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
2023
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 (2023). 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
2026
Journal Article
Insights into the thermal processing of Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia): Untargeted metabolomics and nutritional profiling
Sun, Yanlin, Grünberg, Laura, Netzel, Michael E., Ezeofor, Chidinma, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2026). Insights into the thermal processing of Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia): Untargeted metabolomics and nutritional profiling. Food Bioscience 109971, 109971. doi: 10.1016/j.fbio.2026.109971
2026
Conference Publication
"alternative" smoothies and gut health: comparing plant-based dairy milk alternatives and dairy milk
Rathnayake, Anuruddhika, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather, Seididamyeh, Maral and Netzel, Michael (2026). "alternative" smoothies and gut health: comparing plant-based dairy milk alternatives and dairy milk. XI International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables - FAVHEALTH2026, Kyoto, Japan, 23-28 August 2026. Kyoto, Japan: International Horticultural Congress.
2026
Conference Publication
Queen garnet plum anthocyanins: pigments with functional properties
Netzel, Michael, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia (2026). Queen garnet plum anthocyanins: pigments with functional properties. XI International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables - FAVHEALTH2026, Kyoto, Japan, 23-28 August 2026. Kyoto, Japan: International Horticultural Congress.
2026
Conference Publication
Current Research at CNAFS: selected examples & case studies
Netzel, Michael (2026). Current Research at CNAFS: selected examples & case studies. Visit by Shanghai Ocean University Delegation, UQ Long Pocket Campus, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 21 August 2026.
2026
Conference Publication
Anthocyanins: magic, myth or just a 'normal' plant pigment
Netzel, Michael (2026). Anthocyanins: magic, myth or just a 'normal' plant pigment. National Science Week 2026, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 18 August 2026.
2026
Conference Publication
QAAFI/CNAFS presence at the HFSP Coppers Plains
Netzel, Michael (2026). QAAFI/CNAFS presence at the HFSP Coppers Plains. DPI-QAAFI Networking Event, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 16 July 2026.
2026
Conference Publication
MICROSUNSET
Netzel, Michael (2026). MICROSUNSET. UQ European Research Forum, St Lucia, QLD, Australia, 14-15 July 2026.
2026
Conference Publication
Phytochemicals in food: established or still emerging?
Netzel, Michael (2026). Phytochemicals in food: established or still emerging?. FIAQ 21st Annual Food Safety Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 10 June 2026.
2026
Journal Article
From traditional knowledge to market: a pathway for ethical commercialisation of Indigenous food products
Cartwright, Jessica, Bosse, Jocelyn, Thomson, Madonna, Sultanbawa, Yasmina F., Netzel, Michael E. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2026). From traditional knowledge to market: a pathway for ethical commercialisation of Indigenous food products. Plants, People, Planet, 8 (5) ppp3.70168, 1792-1804. doi: 10.1002/ppp3.70168
2026
Conference Publication
Metabolic fate of Australian native Persoonia falcata fruit metabolites during in vitro digestion using an untargeted metabolomics analysis approach
Zhang, Jiale, Netzel, Michael, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Pengelly, Andrew, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2026). Metabolic fate of Australian native Persoonia falcata fruit metabolites during in vitro digestion using an untargeted metabolomics analysis approach. QMSS2026, St Lucia, QLD Australia, 28-29 January 2026.
2026
Conference Publication
Metabolite profiling of Gympie lime (Citrus australasica) using UHPLC HRMS
Johnson, Joel, Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2026). Metabolite profiling of Gympie lime (Citrus australasica) using UHPLC HRMS. QMSS2026, St Lucia, QLD Australia, 28-29 January 2026.
2026
Conference Publication
Application of stable isotope dilution assay for folate derivatives using orbitrap-based LC-MS/MS
Lenz, Tamara, Li, Ming, Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Rychlik, Michael, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2026). Application of stable isotope dilution assay for folate derivatives using orbitrap-based LC-MS/MS. QMSS2026, St Lucia, QLD, Australia, 28-29 January 2026.
2026
Conference Publication
Stepping into the limelight: nutritional composition of native Australian citrus
Johnson, Joel, Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2026). Stepping into the limelight: nutritional composition of native Australian citrus. The 32nd International Horticultural Congress (IHC2026), Kyoto, Japan, 23-28 August 2026. Kyoto, Japan: International Horticultural Congress.
2026
Journal Article
Corrigendum to “Unlocking the nutritional potential of Australian yam (Dioscorea spp.)” [Food Bioscience, 63, (January 2025), 105612] (Food Bioscience (2025) 63, (S2212429224020431), (10.1016/j.fbio.2024.105612))
Fawale, Samson Olumide, Netzel, Michael E., Nguyen, Ai, Akinsanmi, Olufemi A., Marrie, Henrietta and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2026). Corrigendum to “Unlocking the nutritional potential of Australian yam (Dioscorea spp.)” [Food Bioscience, 63, (January 2025), 105612] (Food Bioscience (2025) 63, (S2212429224020431), (10.1016/j.fbio.2024.105612)). Food Bioscience, 77 108396, 108396. doi: 10.1016/j.fbio.2026.108396
2026
Conference Publication
The composition of indigenous Australian Citrus fruit: polyphenols and volatile profiles
Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2026). The composition of indigenous Australian Citrus fruit: polyphenols and volatile profiles. Royal Australian Chemical Institute National Congress 2026, Perth, WA, Australia, 5 - 10 July 2026.
2025
Journal Article
Biopreservation of ground beef patties using lactic acid: a sustainable alternative to synthetic additives
Beya, Michel M., Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E. and Hoffman, Louwrens C. (2025). Biopreservation of ground beef patties using lactic acid: a sustainable alternative to synthetic additives. International Journal of Food Science, 2025 (1) 9930525, 1-11. doi: 10.1155/ijfo/9930525
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Michael Netzel is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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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 Heather Smyth, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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
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: Dr Loan Nguyen, Dr Anh Phan, 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, Dr Oladipupo Adiamo
-
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
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Effect of storage on the nutritional quality of 'Rubycot' plumcot and 'Queen Garnet' plum
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: 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, Dr Anh Phan
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Carica papaya Linn Cultivars
Principal Advisor
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Quality, phytochemicals, bioactivities, and gut microbiome modulation of different Geebung (Persoonia spp.)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anh Phan, Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
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
-
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, 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: Emeritus Professor Mike Gidley, Professor Louw Hoffman, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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 growing region and processing on the quality and functionality of wild harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruits
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anh Phan, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, 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: Dr Gabi Netzel, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the safe use of Terminalia ferdinandiana for dietary purposes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a microalgal biorefinery to produce omega-3 fatty acid EPA and other high-value compounds from Nannochloropsis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Gabi Netzel
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
IDENTIFICATION AND INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF NATURAL HEALTH COMPOUNDS IN MICROALGAE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Harendra Parekh
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Induction of carotenoid and phytosterol accumulation in microalgae
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
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