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
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
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
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
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
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.
2024
Conference Publication
Exploring the chemistry of native Australian citrus fruits
Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Yates, Hans S. A. and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Exploring the chemistry of native Australian citrus fruits. Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 29 November 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
The ‘Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS)’ – one of QAAFI’s Research Centre
Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). The ‘Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS)’ – one of QAAFI’s Research Centre. Scientific visit, Huazhong Agricultural University, China, UQ Long Pocket Campus, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia, 20 November 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Exploring the nutritional value of native Australian citrus fruit
Johnson, Joel, Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Exploring the nutritional value of native Australian citrus fruit. X International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables - FAVHEALTH2024, Rotorua, New Zealand, 11-15 November 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Impact of domestic storage on bioactive phytochemicals and sugars in red-fleshed cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ plumcot and ‘Queen Garnet’ plum
Netzel, Michael, Kodagoda, Gethmini, Hong, Hung, O'Hare, Tim, Topp, Bruce and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Impact of domestic storage on bioactive phytochemicals and sugars in red-fleshed cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ plumcot and ‘Queen Garnet’ plum. Postharvest 2024, Fruit and Vegetable Health, Rotorua, New Zealand, 11-15 November 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Unlocking the nutritional potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes
Netzel, Michael, Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Hong, Hung, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra, Phan, Anh, Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Unlocking the nutritional potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes. Postharvest 2024, Fruit and Vegetable Health, Rotorua, New Zealand, 11-15 November 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Halophytes – “Salty Champions” for a Healthy Nutrition?
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh DaoThi, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Halophytes – “Salty Champions” for a Healthy Nutrition?. 5th International Electronic Conference on Foods (MDPI): The Future of Technology, Sustainability, and Nutrition in the Food Domain, Virtual, 29 October 2024.
2024
Journal Article
In Vitro Bioactivity of Australian Finger Lime Cultivars as an Initial Evaluation of Their Nutraceutical Potential
Johnson, Joel B., Thani, Parbat Raj, Chen, Si-Yuan, Mani, Janice S., Netzel, Michael E. and Naiker, Mani (2024). In Vitro Bioactivity of Australian Finger Lime Cultivars as an Initial Evaluation of Their Nutraceutical Potential. Nutraceuticals, 4 (4), 596-610. doi: 10.3390/nutraceuticals4040032
2024
Conference Publication
Partnerships – DAAD & QLD Universities
Netzel, Michael (2024). Partnerships – DAAD & QLD Universities. German-Australian Science and Innovation Day, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 10 October 2024.
2024
Journal Article
Curcumin‐mediated photodynamic treatment to extend the postharvest shelf‐life of strawberries
Seididamyeh, Maral, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Curcumin‐mediated photodynamic treatment to extend the postharvest shelf‐life of strawberries. Journal of Food Science, 89 (10), 6616-6627. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.17341
2024
Journal Article
Storage effects on the physicochemical properties, phytochemical composition, and sugars in red-fleshed cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ plumcot, and ‘Queen Garnet’ plum
Kodagoda, Gethmini Kavindya, Hong, Hung Trieu, O’Hare, Tim J., Topp, Bruce, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael Erich (2024). Storage effects on the physicochemical properties, phytochemical composition, and sugars in red-fleshed cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ plumcot, and ‘Queen Garnet’ plum. Molecules, 29 (19) 4641, 1-18. doi: 10.3390/molecules29194641
2024
Journal Article
Nutritional and functional properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruits wild harvested from Western Australia
Bobasa, Eshetu M., Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E., Akter, Saleha, Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Nutritional and functional properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruits wild harvested from Western Australia. Foods, 13 (18) 2888, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/foods13182888
2024
Conference Publication
Understanding of bioactivities of Australian Persoonia spp.
Zhang, Jiale, Sivakumaran, Dharini, Netzel, Michael E., Pengelly, Andrew and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Understanding of bioactivities of Australian Persoonia spp.. 22nd World Congress of Food Science and Technology, Rimini, Italy, 8-12 September 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Strawberry – “Naturally Nutritious” and packed with Folate (Vitamin B9)
Netzel, Michael (2024). Strawberry – “Naturally Nutritious” and packed with Folate (Vitamin B9). RedFest 2024, Cleveland, QLD, Australia, 7-8 September 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Exploring the Agronomy, Nutritional Quality and Food Functionality of Saltbush
Sun, Yanlin, Netzel, Michael E., Sivakumaran, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Exploring the Agronomy, Nutritional Quality and Food Functionality of Saltbush. NextGen Ag Symposium, St Lucia, QLD Australia, 6 September 2024.
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 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
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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
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
Morphological, physicochemical, phytochemical, nutritional, and bioactivities of different Persoonia fruits
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 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
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
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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 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
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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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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
Enquiries
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