Overview
Background
Michael is passionate about plant-based foods, with a particular focus on their nutritional composition, quality, bioactivity, digestibility, and potential for promoting healthy diets. He has served as a Chief Investigator on several flagship initiatives, including the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods, the CRC for Developing Northern Australia, and the HIA-funded Naturally Nutritious project. His research emphasizes the importance of understanding both in vitro bioaccessibility—how compounds are released from the food matrix and become available for intestinal absorption—and the more complex in vivo bioavailability and metabolism, including microbial degradation in the gut. These processes are critical for predicting the bioactivity and potential health benefits of dietary phytochemicals in humans.
Availability
- Dr Michael Netzel is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Justus Liebig University Giessen
Research interests
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Phytochemicals and Health
My primary research interests focus on phytochemicals—specifically polyphenols (both bound and free), carotenoids, and betalains—as well as vitamins. I investigate their analysis, binding characteristics within the plant (food) matrix, and structural modifications or degradation during processing and digestion. This includes studying their bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and metabolism, essentially tracing the journey “from raw produce to absorbed and metabolised bioactive compounds.”
Works
Search Professor Michael Netzel’s works on UQ eSpace
Featured
2025
Journal Article
Unlocking the sublime: a review of native Australian Citrus species
Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2025). Unlocking the sublime: a review of native Australian Citrus species. Foods, 14 (14) 2425, 2425-14. doi: 10.3390/foods14142425
Featured
2023
Journal Article
Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2023). Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide. Beverages, 9 (1) 11, 1-53. doi: 10.3390/beverages9010011
Featured
2022
Journal Article
Impact of Growing Location on Kakadu Plum Fruit Composition and In Vitro Bioactivity as Determinants of Its Nutraceutical Potential
Bobasa, Eshetu M., Akter, Saleha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel, Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2022). Impact of Growing Location on Kakadu Plum Fruit Composition and In Vitro Bioactivity as Determinants of Its Nutraceutical Potential. Nutraceuticals, 3 (1), 13-25. doi: 10.3390/nutraceuticals3010002
Featured
2018
Journal Article
Chemical and nutritional composition of Terminalia ferdinandiana (kakadu plum) kernels: a novel nutrition source
Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael E., Fletcher, Mary T., Tinggi, Ujang and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Chemical and nutritional composition of Terminalia ferdinandiana (kakadu plum) kernels: a novel nutrition source. Foods, 7 (4) 60, 60. doi: 10.3390/foods7040060
2025
Journal Article
Exploring the functional food potential of edible persoonia spp.: nutritional composition, bioactive properties and phenolic metabolomics
Zhang, Jiale, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E., Pengelly, Andrew, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Exploring the functional food potential of edible persoonia spp.: nutritional composition, bioactive properties and phenolic metabolomics. Food Chemistry, 495 (1) 146355. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.146355
2025
Conference Publication
Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences – value proposition and research capabilities
Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences – value proposition and research capabilities. NativeGrow SA Intensive Bootcamp, Virtual, 22 August 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Precision meets nutrition: tackling the folate puzzle with SIDA
Netzel, Michael and Rychlik, Michael (2025). Precision meets nutrition: tackling the folate puzzle with SIDA. QHealth Science Week, Coopers Plains, QLD Australia, 21 August 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Native Australian citrus: Their potential and challenges
Johnson, Joel, Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2025). Native Australian citrus: Their potential and challenges. Native Resources in Food and Medicine Symposium, Unveiling Commercial Opportunities, CQIRP, CQUniversity, Kawana, QLD Australia, 29 July 2025.
2025
Journal Article
Exploring the perspectives of urban and regional living Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples regarding bush foods, nutrition, and health: insights for culturally-informed health policy in Australia
Cartwright, Jessica, Turner, Niall, Bruce, Sherie, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Netzel, Micheal and Wright, Olivia (2025). Exploring the perspectives of urban and regional living Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples regarding bush foods, nutrition, and health: insights for culturally-informed health policy in Australia. Public Health Nutrition, 28 (1) e124. doi: 10.1017/s1368980025100694
2025
Conference Publication
ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods: An Innovative model for Local Food System Transformation
Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods: An Innovative model for Local Food System Transformation. Monash University and Melanesian Delegation Visit, UQ Long Pocket Campus, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 14 July 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Australian indigenous edible halophytes
Netzel, Michael (2025). Australian indigenous edible halophytes. UQ NAIDOC week, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy", UQ St. Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11 July 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Halophytes: a nutritious alternative to salt?
