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
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
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.
2019
Journal Article
Transcriptome-wide analysis of Chlorella reveals auxin-induced carotenogenesis pathway in green microalgae
Alsenani, Faisal, Wass, Taylor J., Ma, Ruijuan, Eltanahy, Eladl, Netzel, Michael E. and Schenk, Peer M. (2019). Transcriptome-wide analysis of Chlorella reveals auxin-induced carotenogenesis pathway in green microalgae. Algal Research, 37, 320-335. doi: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.12.002
2019
Conference Publication
Roadmap to assess the nutritional value of plant based (native) foods
Netzel, Michael (2019). Roadmap to assess the nutritional value of plant based (native) foods. "Exploring the nutritional value and potential benefits of native foods”, Joint Seminar between the ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods & the Nutrition Society of Australia QLD, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 16 August 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Optimisation of extraction and saponification for the determination of free- and bound-carotenoids in orange capsicum and avocado
Hong, Hung, Agarwal, Rimjhim, Netzel, Michael and O'Hare, Tim (2019). Optimisation of extraction and saponification for the determination of free- and bound-carotenoids in orange capsicum and avocado. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods
Wright, Olivia, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Rediscovering the value of Indigenous plant foods for diet diversification as one perspective for Australia’s Bioeconomy
Rychlik, Michael, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Rediscovering the value of Indigenous plant foods for diet diversification as one perspective for Australia’s Bioeconomy. Bioenergy STRONG Research Summit, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 12-15 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.)
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh, Hong, Hung, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.). 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Nutritional characteristics of Australian grown feijoa (Acca sellowiana) and its antimicrobial activity
Phan, Anh D. T., Chaliha, Mridusmita, Bicknel, Rohan, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2019). Nutritional characteristics of Australian grown feijoa (Acca sellowiana) and its antimicrobial activity. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11 - 13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: M D P I AG. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036100
2019
Conference Publication
Understanding the nutritional value of anthocyanins
Netzel, Michael, Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Gabriele (2019). Understanding the nutritional value of anthocyanins. 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 27-30 November 2018. MDPI.
2019
Conference Publication
Bioactive compounds and functional properties of Pittosporum angustifolium (Gumby Gumby), an Australian native plant
Phan, Anh, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Hong, Hung, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Bioactive compounds and functional properties of Pittosporum angustifolium (Gumby Gumby), an Australian native plant. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Antimicrobial activity and ellagitannins from Terminalia ferdinandiana
Akter, Saleha, Hong, Hung Trieu, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Osborne, Simone, Fletcher, Mary and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Antimicrobial activity and ellagitannins from Terminalia ferdinandiana. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036081
2019
Journal Article
Deep-pigmented strawberries–a potential niche market for the strawberry industry?
Netzel, Michael E. and O'Hare Tim (2019). Deep-pigmented strawberries–a potential niche market for the strawberry industry?. Simply Red, 52, 8-9.
2019
Conference Publication
Strawberries – delicious and a ‘valuable’ dietary source of folate
Netzel, Michael (2019). Strawberries – delicious and a ‘valuable’ dietary source of folate. Joint DAF and QAAFI Food Science Seminar Series, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 26 March 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Towards the sustainable production of food grade Nannochloropsis biomass, high-quality oil, and high-value proteins
Chua, Elvis, Eltanahy, Eladl, Lee, Jeremy, Thomas-Hall, Skye, Dal'Molin, Cristiana, Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele and Schenk, Peer (2019). Towards the sustainable production of food grade Nannochloropsis biomass, high-quality oil, and high-value proteins. 10th Asia-Pacific Conference on Algal Biotechnology, Nanchang, China, 27-30 September 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Folate in strawberry and avocado – profile, distribution and total content
Dumler, Caroline, Weber, Nadine, Striegel, Lisa, Rychlik, Michael, Hong, Hung, O'Hare, Tim and Netzel, Michael (2019). Folate in strawberry and avocado – profile, distribution and total content. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 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
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 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
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
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Doctor Philosophy
Modelling interactive effects of environment and physicochemical properties of Persoonia spp.
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
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
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 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
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
Enquiries
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