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
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
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
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.
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.
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
2024
Journal Article
Phytochemical composition and biological activity of native Australian ginger (Alpinia caerulea)
Johnson, Joel B., Batley, Ryan J., Mani, Janice S., du Preez, Ryan, Trotter, Tieneke, Netzel, Michael E. and Naiker, Mani (2024). Phytochemical composition and biological activity of native Australian ginger (Alpinia caerulea). Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 18 (3), 2372-2384. doi: 10.1007/s11694-023-02326-4
2024
Journal Article
Photodynamic inactivation of Botrytis cinerea spores by curcumin—effect of treatment factors and characterization of photo-generated reactive oxygen species
Seididamyeh, Maral, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram, Harmer, Jeffrey R. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Photodynamic inactivation of Botrytis cinerea spores by curcumin—effect of treatment factors and characterization of photo-generated reactive oxygen species. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 17 (3), 670-685. doi: 10.1007/s11947-023-03150-w
2023
Journal Article
Australian indigenous edible halophytes—nutritious and functional for a sustainable future: antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Seididamyeh, Maral, Wright, Olivia R. L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2023). Australian indigenous edible halophytes—nutritious and functional for a sustainable future: antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, 135 (2), 41-46. doi: 10.1071/rs23007
2023
Conference Publication
Minerals and trace elements in broad-leaved Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), an underutilised native Australian fruit
Zhang, Jiale, Sivakumaran, Dharini, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Minerals and trace elements in broad-leaved Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), an underutilised native Australian fruit. Nutrition and Wellbeing in Oceania, Joint Conference of the Nutrition Societies of New Zealand and Australia, Auckland, New Zealand, 28 November-1 December 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Phenolic compounds of Burdekin plum during fruit leather processing and storage
Chen, Gengning, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena and Sivakumaran, Dharini (2023). Phenolic compounds of Burdekin plum during fruit leather processing and storage. Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium (QACS), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 24 November 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Protocol Modification for DNA Extraction from Human Faecal Samples
Madani, Khalil Saber H., Nguyen, Loan, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Protocol Modification for DNA Extraction from Human Faecal Samples. Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium (QACS), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 24 November 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Nutritional value and chemical composition of Citrus garrawayi from different geographic locations
Johnson, Joel, Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2023). Nutritional value and chemical composition of Citrus garrawayi from different geographic locations. Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium (QACS), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 24 November 2023.
2023
Journal Article
A review of phytochemicals and bioactive properties in the Proteaceae family: a promising source of functional food
Zhang, Jiale, Netzel, Michael E., Pengelly, Andrew, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). A review of phytochemicals and bioactive properties in the Proteaceae family: a promising source of functional food. Antioxidants, 12 (11) 1952, 1-32. doi: 10.3390/antiox12111952
2023
Journal Article
Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) bioactivity against spoilage microorganisms and oxidative reactions in refrigerated raw beef patties under modified atmosphere packaging
Beya, Michel M., Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather and Hoffman, Louwrens C. (2023). Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) bioactivity against spoilage microorganisms and oxidative reactions in refrigerated raw beef patties under modified atmosphere packaging. Meat Science, 204 109268, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2023.109268
2023
Conference Publication
Nutritional quality and functional properties of Australian grown elderberries
Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2023). Nutritional quality and functional properties of Australian grown elderberries. NextGen Ag Symposium, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 29 September 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Exploring the chemistry and nutritional properties of native Australian Citrus
Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2023). Exploring the chemistry and nutritional properties of native Australian Citrus. NextGen Ag Symposium, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 29 September 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Bioactive properties of wild-harvested Persoonia spp. at different maturity stages
Zhang, Jiale, Thi Phan, Anh Dao, Netzel, Michael, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Pengelly, Andrew (2023). Bioactive properties of wild-harvested Persoonia spp. at different maturity stages. Key Technologies in the Bioeconomy: A Global Bioeconomy Alliance Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 27-29 September 2023. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
2023
Conference Publication
Nutritional, antinutritional, and antioxidant properties of Australian bush tucker yams (Dioscorea spp.)
Fawale, Samson Olumide, Netzel, Michael E., Akinsanmi, Olufemi A. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Nutritional, antinutritional, and antioxidant properties of Australian bush tucker yams (Dioscorea spp.). Key Technologies in the Bioeconomy: A Global Bioeconomy Alliance Conference, St. Lucia, QLD Australia, 27-29 September 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Assessing the quality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense) during postharvest storage
Chen, Gengning, Cozzolino, Daniel, Netzel, Michael, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Assessing the quality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense) during postharvest storage. Key Technologies in the Bioeconomy: A Global Bioeconomy Alliance Conference, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 27-29 September 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Plant Food: A "hidden" Dietary Source of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds
Netzel, Michael (2023). Plant Food: A "hidden" Dietary Source of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds. 1st International Conference on Food, Nutrition & Health, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, 19-20 September 2023.
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
Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling interactive effects of environment and physicochemical properties of Persoonia spp.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Quality of Australian Indigenous Yam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Femi Akinsanmi, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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
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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
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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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring traditional Aboriginal knowledge and potential enterprise development of fungi in Northern Australia.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Elizabeth Aitken, Associate Professor Sharlene Leroy-Dyer, 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 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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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