Netzel, Michael, Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh DaoThi, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Halophytes: a nutritious alternative to salt?. Crop to Kitchen, Queensland Health Coronial and Public Health Sciences, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 24 June 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Nutritional value of native Citrus: finger limes
Johnson, Joel, Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2025). Nutritional value of native Citrus: finger limes. Crop to Kitchen, Queensland Health Coronial and Public Health Sciences, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 24 June 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Replacing diary milk with plant based dairy milk alternatives? How it will change your morning smoothie
Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Netzel, Michael, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Wright, Olivia and Smyth, Heather (2025). Replacing diary milk with plant based dairy milk alternatives? How it will change your morning smoothie. Crop to Kitchen, Queensland Health Coronial and Public Health Sciences, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 24 June 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Queen Garnet Plum – Research Opportunities
Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2025). Queen Garnet Plum – Research Opportunities. Industry meeting (Nutrafruit), Long Pocket Campus, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia, 6 June 2025.
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
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
A modified extraction and saponification method for the determination of carotenoids in the fruit of Capsicum annuum
Hong, Hung Trieu, Agarwal, Rimjhim, Takagi, Tatsuyoshi, Netzel, Michael E., Harper, Stephen M. and O'Hare, Tim J. (2025). A modified extraction and saponification method for the determination of carotenoids in the fruit of Capsicum annuum. Agriculture, 15 (6) 646, 646-6. doi: 10.3390/agriculture15060646
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
Phytochemicals, organic acid, and vitamins in red rhapsody strawberry—Content and storage stability
Hong, Hung Trieu, Rami, Julius, Rychlik, Michael, O’Hare, Tim J. and Netzel, Michael E. (2025). Phytochemicals, organic acid, and vitamins in red rhapsody strawberry—Content and storage stability. Foods, 14 (3) 379, 1-12. doi: 10.3390/foods14030379
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Michael Netzel is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring and understanding the nutritional quality and functional properties of wild harvested Australian grown elderberries (native elderberries)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Quality of Australian Indigenous Yam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Femi Akinsanmi, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Morphological, physicochemical, phytochemical, nutritional, and bioactivities of different Persoonia fruits
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional quality and Food Functionality of Salt Bush (Atriplex semibaccata) - an Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the effect of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on human gut microbiota and metabolite production: an in vitro fermentation study
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Loan Nguyen
-
Doctor Philosophy
Following the Tracks: Bringing traditional knowledge and food science together to improve health outcomes in Central Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Luke Williams
Completed supervision
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Effect of storage on the nutritional quality of 'Rubycot' plumcot and 'Queen Garnet' plum
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bruce Topp, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Australian indigenous edible halophytes - potential sources of functional ingredients
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Carica papaya Linn Cultivars
Principal Advisor
-
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: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Olivia Wright
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, Dr Kamalesh Adhikari, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
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 Yasmina Sultanbawa, Professor Louw Hoffman
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Nutritional and Functional Quality of Flour and Proteins from Australian Acacia seed
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mike Gidley, Professor Louw Hoffman, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of growing region and processing on the quality and functionality of wild harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruits
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Use of Novel Green Technologies for Preservation of Horticultural Produce using Plant Bioactives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of photosensitization on the nutrient profile and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in Australian grown strawberries
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a microalgal biorefinery to produce omega-3 fatty acid EPA and other high-value compounds from Nannochloropsis
Associate Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the safe use of Terminalia ferdinandiana for dietary purposes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
IDENTIFICATION AND INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF NATURAL HEALTH COMPOUNDS IN MICROALGAE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Harendra Parekh, Dr Karnaker Reddy Tupally
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Induction of carotenoid and phytosterol accumulation in microalgae
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
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