and animal-based burgers
Rathnayake, Dhanushka, Moura Nadolny, Jaqueline, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Smyth, Heather (2025). Colour disparities between commercial plant and animal-based burgers. NZOZ Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 19 - 21 February 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Alternative Smoothies – the “Plants” vs. the “Dairy’s”
Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Anuruddhika, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E. and Netzel, Michael E. (2025). Alternative Smoothies – the “Plants” vs. the “Dairy’s”. 19th NZOZ Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Papaioea Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand, 19-21 February 2025.
2025
Journal Article
A hedonic sensory trial: exploring the relationship between sweet‐liker status, demographics, and health measures on acceptability in a beverage system
Cartwright, Jessica, Smyth, Heather E., Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina F. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2025). A hedonic sensory trial: exploring the relationship between sweet‐liker status, demographics, and health measures on acceptability in a beverage system. Journal of Sensory Studies, 40 (1) e70008, 1-15. doi: 10.1111/joss.70008
2025
Conference Publication
"Alternative” smoothies: plant-based dairy milk alternatives vs. dairy milk
Rathnayake, Anuruddhika, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather and Netzel, Michael (2025). "Alternative” smoothies: plant-based dairy milk alternatives vs. dairy milk. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Effect of processing on bioactive properties, sugar composition, and vitamin C of wild Australian yams (Dioscorea spp.)
Fawale, Olumide, Netzel, Michael, Akinsanmi, Olufemi, Marrie, Henrietta and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Effect of processing on bioactive properties, sugar composition, and vitamin C of wild Australian yams (Dioscorea spp.). TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of saltbush
Sun, Yanlin, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Sivakumar, Dharini and Netzel, Michael (2025). Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of saltbush. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Anthocyanins – colourful plant pigments and potent bioactives
Netzel, Michael, Wright, Olivia, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Anthocyanins – colourful plant pigments and potent bioactives. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
The impact of Ajwa date fruit consumption on metabolic profiles, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota using an in vitro digestion model
Madani, Khalil, Phan, Anh, Netzel, Michael, Nguyen, Loan and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). The impact of Ajwa date fruit consumption on metabolic profiles, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota using an in vitro digestion model. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Citrus inodora: an underexplored native citrus species with nutritional promise
Johnson, Joel, Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2025). Citrus inodora: an underexplored native citrus species with nutritional promise. NextGen Ag Symposium 2025, St Lucia, QLD Australia, 7 November 2025.
2025
Journal Article
Physicochemical characteristics and functionality of Burdekin plum during fruit maturation
Chen, Gengning, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Physicochemical characteristics and functionality of Burdekin plum during fruit maturation. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2025 (1) 8811862. doi: 10.1155/jfbc/8811862
2025
Journal Article
Unlocking the Nutritional Potential of Australian Yam (Dioscorea spp.)
Fawale, Samson Olumide, Netzel, Michael E., Nguyen, Ai, Akinsanmi, Olufemi A., Marrie, Henrietta and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Unlocking the Nutritional Potential of Australian Yam (Dioscorea spp.). Food Bioscience, 63 105612, 105612. doi: 10.1016/j.fbio.2024.105612
2025
Conference Publication
Exploring the chemistry of native Australian Citrus fruits
Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2025). Exploring the chemistry of native Australian Citrus fruits. 10th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium (QACS) 2025, St Lucia, QLD, Australia, 28 November 2025.
2025
Journal Article
Climate-smart halophyte: the role of atriplex in future food security
Sun, Yanlin, Netzel, Michael E., Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Climate-smart halophyte: the role of atriplex in future food security. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 156 104869, 104869. doi: 10.1016/j.tifs.2025.104869
2025
Book Chapter
Digestive health: functional foods for a happy gut
Pathak, Vaishnavi A., Deokar, Gitanjali S., Kshirsagar, Sanjay J., Kulkarni, Kapil S., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Nirmal, Nilesh Prakash (2025). Digestive health: functional foods for a happy gut. Unleashing the Power of Functional Foods and Novel Bioactives. (pp. 41-72) edited by Tanmay Sarkar, Slim Smaoui and Anka Trajkovska Petkoska. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-28862-3.00004-2
2024
Journal Article
Effect of gum Arabic on antifungal photodynamic activity of curcumin against Botrytis cinerea spores
Seididamyeh, Maral, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram, Harmer, Jeffrey R. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Effect of gum Arabic on antifungal photodynamic activity of curcumin against Botrytis cinerea spores. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 283 (1) 137019, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137019
2024
Conference Publication
Nutritional quality of two important Australian grown strawberry varieties
Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E. and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Nutritional quality of two important Australian grown strawberry varieties. 9th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium 2024 (QACS 2024), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2024.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Developing natural insecticides from plant and microbial metabolites
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kayvan Etebari, Dr Zeinab Khalil, Dr Run Zhang, Dr Maral Seididamyeh
-
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, Dr Anh Phan
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Quality of Australian Indigenous Yam
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Femi Akinsanmi, Dr Michael Netzel
-
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating Disciplinary Lenses to Overcome Innovation and Commercialisation Barriers for Uniquely Australian Foods
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Damian Hine, Dr Run Zhang, Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Dr Maral Seididamyeh
