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
2019
Journal Article
Nutritional characteristics and antimicrobial activity of Australian grown Feijoa (Acca sellowiana)
Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2019). Nutritional characteristics and antimicrobial activity of Australian grown Feijoa (Acca sellowiana). Foods, 8 (9) 376, 376. doi: 10.3390/foods8090376
2019
Journal Article
Promising tropical fruits high in folates
Striegel, Lisa, Weber, Nadine, Dumler, Caroline, Chebib, Soraya, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Rychlik, Michael (2019). Promising tropical fruits high in folates. Foods, 8 (9) 363, 363. doi: 10.3390/foods8090363
2019
Journal Article
Phytochemical characteristics and antimicrobial activity of Australian grown garlic (Allium Sativum L.) cultivars
Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Gabriele, Chhim, Panhchapor, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Phytochemical characteristics and antimicrobial activity of Australian grown garlic (Allium Sativum L.) cultivars. Foods, 8 (9) 358, 358. doi: 10.3390/foods8090358
2019
Edited Outputs
Proceedings ‘Exploring the nutritional value and potential benefits of native food’
Michael E. Netzel ed. (2019). Proceedings ‘Exploring the nutritional value and potential benefits of native food’. Joint NSA Brisbane Local Group/ARC ITTC UAF Webinar, Health & Food Sciences Precinct (HFSP), Coopers Plains, 16 August 2019.
2019
Journal Article
Antioxidant rich extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana inhibit the growth of foodborne bacteria
Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Osborne, Simone A., Fletcher, Mary T. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Antioxidant rich extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana inhibit the growth of foodborne bacteria. Foods, 8 (8) 281, 281. doi: 10.3390/foods8080281
2019
Journal Article
Antioxidant-rich extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana interfere with estimation of cell viability
Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary T., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Osborne, Simone A. (2019). Antioxidant-rich extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana interfere with estimation of cell viability. Antioxidants, 8 (6) 191, 191. doi: 10.3390/antiox8060191
2019
Journal Article
Australian grown strawberries on show in Germany
Netzel, Michael, O'Hare Tim and Rychlik, Michael (2019). Australian grown strawberries on show in Germany. Simply Red, 53 (April), 1-1.
2019
Journal Article
Copigmentation with sinapic acid improves the stability of anthocyanins in high-pressure-processed strawberry purees
Terefe, Netsanet Shiferaw, Netzel, Gabriele A. and Netzel, Michael E. (2019). Copigmentation with sinapic acid improves the stability of anthocyanins in high-pressure-processed strawberry purees. Journal of Chemistry, 2019 3138608, 1-8. doi: 10.1155/2019/3138608
2019
Conference Publication
In vitro bioaccessibility and transport of ascorbic and ellagic acid in Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) extracts
Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary T., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Osborne, Simone A. (2019). In vitro bioaccessibility and transport of ascorbic and ellagic acid in Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) extracts. Active Integrated Matter (AIM) Conference 2019, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 14-16 May 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Australian native fruits and “not so native fruits” as novel sources for functional bioactives
Netzel, Michael (2019). Australian native fruits and “not so native fruits” as novel sources for functional bioactives. 3rd Global Bioeconomy Alliance Symposium, Sao Paulo and Ubatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 30 September – 4 October 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo
Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Kakadu plum (Terminalia Ferdinandiana)—a native Australian fruit with functional properties
Bobasa, Eshetu M., Netzel, Michael E., Kubow, Stan, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Phan, Anh and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Kakadu plum (Terminalia Ferdinandiana)—a native Australian fruit with functional properties. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036114
2019
Conference Publication
Curcumin-based photosensitization: a novel and green technology to decontaminate food systems
Damyeh, Maral Seidi, Mereddy, Ram, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Curcumin-based photosensitization: a novel and green technology to decontaminate food systems. International Photodynamic Association World Congress, Cambridge, MA, United States, 28 June - 4 July 2019. Bellingham, WA, United States: SPIE. doi: 10.1117/12.2530661
2019
Conference Publication
Effect of curcumin-based photodynamic treatment on nutritional properties of strawberry fruit
Sarwara, Shammy, Mereddy, Ram, Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Effect of curcumin-based photodynamic treatment on nutritional properties of strawberry fruit. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Exploring the nutritional and functional properties of two understudied Australian endemic plants: Diploglottis bracteata and Syzigium aqueum
Chaliha, Mridusmita, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Hong, Hung Trieu, McGuire, Geraldine, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Exploring the nutritional and functional properties of two understudied Australian endemic plants: Diploglottis bracteata and Syzigium aqueum. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036093
2019
Conference Publication
Effect of curcumin-based photodynamic treatment on nutritional properties of strawberry fruit
Sarwar, Shammy, Mereddy, Ram, Netzel, Michael E, Netzel, Gabriele and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Effect of curcumin-based photodynamic treatment on nutritional properties of strawberry fruit. Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Strawberries - an underestimated dietary source of folate
Netzel, Michael, Weber, Nadine, Dumler, Caroline, Striegel, Lisa, Phan, Anh, Trieu, Hung, Rychlik, Michael and O'Hare, Tim (2019). Strawberries - an underestimated dietary source of folate. 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 27-30 November 2018. MDPI.
2019
Conference Publication
The effect of storage temperature on the accumulation of anthocyanins in different fruit tissues of Queen Garnet Plum
Kodagoda, Gethmini, Hong, Hung, Topp, Bruce, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, O'Hare, Tim and Netzel, Michael (2019). The effect of storage temperature on the accumulation of anthocyanins in different fruit tissues of Queen Garnet Plum. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Optimizing the antimicrobial activity of Tasmanian pepper leaf oil emulsion as a natural preservative for capsicum
Seidi Dmayeh, Maral, Mereddy, Ram, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Optimizing the antimicrobial activity of Tasmanian pepper leaf oil emulsion as a natural preservative for capsicum. International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036094
2019
Conference Publication
Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective
Netzel, Michael, Rychlik, Michael, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.
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
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
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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
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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