-
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
The efficacy of nanoencapsulation as a delivery system of Terminalia ferdinandiana extract for periodontal disease therapy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anh Phan, Dr Run Zhang, Dr Maral Seididamyeh
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improving the Shelf-life of Salmon Fillets Using an Advanced Nanoencapsulation Technology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Run Zhang, Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Dr Maral Seididamyeh
-
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
Other advisors: Dr Julius Kotir, Professor Ammar Abdul Aziz
-
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing the Australian native food value chains: Innovative approaches and strategic pathways
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natalie Jones, Dr Luke Williams, Professor Ammar Abdul Aziz
-
Doctor Philosophy
Design, Development, and Validation of Dual-Channel Lanthanide-MIP Nanosensors for Luminescence-Based Quantification of Antibiotic Residues in Food Matrices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Run Zhang
-
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
Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, Dr Michael Netzel
-
Doctor Philosophy
Leveraging Bushfoods of Australia: Exploiting novel processing technologies to extract bioactive compounds.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nidhi Bansal
-
Doctor Philosophy
Examining the Sustainability of Indigenous-Led Family-Owned Enterprises in the Australian Native Foods Industry
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Janeen Baxter
-
Doctor Philosophy
Optimization and Characterization of Seaweed Bioactive Materials for Encapsulation and Valorization of Seaweed based products
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Run Zhang, Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Dr Maral Seididamyeh
-
Doctor Philosophy
Perinatal strategies to improve birthweight, growth, and gut health in pre-weaned piglets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth, Dr Jaqueline Moura Nadolny
Completed supervision
-
2026
Doctor Philosophy
Quality, phytochemicals, bioactivities, and gut microbiome modulation of different Geebung (Persoonia spp.)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Anh Phan, Dr Dharini Sivakumar
-
2026
Doctor Philosophy
Occurrence, Bio accessibility and Safety of Rare Earth Elements in Rice
Principal Advisor
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Developing a new probiotic fermented milk with prebiotics for aflatoxin M1 detoxification
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Professor Mark Turner
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Characterising the potential of the green plum (Buchanania obovata) as a native Australian fruit
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Nutritional and Functional Quality of Flour and Proteins from Australian Acacia seed
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Mike Gidley, Dr Michael Netzel, Professor Louw Hoffman
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Use of Novel Green Technologies for Preservation of Horticultural Produce using Plant Bioactives
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of growing region and processing on the quality and functionality of wild harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruits
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Anh Phan, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of photosensitization on the nutrient profile and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in Australian grown strawberries
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Gabi Netzel
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Utilization of solid-state fermented canola meal, camelina meal and lupin as potential protein sources in the diets of broiler chickens
Principal Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the safe use of Terminalia ferdinandiana for dietary purposes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Dr Michael Netzel
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Potential of nanoencapsulated plant bioactives against weak acid resistant yeast to extend the shelf life of apple juice
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the bioactive potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) - a native plant of Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts and photosensitization against pathogenic and food spoilage fungi occurring on fresh date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Use of nanoemulsions with natural antimicrobials to reduce Campylobacter contamination from the chicken intestinal tract.
Principal Advisor
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Gastronomy as Intangible Heritage: Native Plants, Food Labels, and Law in Tucson's UNESCO City of Gastronomy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brad Sherman, Associate Professor Allison Fish
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Opening the Discussion on Harnessing Traditional Knowledge and Plants for Indigenous Health: Development of a Bush Food-based Carbonated Beverage
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Dr Olivia Wright
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Effects of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Australian Native Plants (Kakadu plum and Davidson plum) on the Safety and Quality of Value-added Meat Products
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth, Dr Michael Netzel, Professor Louw Hoffman
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Effect of storage on the nutritional quality of 'Rubycot' plumcot and 'Queen Garnet' plum
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Australian indigenous edible halophytes - potential sources of functional ingredients
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright, Dr Anh Phan, Dr Michael Netzel
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Assessment and identification of molecular markers underpinning for H. armigera Hübner resistance in Australian wild Cajanus species
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Agnelo Furtado, Emeritus Professor Robert Henry
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Factors affecting carotenoids in zeaxanthin-biofortified sweet-corn (Zea mays L.)
Associate Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Harvested Maize in Kenya and Tanzania and Postharvest Control by Photosensitization
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Dr Darren Kriticos
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Factors related to differential occurrence rates of aflatoxins in maize grains: investigations with near infrared spectrometry and metabolite analysis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher
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